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Cold Calling Works... Here's Proof - $897 after 4 Hours of Work

by Dan B Rusu
23 replies
For anyone who doubts the effectiveness of telemarketing, here's a recent coldcalling experience I had with coldcalling for 2 hours the results it produced for me. Hope this posts helps those who are sitting back and waiting for jobs to land in their lap to get out there and make it happen!

Here's the steps I took:

1. Make script: I don't really follow a script (wouldn't recommend that either way) but like to have an idea of how I'll start the conversation then let things flow from there. Here's what I say:

Owner: Hello.

Me:: Hi, is this TNT Construction?

Owner: Yes it is.

Me:: And are you the owner of the fine establishment? (notice the charm)

Owner: Why yes I am.

Me:: Great just the man/woman I wanted to speak to. My name is Daniel and I'm a web design here down the street from you. I noticed you didn't have a website, or least I wasn't able to find one... (if they say they do - then I asked if they were happy with it, or if getting traffic to sell SEO).

Then just let things flow

2. The list: My favorite resource that I've used 100s of times: ReferenceUSA. This is by Infogroup, the company that makes SalesGenie, and it's exactly the same thing as SalesGenie, but given to county libraries for free use. If your library has it, you can get access from your library site.

I decided for this I wanted to target general contractors in my area (Seattle). Got a list of 1600.



3. Then I searched for the name of the business + city in google to see if they had a site. I made a quick script to do this, so it didn't take much time at all. I think went through and deleted the ones that already had a site.

example of what I searched: "TNT construction bellevue".

4. Now my list was complete. I used the Google Voice VOIP dialer to make free calls - you dial right out of your Gmail account. Having to add the numbers in one at a time was a pain. Im in the middle of developing a program that will autodial using Google Voice, so stay tuned for that.

I wish I had taken better notes of my results after 2 hours so I could provide better data, but I didn't . All I know is I

called ~150 businesses
got many many no answers
many not interested
2 prospects
1 wants to do it in a couple weeks.
1 signed up!

The one who signed up actually had a site (it got through my google search that I was doing to filter out businesses that had sites), but luckily he wasn't happy with it and wanted a new one. We talked for 10 minutes. I gave him information about how we build sites, pricing, ect.

The next day he stopped by my office and gave me a check for $897! I collected all images I needed for the site. The great thing was the content was already written and ready to go.

2 days later I sat down to build the site. Spend 2 hours total (built off a Wordpress theme) to fix the images, fix the content, edit the layout in Wordpress, ect. Uploaded to his server and the job was done.

Total time spent: 4 Hours
Total earned: $897 (am in the process of upselling on SEO)

I hope this convinces you that Coldcalling works if done properly!


#$897 #calling #cold #convinced #hours #work #works
  • Profile picture of the author jtlucas2511
    That's a nice chunk of change for a couple hours of work, great job man!
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    • Profile picture of the author DevinRose
      NICE!! Yes cold calling works if you keep going...Thanks for the Reference USA tip I actually discovered it in December to gather tax info on companies, never really thought of it as a lead generator.
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  • Profile picture of the author stone2010
    Good job... that is a great story, nothing wrong with making over 200 bucks per hour lol
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  • Profile picture of the author Mwind076
    Great job, as those of us that do it know, cold calling works when it's done right! I agree that no script is needed. You do need a basic idea of what you want to say, but overall, TALK to people, just like you're having coffee telling a friend what you do. Engage them, if they haven't said no, or hung up, they'll listen to you and they don't want to hear a sales pitch.

    As for the list, it may be quicker (than putting numbers in Google) to just dial the list. I'm a huge promoter of manual dialing. Especially if it's just you and you have a list. No need for a dialer for 150 numbers...or even more. We've discussed that on other threads.

    Again, good job and yes, cold calling pays off!
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  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
    Can we see the site you built him? What theme template did you use. You can Pm me if you prefer?
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    • Profile picture of the author Jordan Stark
      Cold calling is just like anything else. It's a numbers game.

      Spam is to the internet
      what cold calling is to >Click< >Hang Up<

      Great job by the way. 4 hours and $897....AWESOME.
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      • Profile picture of the author AspiringIM22
        Thanks for the tip on ReferenceUSA, I just checked and my local library has it. I will definitely check that out.

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        • Profile picture of the author Dan B Rusu
          Originally Posted by DevinRose View Post

          NICE!! Yes cold calling works if you keep going...Thanks for the Reference USA tip I actually discovered it in December to gather tax info on companies, never really thought of it as a lead generator.
          Yup ReferenceUSA is awesome. I'm working on a solution to get around the 50 downloads/search limit right now so we'll hopefully be able to download the entire list soon

          Originally Posted by stone2010 View Post

          Good job... that is a great story, nothing wrong with making over 200 bucks per hour lol
          Nothing wrong at all. I've had many jobs that have paid more, but this was a nice little half a day gig.

          Originally Posted by Mwind076 View Post

          Great job, as those of us that do it know, cold calling works when it's done right! I agree that no script is needed. You do need a basic idea of what you want to say, but overall, TALK to people, just like you're having coffee telling a friend what you do. Engage them, if they haven't said no, or hung up, they'll listen to you and they don't want to hear a sales pitch.

          As for the list, it may be quicker (than putting numbers in Google) to just dial the list. I'm a huge promoter of manual dialing. Especially if it's just you and you have a list. No need for a dialer for 150 numbers...or even more. We've discussed that on other threads.

          Again, good job and yes, cold calling pays off!
          Well actually i find using google voice easier cause you can copy and paste the numbers in instead of doing one digit at a time on your phone then click call. Really cool, you can set it up with so their caller id shows your personal number, and it doesnt waste your minutes if using a cell.

          Ya no need for an autodialer for 150 calls, but get into making 200+ a day and I'd definitely want one.

          Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

          Can we see the site you built him? What theme template did you use. You can Pm me if you prefer?
          I used a theme from elegantthemes.com. Simplepress.

          Originally Posted by Jordan Stark View Post

          Cold calling is just like anything else. It's a numbers game.

          Spam is to the internet
          what cold calling is to >Click< >Hang Up<

          Great job by the way. 4 hours and $897....AWESOME.
          Yup coldcalling is definitely a numbers game.

          Originally Posted by AspiringIM22 View Post

          Thanks for the tip on ReferenceUSA, I just checked and my local library has it. I will definitely check that out.
          I'm surprised you were never told about ReferenceUSA. My business would be years behind without it - never wanted to fork over the dough for SalesGenie- and why would I when you get the exact same data from ReferenceUSA?
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          • Profile picture of the author macalixter
            Interesting.... thats motivates me a lot! thank you for sharing!
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          • Profile picture of the author Mwind076
            "Well actually i find using google voice easier cause you can copy and paste the numbers in instead of doing one digit at a time on your phone then click call. Really cool, you can set it up with so their caller id shows your personal number, and it doesnt waste your minutes if using a cell.

            Ya no need for an autodialer for 150 calls, but get into making 200+ a day and I'd definitely want one."

            I've said my peace on this on a few other threads. Dialers are a waste of time if you want to TALK to people. The time you spend copying and pasting, can be spent dialing 10 digits. I've been on the phones for years and can dial in my sleep. I don't use a cell phone, it's unprofessional to have to ask "can you hear me" or drop a call. Dialers have their place, in call centers, that's about it. When you want a personal approach and you're dialing to reach people, do it yourself. I make over 600 calls a day, and have never used a dialer. Not once have I heard a complaint that I don't meet an agreed upon quota.
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  • Profile picture of the author RenegadeSC
    Great Job Daniel7rusu!

    I just started cold calling this week and you are absolutely right. It works!
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  • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
    If you're down the street why not meet him in person? Congrats, time to get some more.
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    People make good money selling to the rich. But the rich got rich selling to the masses.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    I have had great success using reference USA in the past... and I agree that a script is needed to keep your presentation guided and not let you forget where you are trying to go...If you dont know where you are going, a customer can take you ANYWHERE, and it usually isnt to the close...

    More experienced people will do well even without a guidline but a beginner definately needs one. Just make sure its an effective one with a proven track record for results. If you are already a salesman , then you already know the ropes , but ALL beginning sales are trained in a certain way of pitching because they dont have understanding of how it works yet... anyway, GREAT POST MAN!!! Very Inspiring.

    Great Job!
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan B Rusu
      Originally Posted by Mwind076 View Post

      "Well actually i find using google voice easier cause you can copy and paste the numbers in instead of doing one digit at a time on your phone then click call. Really cool, you can set it up with so their caller id shows your personal number, and it doesnt waste your minutes if using a cell.

      Ya no need for an autodialer for 150 calls, but get into making 200+ a day and I'd definitely want one."

      I've said my peace on this on a few other threads. Dialers are a waste of time if you want to TALK to people. The time you spend copying and pasting, can be spent dialing 10 digits. I've been on the phones for years and can dial in my sleep. I don't use a cell phone, it's unprofessional to have to ask "can you hear me" or drop a call. Dialers have their place, in call centers, that's about it. When you want a personal approach and you're dialing to reach people, do it yourself. I make over 600 calls a day, and have never used a dialer. Not once have I heard a complaint that I don't meet an agreed upon quota.
      Well no it only takes a split second to copy from my list and paste into the google voice box. And when I was calling I would have the next number copied while I was waiting for answer/talking to the prospect so when the call was over I would instantly paste and hit enter to call.

      But in the end what works for you is dependent on what you like and dont like.

      Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso View Post

      If you're down the street why not meet him in person? Congrats, time to get some more.
      Ha actually the owner of this particular business did come in to meet me so I did meet him in person. If you meant why not go out to see him at his location and tell him about my service instead of calling, I'd prefer calling instead of walking in without a meeting.

      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      I have had great success using reference USA in the past... and I agree that a script is needed to keep your presentation guided and not let you forget where you are trying to go...If you dont know where you are going, a customer can take you ANYWHERE, and it usually isnt to the close...

      More experienced people will do well even without a guidline but a beginner definately needs one. Just make sure its an effective one with a proven track record for results. If you are already a salesman , then you already know the ropes , but ALL beginning sales are trained in a certain way of pitching because they dont have understanding of how it works yet... anyway, GREAT POST MAN!!! Very Inspiring.

      Great Job!
      Thanks John! Love your guides!
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  • Profile picture of the author dapirus
    Cold calling is great and as an offline marketer I do quite a bit of it. To be successfull you need to have a system in place so that you can increase your conversion rate.

    A couple of things we do is first we quality everyone on our list. No sense calling someone who does not need the service we are offering. Secondly we only work with certain trades which have very little competition from other service providers. So no lawyers and doctors for us although we have a couple of these clients. Lastly we use the results that we have had to convince new prospect on what we can do for them if they hire us.

    You have a great attitude, you will do well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Vincenzo Oliva
    I'm glad it works for you but there's a reason why 225 million Americans are on the "DO NOT CALL" list. Just think about it. Professional offices always put in a line of defense as a top priority to shield against unwanted solicitation.

    Think about it, do you enjoy when someone cold calls your home? Does it bug you a bit maybe? Enough said!
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    • Profile picture of the author DevinRose
      Originally Posted by Vincenzo Oliva View Post

      I'm glad it works for you but there's a reason why 225 million Americans are on the "DO NOT CALL" list. Just think about it. Professional offices always put in a line of defense as a top priority to shield against unwanted solicitation.

      Think about it, do you enjoy when someone cold calls your home? Does it bug you a bit maybe? Enough said!
      I've always wondered why people think it's okay for them to solicit you with unwanted mail, emails or even advertisements you didn't ask to see most of the time they themselves are coldcalling. Then they turn around and say no solicitations. Picking up the phone and won't break your arm.
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  • Profile picture of the author rockyonfire
    Wow dude! That is so awesome. Best of luck in future

    Regards
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  • Profile picture of the author P1
    Do you think your success rate would be higher if you went to the actual business, brought them stats on how their business would increase after having a website?

    Of course this would take way longer but may be worth it because you are putting a face to the voice and that gives them a little more trust.
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by P1 View Post

      Do you think your success rate would be higher if you went to the actual business, brought them stats on how their business would increase after having a website?

      Of course this would take way longer but may be worth it because you are putting a face to the voice and that gives them a little more trust.
      Good idea, I have tested that... here are the results:

      Why spend a bunch of time preparing to approach a prospect that may not be interested, and who the law of probability says "probably WONT be"... When you could actually talk to 20 people in less time than it takes you to prepare to greet someone with stats...?

      It doesnt increase your conversion that much... I wouldnt do a report on someones site unless they had already agreed to some level of interest.

      While one is still preparing stats, another has actually talked to 20 prospects and has a sale...

      Og Mandino says this, and it has really empowered me, "I will will call on ten prospects while the failure is yet pondering how he will rebuff the first...".

      Now you have google scrapers too, and you can actually DESIGN your call lists with stats included, so thats easy now.

      Ps. I think you all are talking about "auto dialers" (copy and paste...), but what most mean by that when its said around here is "Predictive Dialer"... I myself use the term loosely. "predictive" dialers just shoot calls at you with no need for copying and pasting...However I tend to go Mwinds route myself, when I am doing my own calling, I like to put my own energy into pushing the buttons, and I strangely feel that influences the outcomes... Its just a superstition though, or "anchors" as Tony Robbins would call it, that works for me.

      Have spent plenty of days on a machine though, and have superstitions about those too...lol Telemarketers are like baseball players and rock stars sometimes... "I cant perform unless I eat a slim Jim before the show". Lol
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  • Profile picture of the author supernal
    I think the main difference between what you're doing here and what most people, or at least me, think of when we hear the term "cold calling" is that you are attempting to sell and provide an actual service. Most cold-calling is from telemarketers that want to sell you a product, one that usually isn't as great as it's made out to be.

    If you have actual skill and are charging a fair price, it should come as no surprise that you can get some work.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan B Rusu
      Originally Posted by Vincenzo Oliva View Post

      I'm glad it works for you but there's a reason why 225 million Americans are on the "DO NOT CALL" list. Just think about it. Professional offices always put in a line of defense as a top priority to shield against unwanted solicitation.

      Think about it, do you enjoy when someone cold calls your home? Does it bug you a bit maybe? Enough said!
      The DNC list applies only to consumers, not businesses. No I would not mind getting a call or any other advertisement to my business if it was a service I was looking for. Case in point: a month ago I got a postcard in the mail for merchant processing. Funny thing was that I needed a merchant processor. I called them and am now signed up with them.

      The important thing about this is we're calling people that could actively use our services and have a real need for them.

      Originally Posted by P1 View Post

      Do you think your success rate would be higher if you went to the actual business, brought them stats on how their business would increase after having a website?

      Of course this would take way longer but may be worth it because you are putting a face to the voice and that gives them a little more trust.
      I agree with John in the above post. I'd rather spend the time making as many contacts as possible. Of course, there are methods other then coldcalling. My favorite is simply networking in professional business groups in the area. Very effective.

      Originally Posted by supernal View Post

      I think the main difference between what you're doing here and what most people, or at least me, think of when we hear the term "cold calling" is that you are attempting to sell and provide an actual service. Most cold-calling is from telemarketers that want to sell you a product, one that usually isn't as great as it's made out to be.

      If you have actual skill and are charging a fair price, it should come as no surprise that you can get some work.
      Yes there is a stigma against coldcalling because of all the junk that is sold through coldcalling out there. But you can provide a real service that is needed.
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  • Profile picture of the author steveperch
    Daniel, thank you for this informative post. I just signed up with Reference USA in my public library. It's incredible. Cannot wait to get started.
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