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$7,500 within 24 hours on One Single Cold Call! - A "Back Against the Wall" Offline Story.

by John Durham
56 replies
This is offline marketing at its finest! Swear to God this is true...

Back in 2004 I believe, around January... My mortgage was in jeopardy and I had no money, so I took a shot in the dark.

This is NO LIE!!!

I Made a list of wholesale home decor suppliers, and decided I was going to cold call them and see if I could find a stocklot of dead inventory. I did within the FIRST call. I managed to strike a deal with the supplier to broker the product and get it out of his ware house as fast as I could for a commission.

That cold calling session lasted about 20 minutes.

I then went and listed this suppliers inventory on Alibaba.com and said "First come serve. This goes out to the first person with cash ready to wire"... and I offered an amazing deal.

2 hours later some guy emailed me from China and said "I have cash. I believe I am the first to offer. Please send me invoice and wiring instructions..."

So we did...

12 hours later my supplier called and said the China guys had wired $20,000. and then said, "You are $7500 richer. Where do you want me to wire your commission"?

Within an hour I went from broke , desperate taking a Looooong shot in the dark, mortgage in jeopardy... to having $7500 cash!!! ... yeah CASH!!! It was a miracle. I have told this story before, but you have to admit its cool!

Best part: My daughter thought I was a genius! ;D

That was not the end of it though...

Later I would spend another 5 hours cold calling and develop 4 more suppliers... THAT ONE call session (5 hours) has made me thousands upon thousands, upon thousands... since. I have sold over a million units of product overseas in the same way since that one 5 hour cold calling session.

Now you tell me?

Is that some serious ass kitchen table (jsamson) telemarketing or what?

Do I deserve to call myself an OPG? (Original Phone Gangsta).

Lol.

I tend to forget about stuff like that when we talk about offline telemarketing. I have used telemarketing a HUNDRED different ways!

I swear every bit of the above story is 100% Gospel truth!

Thats why I believe telemarketing sets people free.

You will never be a slave as long as you can manhandle a phone book!
#500 #back #call #cold #miraculous #story #wall
  • Profile picture of the author Cali16
    Thank you for such an inspiring post, John. What a great story! I think APG is more fitting - Amazing Phone Gangsta! (or "awesome" - take your pick!)

    On that note, heading over to your WSO to purchase!
    Signature
    If you don't face your fears, the only thing you'll ever see is what's in your comfort zone. ~Anne McClain, astronaut
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  • Profile picture of the author jideofor
    John, You one great guy that I respect a lot on warrior forum. I am Nigerian and after reading your post titled : NEWBIE READ THIS..., I got fired up. And ever since then, I have been telling whoever cares to listen that I am a website designer. So far , I have gotten 4 clients and still counting and all this I have done by word of mouth. A lot of guys here on warrior forum did not like that post. The great thing about it is that, that post has gone far to change lives as far as Africa.

    Certain people often think the only way to make money online is by selling information but you and some other great guys here have proved them wrong.

    I prefer to use my internet skills to help offline businesses. This is a less competitive approach to making money.

    Thank you so much for endless support.
    jideofor.
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    • Profile picture of the author garyfromdurham
      John

      Your posts are always inspiring and I get all fired up when I read them and think "I can do that".

      In reality though I can't (and don't) as I am too much of a coward and don't have the confidence to do telemarketing and get thoroughly tongue-tied.

      You have a genuine gift and I really appreciate you sharing your experiences because if anybody DOES have the confidence to do this, you show that it definitely works.

      Well done John and keep posting your inspirational posts.

      Gary
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      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by garyfromdurham View Post

        John

        Your posts are always inspiring and I get all fired up when I read them and think "I can do that".

        In reality though I can't (and don't) as I am too much of a coward and don't have the confidence to do telemarketing and get thoroughly tongue-tied.

        You have a genuine gift and I really appreciate you sharing your experiences because if anybody DOES have the confidence to do this, you show that it definitely works.

        Well done John and keep posting your inspirational posts.

        Gary
        We all have times and levels where we are more cowardly than others... when it comes down to it though, and you have no choice, the primal instinct kicks in. If you HAD to you'd pick up the phone.

        If my grandsons life depended on it... I would rip a whole house out of the ground, and so would you. Your inward man isnt cowardly, just stubborn. You'll be surprised what you have in you when you need it.

        I got the export information in 1999 but I felt I was too inexperienced to sell major liquidation deals to large corporations even though I knew a rare valuable secret to "locating" them that most others did not know... it wasnt till FIVE years later that I saw a new way they could be sold and so I picked it back up, and took advantaged of my unique knowledge... and 5 years later the info that I learned finally started serving me and has made me very literally hundreds of thousands of dollars since...

        (For that matter: I was an avid warrior for 5 years before I ever took action on internet marketing btw.)

        Sometimes we take in info, then feel we arent brave enough to follow through... then later on it comes in handy and we are glad we learned it.

        Your inward fighter will come out when you are ready... he dont want to hurt anyone, dont worry... he just wants to gets his hands on creating some $h#*... he's very aggressive about creating what he wants! So just let him out when you are ready... and stand back about 5 feet and let him do his thing!

        As for me... I exist to inspire, as I have been inspired. I only share with you these things, because they were soo meaningful when they were shared with ME, so I see them as important and life changing, because they were for me.

        Having the perspective that these ideas are LIFE CHANGING, you can see that for me sharing them is one of the most awesome things I can do. I truly, having been empowered, see it as empowering others. What a pleasure to do that.

        The ole Tony Robbins "Pleasure seeking thing" on a deep level, but thats another story!

        Glad you like the posts.
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        • Profile picture of the author want2knowhow
          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

          "I got the export information in 1999 but I felt I was too inexperienced to sell major liquidation deals to large corporations

          ((even though I knew a rare valuable secret to "locating" them that most others did not know...))

          it wasnt till FIVE years later that I saw a new way they could be sold and so I picked it back up, and took advantaged of ((my unique knowledge))...

          and 5 years later the info that I learned finally started serving me and has made me very literally hundreds of thousands of dollars since...
          Been meaning to ask, after having come back to this awe inspiring story....what was that *valuable* secret weapon/knowledge you had to locating those liquidation deals?
          Signature

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      • Profile picture of the author magman01
        Originally Posted by garyfromdurham View Post

        John

        Your posts are always inspiring and I get all fired up when I read them and think "I can do that".

        In reality though I can't (and don't) as I am too much of a coward and don't have the confidence to do telemarketing and get thoroughly tongue-tied.
        As an offshoot, to eliminate this limiting belief, check out ReCreate Your Life with Morty Lefkoe. Limiting beliefs like this arise from childhood events when you interpreted life events in one way. Once you interpreted the events to mean you were not capable to do this, you interpreted other events throughout your life to reinforce that belief. Morty helps you understand where the belief came from, and also that there were other interpretations that didn't conclude you were a coward. Eliminating this belief can be done in just a few minutes. Worth checking out. And although I am an affiliate, this is not an affiliate link. Just (hopefully) helpful insight that may remove the belief entirely.
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  • Profile picture of the author Qamar
    Hey John I think you are talented. Not many people can do this even though their life depends on it. Nevertheless, I would like to thank you for your inspiring stories. Keep them coming, I believe many people including myself are constantly in need to be inspired before we can have enough courage to execute them in our own business. thanks again!


    Qamar
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  • Profile picture of the author XcouponsX
    well nice story dear, thanks for sharing, got some ideas... keep it up.
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    • Profile picture of the author Davista
      Hi, I did this experiment my self yesterday.

      I didn't cold call but contacted people in my network to see if they have any excess inventory.

      1st contact I called is a factory manager for a big IT hardware brand in the Netherlands.

      He immediatly gave me a list with more than 3000 refurbished items they need to get out of the ware house, they don't want profits on it they just want to recope their costs so I think I can make soem money here.

      These are not old outdated station these are new models but refurbished.

      You said you listed that on alibaba.com? How did you go about it, did you use a free account and how did craft your offer because they would like that people just make an offer and then they take the best offer.

      Does anybody else know where or how I can find people to sell it? except for alibaba.

      Thanks guys I hope I get this sold quickly.
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      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by Davista View Post

        Hi, I did this experiment my self yesterday.

        I didn't cold call but contacted people in my network to see if they have any excess inventory.

        1st contact I called is a factory manager for a big IT hardware brand in the Netherlands.

        He immediately gave me a list with more than 3000 refurbished items they need to get out of the ware house, they don't want profits on it they just want to recope their costs so I think I can make soem money here.

        These are not old outdated station these are new models but refurbished.

        You said you listed that on alibaba.com? How did you go about it, did you use a free account and how did craft your offer because they would like that people just make an offer and then they take the best offer.

        Does anybody else know where or how I can find people to sell it? except for alibaba.

        Thanks guys I hope I get this sold quickly.
        What did I tell you?

        John aint lyin!

        Manufacturers and wholesalers have a symbiotic relationship with liquidators... they need you like a flower needs a bee. If you can help them unload their write off merchandise for even below the manufacturers cost, for pennies, even just enough to pay the shipping crew to load it up in a truck and help them to break even on the loading costs... then they are anxious to talk to you.

        Think about it, how many times have you had extra furniture laying around or something and you would have just about PAID someone to haul it off and get rid of it... even though its great furnitire, you dont need it and its costing you space... you just want it out.

        Thats how companies are about distressed inventory thats already been written off, only they deal with millions of units instead of just a piece of furniture..

        They have to house it, and pay people to take care of it, and move it around and track it and keep records on it... it costs them money to have distressed merchandise. Even though it is written off, it recreates its cost if you let it sit there.

        In the case of a big manufacturer or wholesalers it could cost $5,000 per month to warehouse 3 truckloads that he could just as easily sell off for $20,000 ... it doesnt take many months of housing that stuff for it to add up to 20k, so if you come along and say you can get it out... I will practically GIVE it to you!

        Good taking action!

        I would think you could get a ton out of interest out of this on alibaba.

        You need:

        A: An inventory sheet.
        B: Product description or general LOT description.
        C: Pics of the product.
        D: List it
        E: Start emailing buyer listings with your offer.

        Yeah this will blow up for you. People are hot for computer work stations in some countries. It would be interesting to watch this deal pan out here on this very thread! Go start a free AB account and get your listing up!

        I'll help you through the rest.

        Also PM me some product details... offer details... and I will look it over and see if I get any ideas for you!

        Originally Posted by mackyinc View Post

        Amazing story. It is a good example of how you can quickly turn your money situation around
        Anyone can. I know that sounds hard... some are from poor countries... but guess what "people from poor countries make it out too...' There isnt a place in the world where rich people and poor people dont live in the same country... Wherever you are from, whatever you aspire to... you have to put the path to that on paper and begin heading toward it.

        Especially if you have internet access you arent too far gone to turn it around.

        Sure there are alot of things holding you back... stop letting them. Ask God "What do I ALREADY have that I can leverage for success"?

        Stop focusing on what you lack and look around and see what you currently HAVE that could bring you some success?

        Is it a guitar... could you go out and play on street corners if you had to? I have. I made 200.00 a day playing guitar on the street when I first moved to Nashville.

        There were other guys who totally SUCKED playing on the street but they made money too... you know why? Because they were willing to take what they "had" (even if talent wise it wasnt much) and go out there and try to produce at least SOME success for themselves.

        Its amazing what can happen, even if you dont think you have it all together if you will just "TRY".

        Can you draw?

        (I know everyone says drawing isnt enough... but TRY ANYWAY. Some teeneage girl is gonna take some paper cut outs and design some doll clothes and send them in to the MONSTER HIGH DOLL corporation... and they are gonna say "Hey we want these designs"... Suddenly she is a highly paid designer.

        Guess what? THERE ARE A MILLION COMPANIES OUT THERE LIKE MONSTER HIGH DOLL CORPORATION!!!! Heck draw some doll clothes and send them in... TRY SOMETHING!!!!

        Can you design web pages?

        Can you list someones inventory on alibaba?

        Can you make a couple hundred dollars helping someone sell their vehicle on ebay?

        WHAT DO I ALREADY HAVE THAT I CAN LEVERAGE FOR SUCCESS?

        Some people are "tryers"... I have "tried" alot, so I have failed alot but I have had alot of success. Not being raised with alot of money, in a demographic where the statistics have said I should wound up in jail or on welfare... Coming from a place where there werent any silver spoons... I can honestly tell you from the bottom of my heart hat ANYONE can turn it around.

        So passionate about sharing these things. Thanks for the opportunity.


        Originally Posted by Davista View Post


        Does anybody else know where or how I can find people to sell it? except for alibaba.
        Dave send me the specs. I might be interested in helping you sell this. Need some product and lot details... if possible an inventory sheet... how soon can we make it happen?

        I am going to be on Alibaba tonight doing a campaign for energy drinks... I would love to do one on this too if the specs look good!
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        • Profile picture of the author Ehanson
          Thanks for this great thread.

          I'm going to try this out today or tomorrow, I need money by the end of the month.

          I'll have to learn as I go as there's some unanticipated things I can tell will pop up during a cold calling session (getting past gate keepers, being asked if I can truck it out of there, etc...)

          I have a few question though

          -When you got an interested buyer in China how did you set up the deal with the supplier? I'm assuming the supplier sets up a service to ship that stuff out of there overseas, pick up, etc..
          - Did the supplier email you the inventory sheet? How did you get a hold of the list of surplus items and pictures?

          Thanks again, I'll let you know how my cold calling session went.
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          • Profile picture of the author John Durham
            Originally Posted by Ehanson View Post

            Thanks for this great thread.

            I'm going to try this out today or tomorrow, I need money by the end of the month.

            I'll have to learn as I go as there's some unanticipated things I can tell will pop up during a cold calling session (getting past gate keepers, being asked if I can truck it out of there, etc...)

            I have a few question though

            -When you got an interested buyer in China how did you set up the deal with the supplier? I'm assuming the supplier sets up a service to ship that stuff out of there overseas, pick up, etc..
            - Did the supplier email you the inventory sheet? How did you get a hold of the list of surplus items and pictures?

            Thanks again, I'll let you know how my cold calling session went.
            Okay, since you are all gung ho... Im gonna show you one time how its done. I cant use real names... so contact info has been blocked out but below is an email trail that took place after I cold called a manufacturer one day... I told him I would pay .80 he said he couldn't go lower than 1.00 but he would think about it.... In this email you see he agrees. This is how you post email after a successful liquidation cold call. Watch and learn...


            From: JohnDurham []
            Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 2:27 PM
            To: "Joe"
            Subject: Hi Mr. Ring
             Hi Sir,

            It's John Durham.

            Thank you for taking the time with me today. Just wanted to mention that these customers buy and a "non-pick and choose basis" that's one reason for the low prices...

            In other words, as long as I have a manifest and some pics to show them, they pretty much just buy whatever is there without creating alot of work on your end, so we're talking about "throw away" merchandise basically. If they want to "pick and choose" then I would charge them more like $3.50 per roll.

            Also, they usually they always wire full payment in advance.

            Last note: Most of these customers have potential to become regular monthly buyers at full wholesale price, and are very interested in becoming regular distributors as opposed to just buying distressed merchandise..

            Will look forward to hearing back from you.

            Best Regards,
            John

            So he writes me back this:
            --- On Mon, 6/22/09, < > wrote:

            From: "joe"< >
            Subject: RE: Hi Mr. Ring
            To: "'JohnDurham'" < >
            Date: Monday, June 22, 2009, 6:37 PM
             John,
             Please call me "joe", not Mr. Ring. We will meet the price of $..80 per double roll as you suggested (pre-sorted), fob_________, Quebec. We will need full payment in advance. Do they have a maximum quantity per pattern that they will take? Are you looking to fill a container? If so, what size? If not, how many rolls is your customer looking for?
             We would have no interest in selling our current first line merchandise as we already have a distributor in China, just the closeouts. Thanks John. Look forward to hearing from you..
             Joe
             So I email Joe back:

            From:             JohnDurham []
            Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 2:45 PM
            To:
            Subject: Thanks Joe
             They will probably want a couple of containers to start. I will talk to them tonight and get full details and email you back in the morning, if that's okay. Is there a manifest available that I can show them? I have other customers too who will take loads if you have alot.

            Also:

            Can I invoice them through your company and just have you all write me a check for my commission when all is said and done?

            Thanks,
            John
            --- On Mon, 6/22/09, <> wrote:

            From: < >
            Subject: RE: Thanks Joe
            To: "'JohnDurham'" <>
            Date: Monday, June 22, 2009, 7:58 PM
             John,
             Yes, we can collect from your customer and then write a check to you for your commission.
             Here is the ftp site to look at product that is available. Attached is an inventory.
             We may have some product that is not shown on the ftp site. If so, we can identify what it is.
             "joe"


            So, that's how we roll folks, those were actually real emails.


            Don't say I never showed you nuthin.
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            • Profile picture of the author Ehanson
              Tried it out tonight just as a little experiment and no success after three calls. The first call I got was picked up by a receptionist or a gatekeeper. She told me they only import their stuff and don't supply any products... which seems strange since they're listed in an online suppliers directory.

              The other two gave me automated calling options and after being redirected to sales or the warehouse I got no answer or wound up back at the main menu.

              I'll give it another try when I have more information on talking with suppliers over the phone as I know one of my future attempts will result in the right person answering.
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              • Profile picture of the author John Durham
                Originally Posted by Ehanson View Post

                Tried it out tonight just as a little experiment and no success after three calls. The first call I got was picked up by a receptionist or a gatekeeper. She told me they only import their stuff and don't supply any products... which seems strange since they're listed in an online suppliers directory.

                The other two gave me automated calling options and after being redirected to sales or the warehouse I got no answer or wound up back at the main menu.

                I'll give it another try when I have more information on talking with suppliers over the phone as I know one of my future attempts will result in the right person answering.
                Honestly, if you havent made 100 calls I would def say its WAYYY early to make any major distinctions. Sure you will get one right off the bat sometimes, but most times it takes a pretty decent dialing session to come out with success. I would say 100 numbers is a decent session myself.
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                • Profile picture of the author seoman76
                  Banned
                  Man I love your posts, they are a great inspiration.

                  I had my own "little" thing today. I know a pretty well known business man who introduced me to a huge ass website company who don't offer SEO services really. This week I will have a meeting and if it works out I can expect tons of work that I outsource on my turn again.

                  If I didnt spoke to this businessman I would've missed out on a great "potential" deal.
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        • Profile picture of the author AdelineRF
          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

          What did I tell you?

          John aint lyin!

          Manufacturers and wholesalers have a symbiotic relationship with liquidators... they need you like a flower needs a bee. If you can help them unload their write off merchandise for even below the manufacturers cost, for pennies, even just enough to pay the shipping crew to load it up in a truck and help them to break even on the loading costs... then they are anxious to talk to you.

          Think about it, how many times have you had extra furniture laying around or something and you would have just about PAID someone to haul it off and get rid of it... even though its great furnitire, you dont need it and its costing you space... you just want it out.

          Thats how companies are about distressed inventory thats already been written off, only they deal with millions of units instead of just a piece of furniture..

          They have to house it, and pay people to take care of it, and move it around and track it and keep records on it... it costs them money to have distressed merchandise. Even though it is written off, it recreates its cost if you let it sit there.

          In the case of a big manufacturer or wholesalers it could cost $5,000 per month to warehouse 3 truckloads that he could just as easily sell off for $20,000 ... it doesnt take many months of housing that stuff for it to add up to 20k, so if you come along and say you can get it out... I will practically GIVE it to you!

          Good taking action!

          I would think you could get a ton out of interest out of this on alibaba.

          You need:

          A: An inventory sheet.
          B: Product description or general LOT description.
          C: Pics of the product.
          D: List it
          E: Start emailing buyer listings with your offer.

          Yeah this will blow up for you. People are hot for computer work stations in some countries. It would be interesting to watch this deal pan out here on this very thread! Go start a free AB account and get your listing up!

          I'll help you through the rest.

          Also PM me some product details... offer details... and I will look it over and see if I get any ideas for you!



          Anyone can. I know that sounds hard... some are from poor countries... but guess what "people from poor countries make it out too...' There isnt a place in the world where rich people and poor people dont live in the same country... Wherever you are from, whatever you aspire to... you have to put the path to that on paper and begin heading toward it.

          Especially if you have internet access you arent too far gone to turn it around.

          Sure there are alot of things holding you back... stop letting them. Ask God "What do I ALREADY have that I can leverage for success"?

          Stop focusing on what you lack and look around and see what you currently HAVE that could bring you some success?

          Is it a guitar... could you go out and play on street corners if you had to? I have. I made 200.00 a day playing guitar on the street when I first moved to Nashville.

          There were other guys who totally SUCKED playing on the street but they made money too... you know why? Because they were willing to take what they "had" (even if talent wise it wasnt much) and go out there and try to produce at least SOME success for themselves.

          Its amazing what can happen, even if you dont think you have it all together if you will just "TRY".

          Can you draw?

          (I know everyone says drawing isnt enough... but TRY ANYWAY. Some teeneage girl is gonna take some paper cut outs and design some doll clothes and send them in to the MONSTER HIGH DOLL corporation... and they are gonna say "Hey we want these designs"... Suddenly she is a highly paid designer.

          Guess what? THERE ARE A MILLION COMPANIES OUT THERE LIKE MONSTER HIGH DOLL CORPORATION!!!! Heck draw some doll clothes and send them in... TRY SOMETHING!!!!

          Can you design web pages?

          Can you list someones inventory on alibaba?

          Can you make a couple hundred dollars helping someone sell their vehicle on ebay?

          WHAT DO I ALREADY HAVE THAT I CAN LEVERAGE FOR SUCCESS?

          Some people are "tryers"... I have "tried" alot, so I have failed alot but I have had alot of success. Not being raised with alot of money, in a demographic where the statistics have said I should wound up in jail or on welfare... Coming from a place where there werent any silver spoons... I can honestly tell you from the bottom of my heart hat ANYONE can turn it around.

          So passionate about sharing these things. Thanks for the opportunity.

          WOW ! thanks John! Thanks for your wonderful tips and you really motivates everyone of us to give a try in cold calling
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  • Profile picture of the author mackyinc
    Amazing story. It is a good example of how you can quickly turn your money situation around
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  • Profile picture of the author Entertize
    To John,
    I have been on here in the forums browsing around for the past few hours for tips and tricks to help me get this offline local marketing business off of its face and I kept running into your posts. I was into real estate investing just recently and decided that I did not like it. I didn't feel like I was really offering anything of value to my "clients" by offering to pay them 65-55-45-25% on the dollar for their home. I mean in some certain special cases it was beneficial to them but most of the people I would come into contact with that even had that much equity to spare had been paying for their homes for like 20-25 years. I just felt like I was the evil real estate investor that came to rip them off, so I quit. It wasn't for me. My conscience wouldn't let me do it.
    Okay, to the point, I said all that to say, when I was studying real estate investing, the "gurus" talked a hell of a lot about Go-Giving. But, they never offered any usable advice without a charge! That drove me crazy.
    But you on the other hand are such a fantastic person. One could operate an entire enterprise on the advice and suggestions you give for FREE. If no one else appreciates your contributions, I do! I know that I am new here but you have given me so much insight in just the past few hours. I've downloaded your Offlinecrack Audio Series and plan on listening to that in just a few minutes. You are truly gifted at what you do.
    I'm not much of a talker, more of a typer, as you can probably see, but I'm gonna get my ARSE on the phone and start talking until somebody gives me some MONEY!
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Yes. You can absolutely build an enterprise with it from right where you are right this very moment. How do I know? Because I have designed my life around this stuff... and I havent went to work in four years. Everyday I get up when I want to, I get dressed when I want to... I decide how much money Im going to make this week... I have even gotten so good at it that I can make a few key moves per day and be successful now. It all started with picking up the phone and creating opportunity. Once you get so much practice it doesnt take 100 calls anymore, only a few key ones. After a year or so, you will barely even have to cold call anymore PERIOD.

    So yes, run with it. I did, others are... making your own money on your owns terms is worth it! Best feeling in the world!

    Go for it!
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  • Profile picture of the author MWGrubb58
    John,

    You always give such inspiring posts!

    More than that... you get a person's mind to crankin' and what you give is HOPE!

    There is ALWAYS money out there and people willing to buy.

    Thank you for showing me how SIMPLE the phone is.
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by MWGrubb58 View Post

      John,

      You always give such inspiring posts!

      More than that... you get a person's mind to crankin' and what you give is HOPE!

      There is ALWAYS money out there and people willing to buy.

      Thank you for showing me how SIMPLE the phone is.
      Im sure you already knew how simple it was, and just needed some motivation like we all do Millard! You inspire me as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author EmilyC
    Hehe - there's some motivation to overcome call reluctance!

    Thanks for sharing a great story John - you sound like a true entrepreneur!
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  • Profile picture of the author Just Jack
    I'm making a list of manufacturers from Manta. I was wondering if there is any criteria to look for. Right now I'm just picking out companies that have 20M or more in revenue. I'm thinking that if they are too small that they will not carry the type of loads you talk about. Any sweet spot to look for?
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  • Profile picture of the author Just Jarius
    John, every one of your posts that I come across is freaking Awesome. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work bro!
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Okay we had another student come through this week with an alibaba international overseas inventory sale... Liam. This is heating up.
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    • Profile picture of the author jki
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      Okay we had another student come through this week with an alibaba international overseas inventory sale... Liam. This is heating up.
      Hi John,

      First, I want to thank you for your posts, as they were inspiring enough to get me started on it It even got me to finally register and post here.

      I recently lost my job and decided to try this out today. Instead of making matters difficult by creating an extensive action plan (which I would probably talk myself out of if I overthink the process), I just picked up my cell phone and started dialing random suppliers off Manta.

      I managed to get some people on the phone today, but their products were all across the board and I found myself acting like a buyer of products that I knew nothing about.

      For example, I got a hold of a printing company with a warehouse and asked them about distressed/excess inventory. He said he has foam board substrate and ink jet media wide format.

      I don't even know what those are.

      So, my question is...how do I manage to get a list of wholesale/distributors to contact that might have products in the realm of my knowledge? ...or at least simple products!

      PS.

      Even though a sale wasn't made, I accomplished my Day 1 goal of talking to people on the phone. Tomorrow, I'd like to call on more targeted companies and shoot for 25 outbounds or 5 workable leads.

      Thank you for your help in these posts so far. I'll be at it again in the morning.

      --edit--

      And for starters, should I be focusing on local companies only...or do you recommend not limiting myself geographically?
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      • Profile picture of the author joshril
        Originally Posted by jki View Post

        Hi John,

        First, I want to thank you for your posts, as they were inspiring enough to get me started on it It even got me to finally register and post here.

        I recently lost my job and decided to try this out today. Instead of making matters difficult by creating an extensive action plan (which I would probably talk myself out of if I overthink the process), I just picked up my cell phone and started dialing random suppliers off Manta.

        I managed to get some people on the phone today, but their products were all across the board and I found myself acting like a buyer of products that I knew nothing about.

        For example, I got a hold of a printing company with a warehouse and asked them about distressed/excess inventory. He said he has foam board substrate and ink jet media wide format.

        I don't even know what those are.

        So, my question is...how do I manage to get a list of wholesale/distributors to contact that might have products in the realm of my knowledge? ...or at least simple products!

        PS.

        Even though a sale wasn't made, I accomplished my Day 1 goal of talking to people on the phone. Tomorrow, I'd like to call on more targeted companies and shoot for 25 outbounds or 5 workable leads.

        Thank you for your help in these posts so far. I'll be at it again in the morning.

        --edit--

        And for starters, should I be focusing on local companies only...or do you recommend not limiting myself geographically?
        I posted in this thread about a resource that might be just what you need, and it's free.

        I would suggest NOT limiting yourself geographically with this.

        Joshua
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  • Profile picture of the author kronic
    Hey John, I am a lil confused on what exactly I'm supposed to be looking for when finding businesses to cold call. Do I want to search for suppliers? Or make a list for a specific category? I tried mimicking the wallpaper journey you did, but half the businesses I looked at were chain stores and many did not look like they would be large enough to have excess stock, even though their annual revenue was in the millions.
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  • Profile picture of the author George Pitts
    Thats my Uncle John
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  • Profile picture of the author Falkonator
    FalkonatorsWife here! We bought John's WSO about this system and I'm going for it right now!!!!! (already registered on Alibaba.)

    Gotta find a good resource for a list of manufacturers by niche and start calling.

    I'll report results soon!!
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by Falkonator View Post

      FalkonatorsWife here! We bought John's WSO about this system and I'm going for it right now!!!!! (already registered on Alibaba.)

      Gotta find a good resource for a list of manufacturers by niche and start calling.

      I'll report results soon!!
      Always exciting when a real action taker gets your report in their hands... Excited to see where this goes for you, you have already proven through your cold calling and offline sales that you are willing to take massive action. If you apply the same ferver to the export opportunity, then we are about to see something exciting!
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  • Profile picture of the author FalkonatorsWife
    Got a fairly good lead - getting ready to post it on Alibaba!

    I got a really slow start because I was having a hard time picking a niche and finding phone numbers. I think there was just so much information to look at that I got really overwhelmed. Got frustrated for a while and felt like it just couldn't work.

    Then I DECIDED NOT to let me emotions control me!!! I am in control of my emotions!!!

    So, I kept looking because this is going to work - there are no other options!!

    Accidentally went the "cheap sunglasses" route and found places to call! After two or three calls I found a guy who has some overstock - but he isn't that "desperate to get rid of it" guy. It's a small quantity but I'm going to start listing and contacting buyers and we'll see what happens!

    Thanks again John for all the hand-holding!!! Can't wait to get our approval for the forum on this one!!! SO WE CAN POST OUR SUCCESS STORY!!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author FalkonatorsWife
    Listing my deal on Alibaba ... got a question while I'm waiting for access to the other forum.

    Please explain FOB to me.

    Does that mean my pricing needs to include shipping/insurance and any other fees that need to be tacked on?

    Right now, I only know how much the seller is willing to take for it - nothing else. If I list on Alibaba at that price, is the buyer assuming that it includes shipping, etc.

    Thanks so much!!
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by FalkonatorsWife View Post

      Listing my deal on Alibaba ... got a question while I'm waiting for access to the other forum.

      Please explain FOB to me.

      Does that mean my pricing needs to include shipping/insurance and any other fees that need to be tacked on?

      Right now, I only know how much the seller is willing to take for it - nothing else. If I list on Alibaba at that price, is the buyer assuming that it includes shipping, etc.

      Thanks so much!!
      FOB Means free on board, they want a quote that includes the cost of shipping from our port to their door...

      Which means a quote that includes all shipping except from the ground freight from the sellers facility to the port, and loading.

      Free on Board means that the customer pays for all shipping from the "water" on, and the sellers pay from his warehouse to the water.

      They want a quote that includes their entire cost, minus ground freight to the port of departure and loading.

      Hope this helps. I can believe you arent on the export forum! PM me, Im in the mood to bless somebody, especially one who will get out and go door to door after having dressed 5 kids for school with nothing but their enthusiasm. Thats good ground!
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  • Profile picture of the author danielkanuck
    Awesome story. I personally wouldn't be able to generate wealth on demand like you did, and most of that is because i hate telemarketing. (this is the main reasons i hate working in call centers!)

    But for those who can make telemarketing work - kudos to you! Good story John... definitely good inspiration for beginners who want to do consulting and service work.
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  • Profile picture of the author FalkonatorsWife
    HELP! I've looked everywhere online for the answer to the "FOB" question and I really can't find anything definitive - at least not anything that makes sense to me.

    I need access to that forum!

    Going to keep looking so I can get that deal posted asap!
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  • Profile picture of the author ongebest
    Man I love your posts, they are a great inspiration.

    I had my own "little" thing today. I know a pretty well known business man who introduced me to a huge ass website company who don't offer SEO services really. This week I will have a meeting and if it works out I can expect tons of work that I outsource on my turn again.

    If I didnt spoke to this businessman I would've missed out on a great "potential" deal.
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  • Profile picture of the author Knight_Rider
    I'm going to try this...
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  • Profile picture of the author FalkonatorsWife
    Hey John!! Thanks for the explanation - that does help. So, do I have to get more pricing above and beyond the cost the seller is willing to let it go for? (that's probably a question for the forum)

    I don't think I've ever seen you NOT in a mood to bless someone, my friend!!! Unfortunately, I don't have enough posts to be able to PM anyone yet! (with as talkative as I am, I can't hardly believe it!!) Anyway, if you see this and could PM me, I'd sure appreciate it - but I know you are super duper busy!

    Off to make some more deals!!
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by FalkonatorsWife View Post

      Hey John!! Thanks for the explanation - that does help. So, do I have to get more pricing above and beyond the cost the seller is willing to let it go for? (that's probably a question for the forum)

      I don't think I've ever seen you NOT in a mood to bless someone, my friend!!! Unfortunately, I don't have enough posts to be able to PM anyone yet! (with as talkative as I am, I can't hardly believe it!!) Anyway, if you see this and could PM me, I'd sure appreciate it - but I know you are super duper busy!

      Off to make some more deals!!
      Believe it or not its as easy as telling your seller "My guy from China wants an fob quote on a load to the tin jian port".

      And your seller will usually already have a protocol for getting a proforma invoice in your hand to present, he may ask for a couple of details, you go back and forth a couple of times... but he knows what an FOB quote means most times, and its not a prob for him to send you one to show your client. Remember your supplier wants to make a sale even worse than you do!

      Join thetelemarketingforum. com for free and pm me and I will upgrade you. Some people i see as an "INVESTMENT" because they are such an inspiration to others.

      We have another person there 'Purepassion" who has your same energy, I bet you two would get along famously,and really inspire one another.
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  • Profile picture of the author FalkonatorsWife
    Hey again, John - sorry to fill up this thread with regular conversation.

    I PM'd you on TMF as HomeGrownMommy (signed up there before I signed up here, hence the two different names - that's my blog name)

    Can't wait to be able to pay forward all the investing you've been doing for my family!! Even my kids' lives will never be the same because of your influence!
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by FalkonatorsWife View Post

      Hey again, John - sorry to fill up this thread with regular conversation.

      I PM'd you on TMF as HomeGrownMommy (signed up there before I signed up here, hence the two different names - that's my blog name)

      Can't wait to be able to pay forward all the investing you've been doing for my family!! Even my kids' lives will never be the same because of your influence!
      Im just giving freely what was freely given... howbeit to some great people who have it coming!

      Never apologise for bumping someones thread though...
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  • Profile picture of the author teemoore
    i can believe what i am reading!!i have been here all this while reading and reading,John you are really a GIFT to our generation,i want to do this , i am really fired up!! .can you pls be my mentor and coach
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by teemoore View Post

      i can believe what i am reading!!i have been here all this while reading and reading,John you are really a GIFT to our generation,i want to do this , i am really fired up!! .can you pls be my mentor and coach
      lol. Well I have been a warrior for ten years, I dont imagine thats gonna change in the next ten, so Im here for ya tee, as much as I can help. I dont really do personal coaching but, there are alot of resources around here Im involved in that could be very helpful. Any question you have that I can answer I will be happy to!
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      • Profile picture of the author teemoore
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        lol. Well I have been a warrior for ten years, I dont imagine thats gonna change in the next ten, so Im here for ya tee, as much as I can help. I dont really do personal coaching but, there are alot of resources around here Im involved in that could be very helpful. Any question you have that I can answer I will be happy to!
        Thanks John for a quick reply, i really appreciate, i will always do as u just said if i have any question.thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author Nick Sammut
    Hi John,

    Thanks for the great method. It is so simple.

    Guys this works full stop.

    I have made 25 calls today, I would say 10 went to answering machine
    or were invalid numbers.

    Out of the remaining 15 calls I got 2 leads.

    There is no long script required. All I say is

    Hi my name is Nick, I help suppliers liquidate their excess inventory. Do you have any stock you want to get rid of from your factory"

    They either say yes or no, thats it, there is no need for objection handling or rebuttals either.

    There are also hardly any gatekeepers with wholesalers. it is great.

    Hope this helps

    Nick
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  • Profile picture of the author lundqvist
    i have to be honest i hate cold calls, but sometimes they do work. like anything i guess..
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    • Profile picture of the author Rauhbautz
      First of all, thanks for inspiring post and discussion.

      Are there any WSOs on offline marketing with Alibaba?

      Thanx in advance!
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike McAleer
        Originally Posted by Rauhbautz View Post

        First of all, thanks for inspiring post and discussion.

        Are there any WSOs on offline marketing with Alibaba?

        Thanx in advance!
        yes john durham has a very good one or a couple i think!
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    • Profile picture of the author Nick Sammut
      Originally Posted by lundqvist View Post

      i have to be honest i hate cold calls, but sometimes they do work. like anything i guess..
      Hey man, if you hate calling then outsource it. Get someone to call and get you leads, then you can call these warm leads after.

      Its then not cold calling, but they are excited to get your call
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  • Profile picture of the author Stephen Gilbert
    This is really inspiring, i clicked thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author SDStudio
    Thanks for the share John - This is not just a story - this is "REAL" Offline sale and you made it happen. If you can do it I'm sure anyone can! I would love to learn how to do Offline Marketing - I'm wondering where do i start from on making these calls?

    Also i just join thetelemarketingforum

    Cheers,
    Albert
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  • Profile picture of the author jideofor
    Hello John. I am very interested in this biz but how can I operate this from Nigeria. We are known for agricultural products and not manufacturing. How can I get buyers for products of agriculture. E.g cassava, charcoal, timber, bitter cola, mango, and on like that.
    How can I do this. Frankly, I dont knw how to start. Can I PM you?
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  • Profile picture of the author Taruru
    great story.. at rock bottom, only way's up. do you think you'd be where you at now if you had, say, 500 quid at the time?
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    I have a few, but Im gonna start breaking them down, and closing them... Paul Myers has enlightened me onto a new path regarding these things... so Im slowly going to start changing my information distribution model...onward and upward.

    By the way I highly recommend his stuff on creative writing and content creation. Brilliant.
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  • Profile picture of the author mikemcghee
    Thanks for such an inspiring post. Just proves if you put your mind to it and are determined you can make money and get yourself where you want. Just takes action!
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