How to close sales if "not available"??? Day-job time conflict

7 replies
I'm basically a noobie in offline sales, but I enjoy connecting with people in person and on the phone. I'm here seeking advice due to a business purchase I've made. I've been reading people's posts here about postcard marketing and cold calling, and am motivated to ask "is this possible?" My main "problem" in going forward is working 9AM-3PM in a day job, the hours I've thought most offliners were available. Here's my situation:

I purchased LeadNetPro in February of this year, and it has offline and online scrapers. It also has an inexpensive voice broadcaster--I could do a 30 second VB to 1000 businesses for about $9 (cold calling is necassary, but this is a viable option if set up correctly). I considered doing postcard marketing and voicebroadcasting as an offline advertising service for others, but changed directions due a business partner letting me know he'd split commissions with me if I sold his SEO services to others. In my head, I changed platforms from postcard marketing to SEO marketing. I'd never dropped the VB idea.

I had one friend, a plumber, who wanted my original offer of postcard marketing and VB advertising for him, but when I proposed the latter (the SEO) he declined--but only since it required the full payment up front. I'd broken it up in the first offer. I've yet to alter my proposal to him.

Anyway, my reluctance in moving forward is wondering how I can advertise my services (or others--the SEO) to people if I'm not able to answer my phone. I thought of forwarding to a K7 or GoogleVoice account.....it just seems so impractical, for if people are willing to either punch a key to talk to someone or return a call, I've thought they'd like some actual "customer service".

I've been reading some old posts here on the addictiveness of getting sales, and yes, it's true. I can completely relate to people putting in long hours if they get 1,2, or 5 sales in a day.

I'm just unsure how and when I could do this, and with what adjustments. I'd love some ideas or direction here.

I want to say "Thank you" to any and all who contribute here--the advice people give can literally make dreams come true :-). I've seen it many times.
#close #conflict #dayjob #not available #sales #time
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    What time zone are you in? Call prospects in different zones, before or after work.

    Some people even call on their lunch hour.

    Consistency is what's important here, not marathon calling sessions. An hour a day goes by quickly and can make a huge difference over time.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8083130].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
      Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

      What time zone are you in? Call prospects in different zones, before or after work.



      Print this and hang it on the wall where you make calls from.
      Signature

      Selling Ain't for Sissies!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8083257].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
        Being difficult to get hold of is NOT a negative if you
        handle it well.

        Think of it this way.

        If you go to call your local mayor or the govenor of your
        state would you expect to get him on the phone any time
        of night or day?

        No he's busy with important tasks.

        And from the business owners perspective you being busy
        is a sign that you're in demand.

        If you position yourself as an in demand consultant then
        you can also give prospects call in times (you'll be amazed
        at how well people will follow these call in times).

        And most business owners are happy to talk about something
        that can bring them in sales outside of regular opening hours
        (that's the real key...them thinking there's a very real
        possibility you can bring them in some serious sales and profits).

        In fact business owners often prefer talking at odd hours
        because when their business is open and running they often
        have a ton of different demands taking up their attention.

        It's very common to find successful business owners in their
        business an hour or two before it opens and willing to talk if
        you have something they're interested in (although be careful
        with businesses that trade late like restaurants and commercial
        cleaners...waking them out of a deep sleep will not make you
        friends).


        Ultimately if you're serious about making this work you'll find a
        way to do it.

        Kindest regards,
        Andrew Cavanagh
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8083297].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author mak25
          @kenmichaels...wow does that map bring back memories.

          we used to have a map like that at our desks with the different areas for our wats lines.

          wats area 1...wats area 2...up to 4.

          do you remember bell tell's wats service? (Wide Area Telephone Service)
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8083697].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author fhorns2000
          Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh View Post

          Being difficult to get hold of is NOT a negative if you
          handle it well.

          Think of it this way.

          If you go to call your local mayor or the govenor of your
          state would you expect to get him on the phone any time
          of night or day?

          No he's busy with important tasks.

          And from the business owners perspective you being busy
          is a sign that you're in demand.

          If you position yourself as an in demand consultant then
          you can also give prospects call in times (you'll be amazed
          at how well people will follow these call in times).

          And most business owners are happy to talk about something
          that can bring them in sales outside of regular opening hours
          (that's the real key...them thinking there's a very real
          possibility you can bring them in some serious sales and profits).

          In fact business owners often prefer talking at odd hours
          because when their business is open and running they often
          have a ton of different demands taking up their attention.

          It's very common to find successful business owners in their
          business an hour or two before it opens and willing to talk if
          you have something they're interested in (although be careful
          with businesses that trade late like restaurants and commercial
          cleaners...waking them out of a deep sleep will not make you
          friends).


          Ultimately if you're serious about making this work you'll find a
          way to do it.

          Kindest regards,
          Andrew Cavanagh
          That is a very grounded perspective. Thanks Andrew
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8083747].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
          Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh View Post

          Being difficult to get hold of is NOT a negative if you
          handle it well.

          Think of it this way.

          If you go to call your local mayor or the govenor of your
          state would you expect to get him on the phone any time
          of night or day?

          No he's busy with important tasks.

          And from the business owners perspective you being busy
          is a sign that you're in demand.

          If you position yourself as an in demand consultant then
          you can also give prospects call in times (you'll be amazed
          at how well people will follow these call in times).

          And most business owners are happy to talk about something
          that can bring them in sales outside of regular opening hours
          (that's the real key...them thinking there's a very real
          possibility you can bring them in some serious sales and profits).

          In fact business owners often prefer talking at odd hours
          because when their business is open and running they often
          have a ton of different demands taking up their attention.

          It's very common to find successful business owners in their
          business an hour or two before it opens and willing to talk if
          you have something they're interested in (although be careful
          with businesses that trade late like restaurants and commercial
          cleaners...waking them out of a deep sleep will not make you
          friends).


          Ultimately if you're serious about making this work you'll find a
          way to do it.

          Kindest regards,
          Andrew Cavanagh
          Andrew's right on here. I've had regular jobs that forced me to do consulting on evenings and weekends, and it never stopped clients.

          Having a day job isn't a bad thing. People aren't going to think it's strange.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8084394].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    I have a friend who was a VP of marketing for a large division of a large company and he did consulting projects on the side. So, not really an issue.

    Dan
    Signature

    "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8084666].message }}

Trending Topics