Whats the best way to contact business owners?

56 replies
Now i have a solid business plan for my advertising company. The only part i am hesitant on is how to contact business owners. I think emailing might not work too well, because there is a high chance the message won't be read. I could cold call, but i don't think the business owners would appreciate cold calling. I don't like reading emails or getting calls myself, so i am sure business owners don't like it either.

The only method that would work is to go into the business and ask for the owner. But how do you do this, when they are signs that say no soliciting. Do i have to find a way to get pass the manager, just to talk to the owner. Has anyone had any problems contacting business owners before. I would just email business owners a brochure if i could, but i don't have there addresses.
#business #contact #owners
  • Profile picture of the author jRad
    Originally Posted by hademade View Post

    Now i have a solid business plan for my advertising company. The only part i am hesitant on is how to contact business owners. I think emailing might not work too well, because there is a high chance the message won't be read. I could cold call, but i don't think the business owners would appreciate cold calling. I don't like reading emails or getting calls myself, so i am sure business owners don't like it either.

    The only method that would work is to go into the business and ask for the owner. But how do you do this, when they are signs that say no soliciting. Do i have to find a way to get pass the manager, just to talk to the owner. Has anyone had any problems contacting business owners before. I would just email business owners a brochure if i could, but i don't have there addresses.
    Well you have two options.

    Call them, or go in and talk to them in person. I made a few cold calls on the weekend for designing websites, and got a few people interested. You just have to know when to call, and how to pitch your ideas.

    Obviously walking in and talking face to face makes a better impression, but there's also way more pressure. I love the phone because it's a pretty simple process - I tell them I saw their ad in the paper, noticed they didnt have a site, give them some credentials and say at the end, "id love to set up an appointment where we can discuss how to get you more business through the web". that's my strat.
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    • Profile picture of the author David Miller
      I could cold call, but i don't think the business owners would appreciate cold calling. I don't like reading emails or getting calls myself, so i am sure business owners don't like it either.

      Now, on what metric do you base the "fact" that business owners don't like phone calls? Perhaps YOU don't like phone calls, but that's a pretty small sample and it's based on no information or facts.

      You say you have a solid business plan. Really?

      A business plan, particularly a "solid" plan includes virtually every aspect of your business. From the cost of a paper clip to how you plan to pay your taxes. That's what you say you have, except you left out the part about how you intend to market and sell it. Pretty big part!

      To top this off, you say that it's an advertising business!

      So before you start muttering under your breath about what a **** I am, ask yourself these questions:

      Is your product or service any good?
      Will the business owner that hires you be better off for it?
      Do you think you can explain your offer properly?

      If you can honestly say yes to those questions, you have no choice but to get over your unfounded fear of the phone, develop a sales script or bullet point list that you can follow comfortably and start selling.

      No matter how good your product or service is, nobody is going to come knocking down your door or ring the phone off the hook....and even if they were, you're still going to have to sell!
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      • Profile picture of the author hademade
        Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

        I could cold call, but i don't think the business owners would appreciate cold calling. I don't like reading emails or getting calls myself, so i am sure business owners don't like it either.

        Now, on what metric do you base the "fact" that business owners don't like phone calls? Perhaps YOU don't like phone calls, but that's a pretty small sample and it's based on no information or facts.

        You say you have a solid business plan. Really?

        A business plan, particularly a "solid" plan includes virtually every aspect of your business. From the cost of a paper clip to how you plan to pay your taxes. That's what you say you have, except you left out the part about how you intend to market and sell it. Pretty big part!

        To top this off, you say that it's an advertising business!

        So before you start muttering under your breath about what a **** I am, ask yourself these questions:

        Is your product or service any good?
        Will the business owner that hires you be better off for it?
        Do you think you can explain your offer properly?

        If you can honestly say yes to those questions, you have no choice but to get over your unfounded fear of the phone, develop a sales script or bullet point list that you can follow comfortably and start selling.

        No matter how good your product or service is, nobody is going to come knocking down your door or ring the phone off the hook....and even if they were, you're still going to have to sell!
        Well i have everything written out on a paper, i have every single detail i need for starting this business. I have included various email scripts, cold-calling scripts and i have wrote down some things to say to the owner. I am just trying to find a good method for contacting business owners, i am unsure which method will do best for me
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        • Profile picture of the author David Miller
          I'm sorry if I sounded harsh, but for many months on the forum there has been an ongoing debate as to the real value of cold calling.

          Using the word debate is pretty mild...it's been more like a battle actually and it seems like most are coming around to the reality that using the phone works, works well, and works often. So when out of the blue I see a post that off handedly states as if it's fact that business owners don't like to get calls....it's a little...no, it's a lot of...well...it's annoying!

          So if you really do have a plan that has scripts, the very best thing to do is use them. I know as well as anyone the anxiety of picking up the phone. But you won't know if your script works unless you do. You won't find a friendlier, more knowledgeable, helpful group of people than you will on this forum. Every one of us wants to see you succeed. A great many of us will be more than happy to share what we know and help you get over some bumps in the road. And you'll find that if you come back in a day or two and let us know that you picked up the phone and started to make things happen, regardless of your results....there'll be a cyber-cheer for your effort!
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          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 hademade
            Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

            I'm sorry if I sounded harsh, but for many months on the forum there has been an ongoing debate as to the real value of cold calling.

            Using the word debate is pretty mild...it's been more like a battle actually and it seems like most are coming around to the reality that using the phone works, works well, and works often. So when out of the blue I see a post that off handedly states as if it's fact that business owners don't like to get calls....it's a little...no, it's a lot of...well...it's annoying!

            So if you really do have a plan that has scripts, the very best thing to do is use them. I know as well as anyone the anxiety of picking up the phone. But you won't know if your script works unless you do. You won't find a friendlier, more knowledgeable, helpful group of people than you will on this forum. Every one of us wants to see you succeed. A great many of us will be more than happy to share what we know and help you get over some bumps in the road. And you'll find that if you come back in a day or two and let us know that you picked up the phone and started to make things happen, regardless of your results....there'll be a cyber-cheer for your effort!
            You didn't sound harsh at all to me, this is one of toughest part of the business to me. I have some script ideas but they sound kinda generic to me, i don't know if it will work or not. So in your experience the business owners don't mind cold calling. Do you just call the company and ask to speak with the owner. That is what i planning on doing when i start cold calling.
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            • Profile picture of the author ERPLeadsWriter
              Originally Posted by hademade View Post

              You didn't sound harsh at all to me, this is one of toughest part of the business to me. I have some script ideas but they sound kinda generic to me, i don't know if it will work or not. So in your experience the business owners don't mind cold calling. Do you just call the company and ask to speak with the owner. That is what i planning on doing when i start cold calling.
              That's actually how the call center agents work where I am. They start with a name then usually they ask if they have time or is it a good time to talk. As for a script, I've seen it myself but so far they don't so much as memorize it but more like they absorb it. They don't recite it, they speak it naturally.
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              • Profile picture of the author hademade
                Originally Posted by ERPLeadsWriter View Post

                That's actually how the call center agents work where I am. They start with a name then usually they ask if they have time or is it a good time to talk. As for a script, I've seen it myself but so far they don't so much as memorize it but more like they absorb it. They don't recite it, they speak it naturally.
                It would sound better if i make myself sound natural, instead of reading off a script. I will just contact the business and ask when is a good time to talk to the owner.
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                • Profile picture of the author David Miller
                  You can and should use a script....practice and you WILL sound natural. Write it out exactly as if you were speaking to someone in person....it may take several drafts.
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                  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 Kingfish85
    I vote to go to directly to the business. This has worked for me in the past.
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  • Profile picture of the author DonHuevos
    It's really a combination of everything you mentioned. If you're starting a marketing campaign, start with defining who you want to market your services to. Specifically what type of business and their size. Marketing to a large organization is much different that marketing to a small mom and pop shop. Once you defined your market devise a strategy. For example, direct mail, followed up by cold call. The initial call should be to send more info like a white paper. Use this call to set up a follow-up. The follow-up call sets up the presentation, the presentation set up the proposal, ect.

    Consider using a CRM for this activity to keep you organized. There are a few open source solutions out there. If you have the capital SalesForce makes a nice product.

    I have 15 year in sales and marketing, so if you want to shoot me a pm, I'm open.
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    • Profile picture of the author hademade
      Originally Posted by DonHuevos View Post

      It's really a combination of everything you mentioned. If you're starting a marketing campaign, start with defining who you want to market your services to. Specifically what type of business and their size. Marketing to a large organization is much different that marketing to a small mom and pop shop. Once you defined your market devise a strategy. For example, direct mail, followed up by cold call. The initial call should be to send more info like a white paper. Use this call to set up a follow-up. The follow-up call sets up the presentation, the presentation set up the proposal, ect.

      Consider using a CRM for this activity to keep you organized. There are a few open source solutions out there. If you have the capital SalesForce makes a nice product.

      I have 15 year in sales and marketing, so if you want to shoot me a pm, I'm open.
      I am starting out with marketing the mom and pop shop, i think this is the best place for me to start. I will get to learn a lot about the advertising business through trial and error. Once i feel comfortable, i will move up to larger companies. I just heard of the CRM software it looks nice so far. I don't know if i have enough post to PM yet.
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  • Profile picture of the author elvisjay
    Try networking events if you are too scared to pick up the phone. Attend meetings where there are groups of business owners and sales people and tell the group about your business.

    Networking is a skill as well, but if you like people and believe in your business it can at least get you talking to people which will lead to appointments, contracts and sales.
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  • Profile picture of the author UncleChucke
    Hademade,
    Good luck in approaching businesses. There are a number of great ideas in the forum...one is doing a one page flyer and distribute the flyers in strip centers late night after closing hours by slipping them under the door. The envelop which holds the flyer would say "Please Provide to Store Manager or Owner ASAP - Important Business Information Enclosed". We've tried it and it definitely gets calls.

    Also, we use a voice broadcasting to business owners and the service provides the phone numbers in our marketing areas. They actually have a scraper software that scapes emails and phone numbers off Google based on keyword search...and it works wonderfully well for emails. (Example: Real Estate Agents...you end up with the email addresses, phone numbers and websites for the area you select.)


    Cheers, Uncle Chucke
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    • Profile picture of the author Rick W
      A good idea also is to join your local chamber of commerce. From one person i met there i have managed to get 4 referrals, and referrals are how i've built 95% of my offline business
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    • Profile picture of the author hademade
      Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

      You can and should use a script....practice and you WILL sound natural. Write it out exactly as if you were speaking to someone in person....it may take several drafts.
      I am re-writing my script right now, i am trying my best to make it sound natural.

      Originally Posted by UncleChucke View Post

      Hademade,
      Good luck in approaching businesses. There are a number of great ideas in the forum...one is doing a one page flyer and distribute the flyers in strip centers late night after closing hours by slipping them under the door. The envelop which holds the flyer would say "Please Provide to Store Manager or Owner ASAP - Important Business Information Enclosed". We've tried it and it definitely gets calls.


      Cheers, Uncle Chucke
      So the one page flyer that you put under door works really well. I really like that idea right there, i never heard of it before. I should be able to get some good results with that. The best time to do this is after closing hours.
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  • Profile picture of the author nelram
    Face to face is the best way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jool
    Just like the others, walk-in and meet the business owner is the best way.
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  • Profile picture of the author terip
    I would suggest a mix of all the suggestions placed in this thread. You can first try cold calling a business to set an appointment to meet with the business owner. True that there are a lot of business owners out there that do not like getting cold calls, but if the opportunity and timing is right for them then they may consider meeting you face-to-face.

    In my opinion, just abruptly going to another business establishment and asking for the business owner may not give you the results you desire without setting the appointment first.

    You can also purchase a list of business leads so that you already know what business to target and who to contact.
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    • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
      Depends on your budget too.

      Don't dissmiss email.

      A recent email campaign I did to 50 business owners in Stamford Cn
      had a tad over 90% reply.

      And of those replies, the majority came on board.

      The offer was extremely hard to resist what made it work
      as well as a few little twists too.

      Best,
      Ewen

      P.S. Direct mail postcards done right work wonders as well.

      A company I've dealt with recently gets 600 leads phoning in weekly.

      110,000 go out every week.

      They do $20 million in annual sales.
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      • Profile picture of the author Adrian John
        Ewen,

        I and most of us here would love to find out how you got 90% reply to your emails
        I've tried for some time contacting people by email, one by one, customized by hand and i thing i've sent over 500 emails to different niches, 4-5 different email copies, some shorter some longer and i got close to 10 replies, 1 was considering my service, but sometime in the fututre

        I got my leads from YP, GPlaces and groupon sites.

        Would love to know how and what you wrote to get 90% of your emails opened and replied.I can get plenty leads daily and i don't wanna waste them anymore.If you could help i would give a share from the profits.

        From my experience 90% will never possible by cold email considering a good amount of the emails go in S pam.

        Thanks in advance.

        Regards,
        Adrian


        Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

        Depends on your budget too.

        Don't dissmiss email.

        A recent email campaign I did to 50 business owners in Stamford Cn
        had a tad over 90% reply.

        And of those replies, the majority came on board.

        The offer was extremely hard to resist what made it work
        as well as a few little twists too.

        Best,
        Ewen
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        • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
          Originally Posted by banditu View Post

          Ewen,

          I and most of us here would love to find out how you got 90% reply to your emails
          I've tried for some time contacting people by email, one by one, customized by hand and i thing i've sent over 500 emails to different niches, 4-5 different email copies, some shorter some longer and i got close to 10 replies, 1 was considering my service, but sometime in the fututre

          I got my leads from YP, GPlaces and groupon sites.

          Would love to know how and what you wrote to get 90% of your emails opened and replied.I can get plenty leads daily and i don't wanna waste them anymore.If you could help i would give a share from the profits.

          From my experience 90% will never possible by cold email considering a good amount of the emails go in S pam.

          Thanks in advance.

          Regards,
          Adrian
          Hi Adrian,

          I gave out how I structure an email I send out in my $67,500 in 3 months thread.

          If you can't demonstrate the return on investment and the speed of that return,
          then you have a massive uphill battle on your hands.

          Best,
          Ewen

          P.S. The list of 50 emails I got came from Googling.
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      • Profile picture of the author hademade
        Originally Posted by terip View Post

        I would suggest a mix of all the suggestions placed in this thread. You can first try cold calling a business to set an appointment to meet with the business owner. True that there are a lot of business owners out there that do not like getting cold calls, but if the opportunity and timing is right for them then they may consider meeting you face-to-face.

        In my opinion, just abruptly going to another business establishment and asking for the business owner may not give you the results you desire without setting the appointment first.

        You can also purchase a list of business leads so that you already know what business to target and who to contact.
        I will consider going face to face and cold calling, but where do you purchase the business leads at.

        Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

        Depends on your budget too.

        Don't dissmiss email.

        A recent email campaign I did to 50 business owners in Stamford Cn
        had a tad over 90% reply.

        And of those replies, the majority came on board.

        The offer was extremely hard to resist what made it work
        as well as a few little twists too.

        Best,
        Ewen

        P.S. Direct mail postcards done right work wonders as well.

        A company I've dealt with recently gets 600 leads phoning in weekly.

        110,000 go out every week.

        They do $20 million in annual sales.
        I will use this idea, so the business owners check there emails regularity. A 90% response rate is good, but how do you get the business owners email address.
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  • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
    Originally Posted by hademade View Post

    Now i have a solid business plan for my advertising company.
    If you can demonstrate how many dollars came in from ad spend, and how quickly they got it, then you can sell in a vacuum.

    Nobody is approaching business owners with pre-tested advertising methods...

    where they can use the same mailing, ad or whatever that got the business in the same industry, a high return and fast.

    This is why response rates to offers to businesses are so low.

    An old time direct mailer approached me recently saying that, even when he get's his clients at the top of Google, increased business is marginal for his clients.

    I have a pre-tested mailer in front of me for a builder that got a whopping 207 on 1
    return.

    Wouldn't you think other builders might be a little bit interested in knowing more about that?

    Having that sort of value loaded for your prospects, makes the method of contacting them less daunting.

    So my point is, get your offer enticing first, then knowing how to contact your target audience becomes almost automatic.

    Best,
    Ewen
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  • Profile picture of the author rgrimes
    Great content here, Ewen you say you use emails to business's? Having a powerful offer was in your first approach or second?
    thanks,
    richard
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    • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
      Originally Posted by rgrimes View Post

      Great content here, Ewen you say you use emails to business's? Having a powerful offer was in your first approach or second?
      thanks,
      richard
      Hi Rich,

      Yes the first email had the offer in it and told them what to do next.

      The second email only went out to those responses.

      Best,
      Ewen
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  • Profile picture of the author wilder1047
    Haha I love these threads!

    As David Miller is saying up top there, it's often debated and talked about on the WF and then people finally come around to the inevitable realization that cold calling is going to be the most effective way to stir up business, NOW!

    The great thing is it almost acts as a barrier to entry, if you aren't willing to pick up the phone, then, you're not going to make with this biz model.. otherwise it would just be way too good to be true (and it's pretty damn good in the first place)

    Really, it's all about lead gen. you ALWAYS have to be focusing on lead gen... be it cold calling, e-mailing, direct mail, networking, whatever it is... make a habit of doing all of it all the time.

    The worst thing you can do is sit around the forum and other places (I'm really guilty of this over the past couple days) and focusing on stuff that isn't adding to your business' bottom line.

    The great thing about constantly having leads come in the door is when a prospect doesn't convert into a client, you could care less, his loss, you've got 15 more businesses sitting in your pipeline waiting for you to contact them.

    When you DON'T have a ton of prospects and that ONE doesn't convert, you'll consider throwing in the towel right there!

    On top of my rant, the BEST place to stir up business is if you can get into your local BNI or a similar type of business networking group in your town.
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      • Profile picture of the author wilder1047
        Originally Posted by rgrimes View Post

        Yup agreed wilder you gotta take action and pick the phone up and call! What's the BNI stand for?

        Business Network International. Here's their site - > BNI International - Business Networking and Referrals
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        • Profile picture of the author Jerry McGough
          Here's how to get your feet wet....

          Make a list of all the local businesses that you've been to in the past six months.
          Do some homework on potential needs.....
          Visit them "as a customer".
          i had a storefront for about twenty years and listening to customers was part of doing business. Listening to a cold calling salesman wasn't going to happen.

          If you're getting Pizza, order at the counter and you've got fifteen minutes to locate the owner.....they're often there.

          One thing that hardly any small businesses are doing is gathering and marketing to customer email lists.
          That's also a field that you can project yourself as an expert in with little effort.
          If you can manage their email campaigns, you'll get recurring income and when they're getting positive measurable results they'll be very receptive to other offerings.

          Also, think about joining your local Chamber of Commerce. Business owners are usually much more chatty when away from their work environment.
          Most Chambers also give membership mailing lists as a perk to join.

          Good luck
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          • Profile picture of the author hademade
            Originally Posted by Jerry McGough View Post

            Here's how to get your feet wet....

            Make a list of all the local businesses that you've been to in the past six months.
            Do some homework on potential needs.....
            Visit them "as a customer".
            i had a storefront for about twenty years and listening to customers was part of doing business. Listening to a cold calling salesman wasn't going to happen.

            If you're getting Pizza, order at the counter and you've got fifteen minutes to locate the owner.....they're often there.

            One thing that hardly any small businesses are doing is gathering and marketing to customer email lists.
            That's also a field that you can project yourself as an expert in with little effort.
            If you can manage their email campaigns, you'll get recurring income and when they're getting positive measurable results they'll be very receptive to other offerings.

            Also, think about joining your local Chamber of Commerce. Business owners are usually much more chatty when away from their work environment.
            Most Chambers also give membership mailing lists as a perk to join.

            Good luck
            The local chamber of commerce sounds like a good idea, they give away free mailing list at the chamber of commerce.
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  • Profile picture of the author SEO Jerry
    I run my own SEO shop, and I also made my iving for 14 years selling mid-range servers and peripherals over phone. I was a cold-calling machine, and might have more outbound cold-calling sales experience than any other person on this forum.

    Someone commented that business owners don't like to get phone calls, and that is partly true. Business owners don't like inept cold calls, but they do like phone calls that will tell them in 60 seconds how they can make more money or solve some small biz problem.

    To make that call a warm phone call is very simple.

    Do this:
    1. Call the receptionist and ask to speak with Mr. XYZ. She will essentially tell you "no". That is fine.
    2. Tell the pig-headed receptionist that you have a zip file that Mr. XYZ will want to read, and you simply want to give Mr. XYZ a heads-up that it is coming.
    3. She will see the logic in that
    4. Request Mr. XYZ's email address. She might offer hers, but you must insist on his because of the private nature of the email.

    In your email to Mr. XYZ, tell him briefly that you called and receptionist offered his email address. Ask him to read your zipped file because it contains detailed information on his (competitor/business/etc). And close your email with your committment to call him back in two or three days.

    5. Call him back. Its a warm call and he expects you, or he did not read your email and its his bad and you look more professional than him, or he deleted it.

    That's what I am doing right now. I do not have enough data to provide a valid statistical analysis for you, but it feels right.

    Follow-up is key. We cannot do business with offline businesses without using the phone. Most IM folks hide from the phone, and that is bad. It's bad for the IM'r, because in his or her mind, the phone becomes something to be avoided.

    Avoiding the phone will cost you a lot of money.

    SEO Jerry
    DMGNA.com
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    • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
      Originally Posted by SEO Jerry View Post

      I was a cold-calling machine, and might have more outbound cold-calling sales experience than any other person on this forum.
      Thats a bold statement, even if you did qualify it with a "might have"

      Some of us have been on the phone for 20 + years, and i have personally closed , over 100 million dollars in business.

      and no, that is NOT a typo.
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      • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
        Ken, I've closed 101 million so HA!

        BTW did you add me to skype yet?

        Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

        Thats a bold statement, even if you did qualify it with a "might have"

        Some of us have been on the phone for 20 + years, and i have personally closed , over 100 million dollars in business.

        and no, that is NOT a typo.
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      • Profile picture of the author David Miller
        "Someone commented that business owners don't like to get phone calls, and that is partly true. Business owners don't like inept cold calls, but they do like phone calls that will tell them in 60 seconds how they can make more money or solve some small biz problem."

        @SEO Jerry - That's EXACTLY what I was thinking when I saw "business owners don't like phone calls" and you captured the essence of good tele-sales in that one paragraph. Thanks so much!

        @Russ Sells - Great video, I'm going through the attic know to see if I can find my bell bottoms, paisley shirts, and frye boots. Than I'm gonna go out and make some face to face calls. But I've gotta get back home before Hullabaloo is on....I heard Nancy Sinatra is gonna do her new song tonight!
        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 hademade
      Originally Posted by SEO Jerry View Post

      I run my own SEO shop, and I also made my iving for 14 years selling mid-range servers and peripherals over phone. I was a cold-calling machine, and might have more outbound cold-calling sales experience than any other person on this forum.

      Someone commented that business owners don't like to get phone calls, and that is partly true. Business owners don't like inept cold calls, but they do like phone calls that will tell them in 60 seconds how they can make more money or solve some small biz problem.

      To make that call a warm phone call is very simple.

      Do this:
      1. Call the receptionist and ask to speak with Mr. XYZ. She will essentially tell you "no". That is fine.
      2. Tell the pig-headed receptionist that you have a zip file that Mr. XYZ will want to read, and you simply want to give Mr. XYZ a heads-up that it is coming.
      3. She will see the logic in that
      4. Request Mr. XYZ's email address. She might offer hers, but you must insist on his because of the private nature of the email.

      In your email to Mr. XYZ, tell him briefly that you called and receptionist offered his email address. Ask him to read your zipped file because it contains detailed information on his (competitor/business/etc). And close your email with your committment to call him back in two or three days.

      5. Call him back. Its a warm call and he expects you, or he did not read your email and its his bad and you look more professional than him, or he deleted it.

      That's what I am doing right now. I do not have enough data to provide a valid statistical analysis for you, but it feels right.

      Follow-up is key. We cannot do business with offline businesses without using the phone. Most IM folks hide from the phone, and that is bad. It's bad for the IM'r, because in his or her mind, the phone becomes something to be avoided.

      Avoiding the phone will cost you a lot of money.

      SEO Jerry
      DMGNA.com
      Thanks for the great idea, calling the receptionist and asking for the owners email address seems like it will work well. Has there ever been a time when the receptionist didn't give you the owner's email address, i want to be prepared in-case this happens. I want to find a way to get pass the receptionist or manager if they won't me talking to the owner.
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  • Profile picture of the author elvisjay
    Man, this is cool. You're getting a lot of great advice here. Glad to see that I can get help when I need it.

    I will apologize first for the long post but I think my perspective would be helpful.

    I'd like to tell you what its like to be on the other end of the phone or other side of the door as a business owner that could use your services.

    I own a small real estate brokerage called Jolly Homes and I get contacted for SEO and advertising daily. I mostly get emails, which I DESPISE more than anything. I get them so much that I have even taken up space on my Contact Us page telling them not to contact me, which they do anyway.

    I also have sold web development and owned a .NET development firm of my own, so I know both sides of this fence.

    You must at least call them. If you email them first they will see that as weakness and not want to be associated with you. You'll see why later.

    Before you approach them,you need know who that business owner is and how they think. No matter where you look, there are generally 4 basic personality types and each have their own language. The good part is that 2 of them would almost never have a successful business.

    If the business is successful, you are dealing with personality types that are wired differently than the majority of the population and thus need to be dealt with in a special way.

    Do's-
    1. Only talk about benefits and how you can MAKE MONEY for them.
    2. Make them think they are special, cutting edge, and ahead of the pack.
    3. Get to the bottom line quickly-->they make decisions fast so ask for the business early. Be QUICK! Their time is EXTREMELY VALUABLE. A no, isn't always a no.
    4. Have them make the decision. "Is this something that your business is looking for?"
    5. Make sure that they know at all times that they will be in control, BUT that you will be taking care of everything. -->They HATE the "details".
    6. Be there respectful servant (at least in the beginning).


    Don'ts-
    1. Don't talk about saving money, special offers or discounts if they buy today.
    2. Don't ever let them think that 'everyone is doing it'-->They never want to be considered 'status quo'. Normal is a 4-letter word to them.
    3. Don't use the Fear of Loss approach-Fear based selling makes them angry because they willtake that as you thinking they're stupid. See #1 above.
    4. Don't give them your 'advice' - they don't want it until you've given them results to prove that it has worth.
    5. Never, ever, ever, ever, even infer that they are doing something wrong currently or that you are smarter than them.
    6. Never send them something to read or watch. They pay people to do that for them. Again, they don't want an education, they want money and prestige and they want it NOW.

    Almost every person that contacts me starts out like this, "I was searching google in your area and you didn't show up in first position or on the first page, did you know that?" -->reading the advice above, what do you think my reaction is?....Well, you're an idiot, goodbye.

    What would work..."Hello sir or mam, my name is ___I am calling to see if my services could enhance your already successful business. Did I catch you at a BAD time? (it is never a 'good time' because they are always 'busy' but is almost never a BAD time, if it is find out a better time to call them back)

    "Well, I know your time is valuable so i will be brief. I work in Internet services(whatever you want to say but be specific but not jargony) and I am really impressed with what you are currently doing with your website. Would you be interested in discussing how my company could bring you more business through the Internet?

    What is working for you right now? Are there any areas that you would like to enhance or implement?

    Imagine you have hired my company and we are driving dollars to your bottom line on a monthly basis.(a little NLP) What kind of results would you expect of us? ANSWER "xxxx"

    We can do that for you and take care of all the details. How would a monthly charge of $xxx.xx sound to you if we delivered "xxxx" in return?

    Take their answer and either sign them up or set a time to check back with them if they say no. DO NOT try to 'sell' them it will be a waste of time and will also almost guarantee you failure in the future. Sometimes they just want you to call them back to make sure that they are special enough to you.

    Get in a mindset that you're calling Madonna or Lady Gaga. Stupid reference but it will serve you well.

    Hope that helps. That script is rough but i think you get the idea.
    Signature
    Business Development Consultant
    www.GoyexTech.com
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    • Profile picture of the author hademade
      Originally Posted by elvisjay View Post

      Man, this is cool. You're getting a lot of great advice here. Glad to see that I can get help when I need it.

      I will apologize first for the long post but I think my perspective would be helpful.

      I'd like to tell you what its like to be on the other end of the phone or other side of the door as a business owner that could use your services.

      I own a small real estate brokerage called Jolly Homes and I get contacted for SEO and advertising daily. I mostly get emails, which I DESPISE more than anything. I get them so much that I have even taken up space on my Contact Us page telling them not to contact me, which they do anyway.

      I also have sold web development and owned a .NET development firm of my own, so I know both sides of this fence.

      You must at least call them. If you email them first they will see that as weakness and not want to be associated with you. You'll see why later.

      Before you approach them,you need know who that business owner is and how they think. No matter where you look, there are generally 4 basic personality types and each have their own language. The good part is that 2 of them would almost never have a successful business.

      If the business is successful, you are dealing with personality types that are wired differently than the majority of the population and thus need to be dealt with in a special way.

      Do's-
      1. Only talk about benefits and how you can MAKE MONEY for them.
      2. Make them think they are special, cutting edge, and ahead of the pack.
      3. Get to the bottom line quickly-->they make decisions fast so ask for the business early. Be QUICK! Their time is EXTREMELY VALUABLE. A no, isn't always a no.
      4. Have them make the decision. "Is this something that your business is looking for?"
      5. Make sure that they know at all times that they will be in control, BUT that you will be taking care of everything. -->They HATE the "details".
      6. Be there respectful servant (at least in the beginning).


      Don'ts-
      1. Don't talk about saving money, special offers or discounts if they buy today.
      2. Don't ever let them think that 'everyone is doing it'-->They never want to be considered 'status quo'. Normal is a 4-letter word to them.
      3. Don't use the Fear of Loss approach-Fear based selling makes them angry because they willtake that as you thinking they're stupid. See #1 above.
      4. Don't give them your 'advice' - they don't want it until you've given them results to prove that it has worth.
      5. Never, ever, ever, ever, even infer that they are doing something wrong currently or that you are smarter than them.
      6. Never send them something to read or watch. They pay people to do that for them. Again, they don't want an education, they want money and prestige and they want it NOW.

      Almost every person that contacts me starts out like this, "I was searching google in your area and you didn't show up in first position or on the first page, did you know that?" -->reading the advice above, what do you think my reaction is?....Well, you're an idiot, goodbye.

      What would work..."Hello sir or mam, my name is ___I am calling to see if my services could enhance your already successful business. Did I catch you at a BAD time? (it is never a 'good time' because they are always 'busy' but is almost never a BAD time, if it is find out a better time to call them back)

      "Well, I know your time is valuable so i will be brief. I work in Internet services(whatever you want to say but be specific but not jargony) and I am really impressed with what you are currently doing with your website. Would you be interested in discussing how my company could bring you more business through the Internet?

      What is working for you right now? Are there any areas that you would like to enhance or implement?

      Imagine you have hired my company and we are driving dollars to your bottom line on a monthly basis.(a little NLP) What kind of results would you expect of us? ANSWER "xxxx"

      We can do that for you and take care of all the details. How would a monthly charge of .xx sound to you if we delivered "xxxx" in return?

      Take their answer and either sign them up or set a time to check back with them if they say no. DO NOT try to 'sell' them it will be a waste of time and will also almost guarantee you failure in the future. Sometimes they just want you to call them back to make sure that they are special enough to you.

      Get in a mindset that you're calling Madonna or Lady Gaga. Stupid reference but it will serve you well.

      Hope that helps. That script is rough but i think you get the idea.
      The Do's and Don't's were really helpful to me, i know time is valuable to business owners. So i need to get to the point quick. I should contact them saying something about enhancing there business, and if they are interested i should set an appointment with the owner.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay Levine
    There are a lot of ways to contact business owners, but after many years of learning the options, I have come to the conclusion that the best way for me was not to contact them at all, but to have them contact me.

    That meant having a great website that ranks high for keywords that my potential business owners would use to search me out when they needed me. Then I would merely answer their requests for information in a way that would allow them to realize in their own minds that I was the solution to their problems.

    Another way to do find interested business owners is to be where the business owners are, and to meet them on a friendly professional basis. If your target audience are lawyers than go to networking events that lawyers would go to, etc. Every city has business networking groups and events. Google it to find out where they are.

    Also, try meeting business owners at meetup groups. If you're not familiar with meetups, you really should find out more.

    Chamber of commerce and BNI can work as well, but you have to be prepared to really commit and work these types of venues to see results. But if you're going to be successful in your business it's going to take some work to make it happen.

    Be the best around at what you do and gain a good reputation in your town. It really is important to be good at what you do. It's a great ego booster and sales tool, when you know your stuff. That may take time if you're not already there.

    Choose a couple of methods that work for you, and them work them hard and regularly. When the referrals start coming in your job of meeting new clients will become a bit easier.
    Signature

    Learn web design, marketing, and SEO from beginner to agency owner. Save time and energy by tapping my 20 years of agency experience for free at BestWebSecrects.com

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    • Profile picture of the author David Miller
      Originally Posted by fotoko View Post

      There are a lot of ways to contact business owners, but after many years of learning the options, I have come to the conclusion that the best way for me was not to contact them at all, but to have them contact me.

      That meant having a great website that ranks high for keywords that my potential business owners would use to search me out when they needed me. Then I would merely answer their requests for information in a way that would allow them to realize in their own minds that I was the solution to their problems.

      Another way to do find interested business owners is to be where the business owners are, and to meet them on a friendly professional basis. If your target audience are lawyers than go to networking events that lawyers would go to, etc. Every city has business networking groups and events. Google it to find out where they are.

      Also, try meeting business owners at meetup groups. If you're not familiar with meetups, you really should find out more.

      Chamber of commerce and BNI can work as well, but you have to be prepared to really commit and work these types of venues to see results. But if you're going to be successful in your business it's going to take some work to make it happen.

      Be the best around at what you do and gain a good reputation in your town. It really is important to be good at what you do. It's a great ego booster and sales tool, when you know your stuff. That may take time if you're not already there.

      Choose a couple of methods that work for you, and them work them hard and regularly. When the referrals start coming in your job of meeting new clients will become a bit easier.
      So the best way to conduct your offline business is to have a powerful online business because they'll come knockin' down the door.....please keep me in mind for replacement doormats.

      Good stuff....can't wait for you "push button" WSO...lotsa luck!
      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 aitvaras
    The best way is to meet them in person at niche conventions. Nothing tops a face to face meeting.
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    • Profile picture of the author David Miller
      Originally Posted by aitvaras View Post

      The best way is to meet them in person at niche conventions. Nothing tops a face to face meeting.
      I've put my phone on ebay....clearly there's no need for it.

      I'm out!
      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 Aaron Doud
    I think the debate gets to be silly

    Cold calls work.
    Cold emails work.
    Cold walk in work
    Cold mail(direct mail work)

    But when cold it has to be good.

    So which are you best at? Play to your strengths. If you are great in person than cold walk ins are the way to go. if you have great phone skills cold call. Write great sales letter than pull out those hand adress envelops and stamps and mail them. And yes even cold email works but unless you are damn good at it and have a large list the conversions are lower than I would like myself.

    Now for more of my tips from the other side and how I feel about each.

    Cold emails I touched on. Most feel like spam so I am very likely to delete it unless you have drawn me in.

    Cold calls: 99.9% of people who cold call me have no business on the phone. They never catch my attention. I only half listen cause I feel sorry for them. So if you plan to cold call get that script together and work it till you are good. And aim for potential clients you don't care if you get at first. Because unless you have done it before you will likely suck at it till you get practice. But remember cold calling is a numbers game. So you will be getting like 1 yes in 100 calls and stuff like that. The key is to hit the phones and figure out what works.

    Cold walk ins: So few do this anymore that IMO it is truly powerful if you know how to sell in person. Hell if your pitch is good but the price or service isn't right for them they may send you to a friend they know who needs your services. I think cold walks in are by far the highest closing percentage if you know what you arre doing. But they also take the most time. If you dial a lot you can likely close more by cold calling.

    Direct Mail: If you are good at this you can get better numbers vs cold calls. But you need to learn the secrets of getting into the A pile. And you need to draw them in right away with your letter. Remember that this method merely leads to warm calls. Either them calling you or you calling them. The big boys like google use direct mail and it works. The negative for the marketer is this has a higher cost than email or cold calls.

    And let's not forget the key to long term business growth and that is networking. And I am not just talking official networking events. You should be ready to sell yourself at any moment. On a blind date and she asks what you do? Sell how you help businesses. Her mom or dad or brother or etc might be an owner or manager who needs your services. The date might tank but you might still get a client. And this is true anywhere. Walking in walmart and over hear someone talking business and you think you could help? Introduce yourself. Eating at a new resturant? Ask to see the owner or manager. Compliment the food/etc and introduce yourself.

    But in the begining do what you are best at. But in a real business sooner or later you will do all 5 of the above. Though hopefully you will hire people who know how to cold call and do the other things you are not good at.
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    • Profile picture of the author hademade
      Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

      I think the debate gets to be silly

      Cold calls work.
      Cold emails work.
      Cold walk in work
      Cold mail(direct mail work)

      But when cold it has to be good.

      So which are you best at? Play to your strengths. If you are great in person than cold walk ins are the way to go. if you have great phone skills cold call. Write great sales letter than pull out those hand adress envelops and stamps and mail them. And yes even cold email works but unless you are damn good at it and have a large list the conversions are lower than I would like myself.

      Now for more of my tips from the other side and how I feel about each.

      Cold emails I touched on. Most feel like spam so I am very likely to delete it unless you have drawn me in.

      Cold calls: 99.9% of people who cold call me have no business on the phone. They never catch my attention. I only half listen cause I feel sorry for them. So if you plan to cold call get that script together and work it till you are good. And aim for potential clients you don't care if you get at first. Because unless you have done it before you will likely suck at it till you get practice. But remember cold calling is a numbers game. So you will be getting like 1 yes in 100 calls and stuff like that. The key is to hit the phones and figure out what works.

      Cold walk ins: So few do this anymore that IMO it is truly powerful if you know how to sell in person. Hell if your pitch is good but the price or service isn't right for them they may send you to a friend they know who needs your services. I think cold walks in are by far the highest closing percentage if you know what you arre doing. But they also take the most time. If you dial a lot you can likely close more by cold calling.

      Direct Mail: If you are good at this you can get better numbers vs cold calls. But you need to learn the secrets of getting into the A pile. And you need to draw them in right away with your letter. Remember that this method merely leads to warm calls. Either them calling you or you calling them. The big boys like google use direct mail and it works. The negative for the marketer is this has a higher cost than email or cold calls.

      And let's not forget the key to long term business growth and that is networking. And I am not just talking official networking events. You should be ready to sell yourself at any moment. On a blind date and she asks what you do? Sell how you help businesses. Her mom or dad or brother or etc might be an owner or manager who needs your services. The date might tank but you might still get a client. And this is true anywhere. Walking in walmart and over hear someone talking business and you think you could help? Introduce yourself. Eating at a new resturant? Ask to see the owner or manager. Compliment the food/etc and introduce yourself.

      But in the begining do what you are best at. But in a real business sooner or later you will do all 5 of the above. Though hopefully you will hire people who know how to cold call and do the other things you are not good at.
      I have changed my ideas on which methods will work, i was hesitant at first to email and cold call businesses. But now i feel like all the methods could work if i have the offer. I have to gain there attention with my offer within the first 30 seconds, i know business owners are busy. I will probably start out by walking into the smaller businesses because the owner is more accessible, and i will ask to see the owner or manager. Then later on that day, i will cold call and email some businesses. I should use everything i can to try to get business owners. I don't know which method will work for me best, so i am going to use all the methods.
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      • Profile picture of the author ERPLeadsWriter
        Originally Posted by hademade View Post

        I have changed my ideas on which methods will work, i was hesitant at first to email and cold call businesses. But now i feel like all the methods could work if i have the offer. I have to gain there attention with my offer within the first 30 seconds, i know business owners are busy. I will probably start out by walking into the smaller businesses because the owner is more accessible, and i will ask to see the owner or manager. Then later on that day, i will cold call and email some businesses. I should use everything i can to try to get business owners. I don't know which method will work for me best, so i am going to use all the methods.
        Each method (or combination of methods) is only as good as the person's experience. From what I've been told by my co-workers, experience helps them more than the actual medium. Whether it's the ones doing email marketing or the agents we got on the phone, their methods only work because it's the one they know best.

        Now with that in mind, experience doesn't necessarily have to be from anything business related. In your case, I think it would also help if you ask yourself which medium of communication you are both most comfortable with and also more used to. Have you often had an easier time talking to someone on the phone? Through email? Chat? Live conversation?

        This is not to determine which method you will solely use but just what to start with before you tailor in all the others.
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        • Profile picture of the author hademade
          Originally Posted by ERPLeadsWriter View Post

          Each method (or combination of methods) is only as good as the person's experience. From what I've been told by my co-workers, experience helps them more than the actual medium. Whether it's the ones doing email marketing or the agents we got on the phone, their methods only work because it's the one they know best.

          Now with that in mind, experience doesn't necessarily have to be from anything business related. In your case, I think it would also help if you ask yourself which medium of communication you are both most comfortable with and also more used to. Have you often had an easier time talking to someone on the phone? Through email? Chat? Live conversation?

          This is not to determine which method you will solely use but just what to start with before you tailor in all the others.
          I would like to actually give them a live conversation, i would feel more comfortable that way. Because i can actually show the business owners my product, and they can look at it on the spot. I can give them comparable details on how my advertising methods will save them money. I feel this would be much easier to do in person, then on the phone or email.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jgregory
      Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

      I think the debate gets to be silly

      Cold calls work.
      Cold emails work.
      Cold walk in work
      Cold mail(direct mail work)

      But when cold it has to be good.

      So which are you best at? Play to your strengths. If you are great in person than cold walk ins are the way to go. if you have great phone skills cold call. Write great sales letter than pull out those hand adress envelops and stamps and mail them. And yes even cold email works but unless you are damn good at it and have a large list the conversions are lower than I would like myself.
      I don't even need to make my own post. Well said Aaron. You've said what seems to be missing in the great debate.

      It all works.

      One method might work better for certain people.
      Some work better for different business models.
      Same-same for different products/services.
      Same-same for different target categories.

      Pick and choose like its a toolbox.

      These are delivery vehicles. Pick one that works for you and your target market and get to work. Test them all and find out what's best. There's no point in being afraid of the phone, or saying mail doesn't work... or does work. And gatekeepers are not enemies... they are often my greatest allies inside the company. I never try to go around anyone and treat everyone with respect. I'm a businessperson calling for a business reason and get right the point about it.

      And for gosh sakes, let's not forget powerful messaging. That's the rocket fuel. The brouhaha is about the delivery vehicles and its the message you send that's dragging the wagon. If you have the power message that truly resonates with the target prospect, that's the most important part. I've been in direct marketing quite a while... time after time in my experience, it's really down to having something to say that truly rings their chimes. Hell, with the right message to the right prospect, I could carve it into a turd... slip that in the mail slot and still make the sale.
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      • cold calling is probably the fastest, quickest, cheapest way if you did the grunt work yourself.

        I agree all types of marketing works...you just have to find what works for you
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        peak short video - Im ready...are you?

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  • Profile picture of the author shopperpk
    I think its a common problem in every business. When you want to talk to owner you need strong reference if you got then you can talk to owner and you would get the thing you want but even to contact an owner for your business is very difficult.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
      This a perception that is totally a myth and the perception is not necessarily one of the business owner but instead its ours.

      This type of perception is actually a road block to our success and is usually used an excuse for failure, and not taking actionable measures.

      Just saying!

      Originally Posted by shopperpk View Post

      I think its a common problem in every business. When you want to talk to owner you need strong reference if you got then you can talk to owner and you would get the thing you want but even to contact an owner for your business is very difficult.
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    • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
      Originally Posted by shopperpk View Post

      I think its a common problem in every business. When you want to talk to owner you need strong reference if you got then you can talk to owner and you would get the thing you want but even to contact an owner for your business is very difficult.
      If the owner is hard to contact that means the business is likely large enough where the owner isn't the right person to contact.

      VP of Marketing? Maybe the general manager they have working the resturant? These are all people that could likely be the right person.

      I'll never understand why marketers always assume the "owner" is the one to talk to. It is often not the case.

      In my position I am the person you need to contact not my boss. Yet by contacting him first you leave a bad taste in his mouth and mine.

      Remember receptionists and gatekeepers can give you all the info you need.

      "Hello my name is Aaron and I wondered if you could help me out"
      "Sure what can I help you with."
      "My firm, 123 Marketing, has a service that we believe could help your company. I am just not sure who I need to speak to in regard to Marketing specifically internet marketing. Could you tell me who I would speak with?"
      "Sure Jim is in charge of marketing but since you mentioned the internet I believe you would need to talk with Scott. He handles all of that for our company."
      "Perfect. Could you tell me when would be a good time to call and speak with Scott?"
      "Actually if you can hold I will see if Scott is available now"

      And at that point Scott will likely pick up.
      Too many people here see Gatekeepers as their enemies when in fact if you treat them with respect they can be your best friend.

      Lets say you got the name and didn't get to talk to him. Now next time you call you can literally just ask for Scott and act like he is expecting your call.

      And what if Scott is the wrong person? No problem tell them you spoke with Jodi in reception and she thought he was who you should talk to. Now he will tell you Jim and next time you call you can ask for Jim and tell him Scott told you to call him. See how even when you get the wrong person it can help build you credibility because you have spoken to others in the company who told you to call whomever.
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      • Profile picture of the author hademade
        Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

        If the owner is hard to contact that means the business is likely large enough where the owner isn't the right person to contact.

        VP of Marketing? Maybe the general manager they have working the resturant? These are all people that could likely be the right person.

        I'll never understand why marketers always assume the "owner" is the one to talk to. It is often not the case.

        In my position I am the person you need to contact not my boss. Yet by contacting him first you leave a bad taste in his mouth and mine.

        Remember receptionists and gatekeepers can give you all the info you need.

        "Hello my name is Aaron and I wondered if you could help me out"
        "Sure what can I help you with."
        "My firm, 123 Marketing, has a service that we believe could help your company. I am just not sure who I need to speak to in regard to Marketing specifically internet marketing. Could you tell me who I would speak with?"
        "Sure Jim is in charge of marketing but since you mentioned the internet I believe you would need to talk with Scott. He handles all of that for our company."
        "Perfect. Could you tell me when would be a good time to call and speak with Scott?"
        "Actually if you can hold I will see if Scott is available now"

        And at that point Scott will likely pick up.
        Too many people here see Gatekeepers as their enemies when in fact if you treat them with respect they can be your best friend.

        Lets say you got the name and didn't get to talk to him. Now next time you call you can literally just ask for Scott and act like he is expecting your call.

        And what if Scott is the wrong person? No problem tell them you spoke with Jodi in reception and she thought he was who you should talk to. Now he will tell you Jim and next time you call you can ask for Jim and tell him Scott told you to call him. See how even when you get the wrong person it can help build you credibility because you have spoken to others in the company who told you to call whomever.
        The gatekeeper did sound like a bad situation for me at first, i was wandering how to get past the gatekeeper to get to the person in charge. But if i respect them, i should be able to get to the owner.
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        • The gatekeeper's job is to guard (her) manager's time and sort the valuable from the petty issues. If it seems important you can be sure she'll put you through.

          That's the common theme to this whole discussion about which contact method is best. None of them will work if you are perceived as wasting their time!

          On the other hand, if you have a powerful proposition to HELP THEM GET MORE BUSINESS then why wouldn't they be happy to talk to you?

          Email open rates are low: people are busy. A walk-in or a phone call that offers genuine value for giving up the time to talk with you will get you a hearing anywhere.

          I would make a slight modification to Aaron's script:
          "My firm, 123 Marketing, has a service that I believe can deliver new customers for your XYZ offer. I'd like to ask a few questions to make sure this is right for your company but I'm just not sure who. . ."

          Just be sure that when you get (Scott) on the line that you talk about what your service will do for HIM.

          By the way, you are going to hear the word "No" a lot. Suck it up and make another call, because sales is just a game of numbers.

          GOOD LUCK!
          Signature

          Business advice from a bona fide Business Consultant

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  • Profile picture of the author buckaroo88
    Get involved with a networking lunch or local chamber function that allows you to showcase your business. Calling by phone might work but getting in front of a group and having people interact with you is a surefire way to get the attention of business owners. Not to mention that they see you in person and get to ask questions on their own time. Works for our website business time and time again.
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  • Profile picture of the author eramoke
    Business to business marketing make it very easy for you to meet the professional oriented clients. These clients not only helps to promote your company but also your products.
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  • Profile picture of the author SpankinNewbie
    Originally Posted by hademade View Post

    Now i have a solid business plan for my advertising company. The only part i am hesitant on is how to contact business owners.
    You will be hesitant until YOU are actually sold on your product. If you know that your advertising will make them money and you can prove it, then you should have no problem picking up the phone and telling the receptionist that she must put you in touch with the owner because he stands to lose a lot of money if she doesn't. You would have no problem walking into any business and getting to YES.

    You may want to think about giving the advertising away for free in the beginning and using tracking numbers for each ad. Tell them you only get paid if--they get a lead, make a sale, get an email, etc.

    If your advertising is any good you will make a ton of money and it will be easy to get to the owners.
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