13 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
13 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Cold Calling and telemarketers question (re: directory)

by Amber Jalink
10 replies
Note, I'm not new to creating directories in any way - however, in the past I've always used other methods to get my sales (email, sales letters, physical letters).

However, because I want to "blitz" my new project as it's slightly different than I've done in the past, I was thinking I'd hire some telemarketers to possibly speed up the process.

For those of you who do cold calling - which do you find more successful, or what do you recommend:

1) hire them just to get leads / make appointments
2) hire them to see if they can make a sale on the phone?
3) don't bother - just go to businesses myself and hire other in-person sales people?

Thoughts?
#calling #cold #directory #question #telemarketers
  • Profile picture of the author ADukes81
    A question, not an answer

    Is this for a mobile directory?

    The reason I ask is I think a mobile directory is such a HUGE untapped market. Really considering researching it a bit more. I am in Vegas, so a mobile directory would be great for all (3k+) bars/restaurants in town.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6335008].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Amber Jalink
      Originally Posted by ADukes81 View Post

      A question, not an answer

      Is this for a mobile directory?

      The reason I ask is I think a mobile directory is such a HUGE untapped market. Really considering researching it a bit more. I am in Vegas, so a mobile directory would be great for all (3k+) bars/restaurants in town.
      hehehe - sort of Mobile is a huge part of it.
      Signature

      Amber Jalink, Founder http://www.dime-co.com
      WSO - Create Native Apps - Prelaunch Announcement

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6335019].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ADukes81
    Just asking.

    The mobile thing fascinates me and I don't think a lot of people(including marketers) quite "get it". A lot to wrap our heads around, though.

    The biggest culture shift of our time. Moreso than the Internet, I honestly believe that.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6335223].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author EricIM
    1) hire them just to get leads / make appointments
    I try not to let people get too far down the sales path that are cold calling, but it really depends on what the complexity of the sale is and how you are compensating the callers. There are some great sales call centers that can do it, but they are expensive typically.

    You might also consider some inbound marketing that warms up the lead for the call, that can be more effective.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6335307].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Amber Jalink
      Originally Posted by EricIM View Post

      I try not to let people get too far down the sales path that are cold calling, but it really depends on what the complexity of the sale is and how you are compensating the callers. There are some great sales call centers that can do it, but they are expensive typically.

      You might also consider some inbound marketing that warms up the lead for the call, that can be more effective.
      Hi Eric - thanks - I was leaning to that way (to get the appt).

      What do you mean "inbound marketing that warms up the lead for the call"?

      You mean sending an email first?
      Signature

      Amber Jalink, Founder http://www.dime-co.com
      WSO - Create Native Apps - Prelaunch Announcement

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6338019].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author beeswarn
    Before you consider hiring anyone, draft a telephone prospecting script and develop it until you know that it produces the sales, leads, appointments or similar desirable results that you want to produce.

    Then you can begin looking for people to use it to make your prospecting calls.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6338164].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author End2End
    Originally Posted by Amber Jalink View Post

    Note, I'm not new to creating directories in any way - however, in the past I've always used other methods to get my sales (email, sales letters, physical letters).

    However, because I want to "blitz" my new project as it's slightly different than I've done in the past, I was thinking I'd hire some telemarketers to possibly speed up the process.

    For those of you who do cold calling - which do you find more successful, or what do you recommend:

    1) hire them just to get leads / make appointments
    2) hire them to see if they can make a sale on the phone?
    3) don't bother - just go to businesses myself and hire other in-person sales people?

    Thoughts?
    Amber,

    1. First of all you need to check telemarketing laws in your country. I am well aware of US laws, but you seem to be in Canada and thats something I am not aware of.

    2. A lot depends on the product/ service you want to sell. If you have a service which is bit complicated then you want the telemarketers (TM) to generate leads/ fix appointments. On the other hand if the product/ service is easy to sell, you may want to gradually train them on closings/ making a sale on the phone.

    This is the approach I would suggest:

    Hire some TMs, put them on call and ask them to generate leads. When they have a prospect, ask them to transfer the call to you and listen. That ways they can learn and in sometime, they can sell on their own.

    Even if you keep a ratio of 5 (Lead generators):1 (Closing rep) it works perfect.

    If you need help in finding a Call center for your needs, feel free to PM me.

    Thanks!
    VV
    Signature
    Highest Paying Affiliate Programs: Tired of low payouts? Want to join Top $ affiliate Program? Here are some Top Payout Affiliate programs we offer.
    Credit Repair Affiliate Program
    Loan Modification Affiliate Program
    Debt Settlement Affiliate Program
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6341012].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Start on your own. You'll care the most. That shows.

    Get $100 and hire someone to set appointments for $10/hr to test them out. This one is John Durham's suggestion I saw in an older thread.

    Their job is to qualify your prospects and set you up to do the sales part of the job.
    Signature
    >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 10+ Year Vet]

    >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6341306].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author captinamerica
    I have used and still use cold calls. Get them to set up appointments, that's all. For testing get them to call 5 - 10 of your friends, whether they own a business or not. Tell him/her you are going to try them out, but don't tell them with who. Tell your friends these people will be calling. See who works out the best. Also MAKE SURE they are calling potential client with a local area code, this is very important. Good luck.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6342607].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Amber Jalink
      Thanks for the replies.

      I've got 3 sales guys lined up for in-person sales nearby and one in the US, and I'll be doing some myself as well next week.

      I'm going to hold on telemarketers for about a week or two, as was mentioned to get a feel for it all myself, but I'm also taking a slightly different approach. Since I usually email first, I'm going to contact the companies, get a firm email address and tell them to watch for my email... then I'll follow up (or that's when I'll get telemarketers to), to arrange for an in-person appointment.

      As we grow, I'll then have telemarketers be able to do more or have them do the initial calls etc.

      I think this will be the best way to go - with what I'm putting together, I don't think that they could "sell it" on a call the same as an in-person appt. after thinking about it more. But they could do some of the up front legwork

      Amber
      Signature

      Amber Jalink, Founder http://www.dime-co.com
      WSO - Create Native Apps - Prelaunch Announcement

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6344890].message }}

Trending Topics