7 replies
I have been in sales for the last 10 years. Cold calling for most of it. In 2011 I had probably one of the worst years financially ever and I went through 4 different jobs that year ranging from a marketing, green PR distribution, IT, and an inside sales jobs. The fact was these jobs were just not good. So I told my wife around new years that I have had it and that I was going into biz for myself. She was reluctant, but gave me her support.

So on January 2nd, 2012 I opened up my internet marketing shop out of the house and have been doing this ever since. I got my first sale my first day and another the next day. I was selling nothing flashy, just SEO, PPC, and Social Media.

The thing is, I did it all by cold calling. Cold calling is all I've ever known and that was it. I pounded the phones everyday and it has paid off. I have made just under six figures this last year and want to hit six figures this year. I know some of you will say there are easier ways and I am wasting my time, but I did what has always worked for me in the past. Today is the first time I am going into some craigslist marketing and I am hoping it will take some of the pressure off the cold calling as I am getting burned out.

I did try some WSO's this last year unsuccessfully. I think it was a combination of some didn't work and me not always being able to put 100% as I had this business to attend to. I would still like to see one stick and become a money maker for me to help supplement this business that I already have going.

Just wanted to share because I really appreciate this forum and it has helped me out quite a bit. If I need answers, someone on here has always helped me out.

Cold calling still works and I think it if you are considering going into business for yourself then I think you should do some cold calls as it helps your confidence speaking with clients.

Hope you all have a great 2013!
#2012
  • Profile picture of the author Sweetcheeks12354
    I do agree that if you're not afraid to get rejected and talk to people then you will be highly successful. What kind of cold calling did you do? Did you buy leads?
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    If this strategy is working well for you, then keep doing it.

    There are plenty of people who believe in what you are doing when it comes to cold calling your leads.

    There are the other bunch of internet marketers who never picked up to phone to call anyone and still do well. (Make 6 and 7 figures every year)

    What ever works for you....
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Donne
    Well done, if it aint broke, dont fix it comes to mind, why not outsource the phone work, if not all , maybe some, freeing you up to go to work on your marketing and getting even more fresh leads. If you shop around there are some good people out there that will get results.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    Originally Posted by mckennabrowny View Post

    I have been in sales for the last 10 years. Cold calling for most of it. In 2011 I had probably one of the worst years financially ever and I went through 4 different jobs that year ranging from a marketing, green PR distribution, IT, and an inside sales jobs. The fact was these jobs were just not good. So I told my wife around new years that I have had it and that I was going into biz for myself. She was reluctant, but gave me her support.

    So on January 2nd, 2012 I opened up my internet marketing shop out of the house and have been doing this ever since. I got my first sale my first day and another the next day. I was selling nothing flashy, just SEO, PPC, and Social Media.

    The thing is, I did it all by cold calling. Cold calling is all I've ever known and that was it. I pounded the phones everyday and it has paid off. I have made just under six figures this last year and want to hit six figures this year. I know some of you will say there are easier ways and I am wasting my time, but I did what has always worked for me in the past. Today is the first time I am going into some craigslist marketing and I am hoping it will take some of the pressure off the cold calling as I am getting burned out.

    I did try some WSO's this last year unsuccessfully. I think it was a combination of some didn't work and me not always being able to put 100% as I had this business to attend to. I would still like to see one stick and become a money maker for me to help supplement this business that I already have going.

    Just wanted to share because I really appreciate this forum and it has helped me out quite a bit. If I need answers, someone on here has always helped me out.

    Cold calling still works and I think it if you are considering going into business for yourself then I think you should do some cold calls as it helps your confidence speaking with clients.

    Hope you all have a great 2013!
    I built my very first book of business on cold calling. Yes, it's hard work, but the mentor I had back then taught me to not take rejection personally (because it really wasn't personal) and that me calling people was giving them an opportunity to better their lives.

    Cold calling works and a lot of businesses still utilize it because it is a low-cost way of getting leads which lead to sales.

    However, once I got a handle on paid advertising, free publicity, setting up strategic alliances, getting my customers to send me referrals, and marketing my content, I never had to make another cold call ever again.

    What some people don't understand is that cold calling does work; it's a combination of skill and a numbers game and some people actually thrive on it.

    In your case it made sense to go this route because you're good at it and it's within your comfort zone.

    A good resource is fellow Warrior's Frank Rumbauskas's website at (not an affiliate link):

    Cold Calling Is A Waste Of Time | Never Cold Call Again®

    Good luck!

    RoD
    Signature
    "Your personal philosophy is the greatest determining factor in how your life works out."
    - Jim Rohn
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  • Profile picture of the author mckennabrowny
    Thanks for the referral Rod. I agree 100%, it is a numbers game and if you take it personally, you won't do well.
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