Cold calling from Holland to US

17 replies
Hi Guys,

I've got a question. I'm doing a lot of cold calling to the US.
I'm calling cold leads to build my skill set before I move on to positioned leads.


How do you guys feel when somebody is calling you from another country?
Would you listen to them?

many thanks.

Koen
#calling #cold #holland
  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    Me? No I wouldn't listen to them, I might play around with them a little bit but I wouldn't ever buy. Doesn't mean that other people won't. I think it also depends on how thick your accent is too.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kerkhofssupport
      Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

      Me? No I wouldn't listen to them, I might play around with them a little bit but I wouldn't ever buy.
      @ I am nameless, Why wouldn't you listen to them?

      thanks, Koen
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  • Profile picture of the author TyBrown
    Is there a reason they need to know you are in another country? I get cold calls from other businesses where people have accents. I assume that some of them are in other countries but I don't know that for sure. How is your English? I've met many a Dutchman who speaks pretty un-accented English.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kerkhofssupport
    I always tell them that i call them from my home office in The Netherlands.
    I still have a little accent but my engish itself is pretty good.

    Thanks for taking the time and give me your opinions guys!
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    • Profile picture of the author Kerkhofssupport
      Originally Posted by kaniganj View Post

      Wouldn't be a problem for me, if you could demonstrate value fairly quickly.
      I agree with you, with my short experience in cold calling i think it's paramount to come up with value asap.
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  • Profile picture of the author Retziki
    Cold calling is by far the most difficult way to sell, even in your own country, in your own language, let alone in a foreign one.
    I admire you for the guts!
    I haven't given it much thought but I think if I was planning to expand in the US market or in any foreign market I would find a middleman.
    I would find someone who already have access in that market (or the potential to gain access) and partnered with them. Of course its all about knowing your economics but I would consider the possibilities.
    From my experience by far the most important factor in selling is trust.
    Value is good, having communication skills and a good accent is good but not as important as trust. And building trust over the phone, calling from a foreign country, is very difficult.
    Not impossible but difficult.

    Just my two cents.
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  • Profile picture of the author KateOranum
    Honestly - I wouldn't but then again is it B2C or B2B calling ?
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  • Profile picture of the author wiseme11
    Yes, for sure I will answer the call and listen if it is relevant to me or my business. As long as the motive is right and I don't see any problem to call especially if you are calling on business purpose. I used to make international call to new prospects and most of time they don't reject because it a long distance call unless the product you are selling is not relevant to them or speak to the wrong person. If you are still doing it, I encourage you to continue because by talking on the phone will build better business relationship.
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    • Profile picture of the author David Miller
      Just call....

      You won't get an answer here that will be on any value. Just the usual "I think cold calling is hard" bunch of whiners.

      Some people will listen and and some won't. Just like it is already.
      Signature
      The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
      -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
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      • Profile picture of the author Njenyus
        Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

        Just call....

        You won't get an answer here that will be on any value. Just the usual "I think cold calling is hard" bunch of whiners.

        Some people will listen and and some won't. Just like it is already.
        You always second my thoughts! LOL!

        You're always gonna have the naysayers. As a matter of fact, you won't get a positive response from the majority of people you call even if you were Jesus Christ! It won't be any different here on the forum. The majority of people on the WF would say "no" as well. The numbers are the numbers.

        As for me (as if it should really matter), I would listen if you could bring value to me. I don't care whether you met me on the street or on a phone.
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  • Profile picture of the author cyrus54
    Yea i would talk to the person and get to know how he/she wanted me to help
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Koenig
    You want to make sure the caller is clearly understood, establishes rapport, and hooks interest.

    Important:
    Make sure you follow the telemarketing laws for the US and states you call.

    Telemarketing

    Telemarketers can be charged up to $11,000 per call for rules violation.
    Make sure the guidelines are followed,
    prospects are not on the no-call list,
    calls are not made during time restrictions.
    (usually calls are allowed between 8am to 9pm within their time zone).
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    • Profile picture of the author IMguy123
      Originally Posted by Paul Koenig View Post

      You want to make sure the caller is clearly understood, establishes rapport, and hooks interest.

      Important:
      Make sure you follow the telemarketing laws for the US and states you call.

      Telemarketing

      Telemarketers can be charged up to $11,000 per call for rules violation.
      Make sure the guidelines are followed,
      prospects are not on the no-call list,
      calls are not made during time restrictions.
      (usually calls are allowed between 8am to 9pm within their time zone).

      Also keep in mind that business to business calls are not looked at the same as your typical telemarketing call which is a business to consumer call.

      When you quote what you did above you need to explain what type of telemarketing call that would be. Much this info you have given is taken way out of context and a disservice to those on this forum.
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      • Profile picture of the author Paul Koenig
        Originally Posted by IMguy123 View Post

        Also keep in mind that business to business calls are not looked at the same as your typical telemarketing call which is a business to consumer call.

        When you quote what you did above you need to explain what type of telemarketing call that would be. Much this info you have given is taken way out of context and a disservice to those on this forum.

        Yes good point.
        Another one is whether or not you are using an auto dialer?

        If you use an auto-dialer, there are some business types that are illegal to call in the US. (auto-dialer only that is).
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  • Profile picture of the author maricelu
    I live in Moldova and some time ago have been in this kind of situation. This problem I solved by making them call me. They used to talk with me even if I have a childish voice and not a perfect accent. I remmeber I was 17 and it was some of the best experiences in my life Got fun and experience.
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  • Profile picture of the author thedanbrown
    Basically, cold calling is not the best idea. With that said, I understand your situation and why you are making these cold calls. I've been approached many times by many different people, but honestly when someone calls me from another country or even another continent, well ya that stands out in my mind. It's not too often that you have someone from another country or continent call you to talk about their business, so it would stand out in my mind for that day. The important thing is that you improve your technique and optimize your follow up process so that you can move on to more targeted leads.
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