Operation Cold Call - A Journey To Freedom With John Durham's Methods

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** John, if you see this thread, I'll be constantly updating in spite of my blinders and your advice/support/cheering section means a lot, so if I bother you with 80 million questions as I make distinctions and switch gears, I apologize in advance! **

Alright, so I had posted over at TMF about some minor successes, but all of those people have put me on the back burner until the new fiscal year. I was not very organized then... but now I NEED to be.

After following a recent thread where John and iAmNameless were helping CJ to attempt to meet his goals, John gave me some great advice too. Personal crap has meant that I couldn't really implement his advice, until now.

So, starting tomorrow, I will be doing just that. I plan to be on the phones from 8:30 or 9:00 AM to 11:30 or 12:00. Then I'll break for lunch since the niche I'm calling is closed for a 1-2 hour block in the afternoon anyway... and then I'll hit the phones again from 1:30-2:00 PM until 5:30-6:00.

These will all be phone closes. I do not have time to run appointments. I will be accepting checks by fax.

Here's what I've got so far:

  • My niche is chosen. It's in the health care industry, because I know a lot about that area.
  • The fax information sheet I will be sending over to them is done.
  • The invoice and other information that the clients will get once they're on board is also done. I did this so I could systematize as much as possible when I need to.
  • My fax by email account is setup.
  • I have my state centered lead list, which is currently at 1800 with the potential to expand a lot. I used 2 lead generators. My leads have also been scrubbed by me to avoid duplicates and larger chains. This is not perfect, but better than nothing.
  • I've raised my prices from what I was doing before. This puts me in a different bracket, but the average client value for this niche minimizes the potential sticker shock, and I will discuss this in my pitch. I want to work smart here, and hard too.
  • I've put together a pitch based on JD's methods, focusing on one product, but including several value added bonuses that... at least I feel would be hard to pass up for this niche if they're aware of their own practice needs. Scarcity and exclusivity is built into this on several levels.
  • The value added bonuses have a built in trial period and set me up for continuity/passive income as well, at no risk to the client.
  • I've partnered with a statewide charity I am passionate about, and will be donating a % of proceeds to them. This is something I will explain to my prospects, and it should add value to their purchase as well, because..if they become a client.... a donation will made in the client's name... and that makes the client look good.
  • I also have a referral system in place that would allow prospects/clients to get their product for free ultimately, and to contribute in a positive way to their communities at large.
  • Also, in spite of the fact that it might seem stupid, I've written down exactly how much money I need by the end of the week... as well as how much money I would like to have by the end of the month. I've also set a goal to be able to afford some really nice rewards for myself and my family if I can meet these figures.
  • If I don't meet the figures, I'll still be happy, and will still reward myself, but I had to get real and lay it out plus put something on my "dream board" or I'd have nothing to "look forward to"
I plan on making at least 400 dials a day for the next six days starting on Monday.

Even if I fight tooth and nail to do it... staying focused and motivated, and not being frustrated or depressed by what all I am dealing with at the moment has been my biggest challenge.. but I am ready to put the blinders on and MAKE A CHANGE.

With my price point, I would only need 1 sale per day to be happy... heck, only one sale per week would make me happy...but 1 sale a day is what I am shooting for, for now.

If anyone has any questions, tips or advice, I'd be happy to hear about it.

But... please note... if you're only going to come around to tell me about what other methods I should be doing OTHER than calling because it's "useless" "hard" "flawed" or whatever... I don't want to hear it right now. Once I have a financial cushion I plan on doing way more than cold calling.
#call #cold #durham #freedom #john #journey #methods #operation
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Hadrian,

    Dont fight, just dial and be pleasant to people, you will get your chance to shine if they feel your love energy. Just do what payoman is doing and you will be fine,. Its all in the telemarketing War report.

    Im here for you.
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    • Profile picture of the author sandalwood
      HAdrian,

      It looks like you figured it out:

      "But... please note... if you're only going to come around to tell me about what other methods I should be doing OTHER than calling because it's "useless" "hard" "flawed" or whatever... I don't want to hear it right now. Once I have a financial cushion I plan on doing way more than cold calling."

      If what you posted is spot on, calling is the easiest method. You are one of the few who have posted a thorough game plan. You took care of the small, medium and large details b4 you got on the phone.

      Your plan should work fine because you are working your plan. Yes, I realize your plan could be flawed but guess what, with your attention to detail you can re-orient as you are dialing.

      Good luck and let us know how it is going.

      Tom
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    • Profile picture of the author EaglePiServ
      If you're going for the one call close, you'll need to think about how you can frame the call so they see the benefits (not features) for them. Record your morning's calls. Every single one of them. Then in the 1-2 hour break while you're eating your lunch, listen to every call and ask yourself, "Would I have bought from me?". Even if you've had a success or two, listen to the calls. You'll hear some of your flaws and more importantly you'll hear what was successful for you and what turned the tables on the calls where you made a sale.

      Then, take the time to note what was different about the successful calls vs the non-successful calls. There'll be small, but noticeable differences.

      Before you start on your calls, listen to your favorite comedian for about 10 minutes. Laugh like a child before you make the first call. It'll help - trust me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
    Just two comments....

    First, congratulations on having a written plan with clearly
    defined goals. That puts you thousands of miles ahead of
    your average wannabe marketer. Thousands of dollars, too :-)

    Second, either there is a serious flaw in your plan or you need to
    expand that lead database immediately. It will be difficult to make
    400 dials per day for 6 days when you only have 1800 leads.
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    If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
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    • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
      Originally Posted by Tsnyder View Post

      Just two comments....

      First, congratulations on having a written plan with clearly
      defined goals. That puts you thousands of miles ahead of
      your average wannabe marketer. Thousands of dollars, too :-)

      Second, either there is a serious flaw in your plan or you need to
      expand that lead database immediately. It will be difficult to make
      400 dials per day for 6 days when you only have 1800 leads.
      Don't worry, I'm putting more leads in as I type this... I'm just doing it all manually with my scrubbing process, so it's kind of a pain right now. That's the first thing that is going to be outsourced, for sure.
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Any tips for an empath on the phone?

    I've had phone jobs before.. and I'm not bad at them... I just always left before too long because being on the phone and feeling people's energy all day is exhausting, even over the phone... I am one of those people that everyone feels like they can tell their life story too... even if I'm on a sales call.

    I once sold summer reading programs over the phone, and that was a great job... but so heart breaking when these people were bait and switched and thinking the program was free... but it wasn't and then would tell me how broke they were, how their houses burt down, how their kid hated themselves because they couldn't read very well, etc etc etc.

    That kind of thing gets to you.

    I try to put up walls so I'm not totally impacted by it... and it's not even about "rejection" because even if people say no 99% of them are nice about it...

    I suppose I am just going to have to power through and focus on my own positive energy coming through more than anything else like John says.

    But, I guess that's one of the reasons I've put off cold calling for so long. I love people, and I love talking to them... but it wears me out on a completely different level.... maybe that doesn't make sense... I don't know.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Hadrian,

    Just

    A: Take it easy and dial
    B: Dont hang all your hopes on each call, and figure that most of your day will just be spent politely saying hello and introducing yourself...
    C: Go reread the success stories in the OP of the Free Offline Report, because I updated them and they can help your faith.
    D: If you dont sound anxious and you are just real courteous, you will get to pitch about one out of 8- ten "answers"....
    E: If you keep the "matter of fact" kind of genuine , enthusiastic but non anxious tone...people will "choose" to do business with you once in awhile on those pitches. In other words, be genuinely happy to talk to them, but not being obligatory. You are trying to find interest, not create it necessarily at this point.

    Always close "to-day" and have several reasons ready for why that will be advantageous for the customer.

    Always act like you are just making a great offer and you are happy to talk to them, but that your whole life isnt hanging on them saying yes.

    Here's the truth: It isnt

    Your life is hanging on "someone" saying it, but it doesnt have to be the person you are talking to. If you dial enough someone "will".

    "Draw" them, dont push. Invite them through your kind, sincere energy, And Dial "Alot". It will happen.

    Will add more as we go on...
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  • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
    Originally Posted by HAdrian1239 View Post

    • I've partnered with a statewide charity I am passionate about, and will be donating a % of proceeds to them. This is something I will explain to my prospects, and it should add value to their purchase as well, because..if they become a client.... a donation will made in the client's name... and that makes the client look good.
    Good luck with everything you do.

    Only one thing I do not like as you will probably pick up now.

    I do not want to hear this from any company that calls me. It will not make one iota of difference.

    In fact it will piss businesses off in the UK if you did this. Maybe US is different.

    I will donate to who I feel like not who you feel like. If you give 10% of gross I will want you to immediately reduce your price by 10%. Your net will be the same.

    Every Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 plus a million other companies give to chosen charities each year. Sometimes millions if it is a FTSE or Fortune 500 yet they don't put it into their sales pitches for a reason. It is not relevant to a buyer 99% of the time.

    A % of your taxes go to Africa every year. I bet you would rather have a lower tax bill though given the choice.

    So I would just scrap that. I already don't believe you are partnered with the Charity just because of what you wrote. They are simply your chosen charity to donate to I think.

    If they are genuinely your partner you would have a team from the charity phoning as well. You haven't.

    Dan

    PS: I am not being negative to your plan, just don't like that bit in it.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    I agree with Dan on this.

    I think donating is good, but I wouldnt use it for a USP personally, for alot of reasons.

    Just call and make your offer. Thats enough. Take it easy , dial alot, and let it happen.

    Show your faith by dialing, then open yourself up to receive a sale, and that will come through on the phone...if you are using the stuff we teach here.

    Just spread love and it will come back to you on the phone. Dont push "people" just push the numbers themselves as far as you can go. and keep your ears peeled for the sound of your "man".

    It will happen, and you will make that perfect connection that leads to a close.
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    • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
      Yep.

      Forgot to write. The charity bit is your PR. You in the paper handing over one of those massive mock up cheques to the charity.

      Good luck.

      Dan
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    • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      I agree with Dan on this.

      I think donating is good, but I wouldnt use it for a USP personally, for alot of reasons.

      Just call and make your offer. Thats enough. Take it easy , dial alot, and let it happen.

      Show your faith by dialing, then open yourself up to receive a sale, and that will come through on the phone...if you are using the stuff we teach here.

      Just spread love and it will come back to you on the phone. Dont push "people" just push the numbers themselves as far as you can go. and keep your ears peeled for the sound of your "man".

      It will happen, and you will make that perfect connection that leads to a close.
      Thanks Dan and John for your input.

      The charity I chose for the initial donations when I was coming up with this is pretty well known where I am, as it's headed by a gentleman who was the first person with Cerebral Palsy to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro... a local... who has gone on to establish a series of centers that help developmentally delayed children throughout the state, and is pretty popular... I also do know him personally, and am already working with the foundation, but didn't quite think through this bit in how it would apply to my business and the businesses I work with.

      My thinking was, not many can turn down helping disabled/disadvantaged children... that would do their heart good, and set me apart from others too...

      I had a second level of this that would allow them to have me make a % donation to a charity of their choice in addition to the finders fee they would get for each referral they bring me... I was thinking that the statewide + their local community option would make businesses feel good.

      But... I get your point, and after more consideration... I agree, and will change the way I'm handling this in this regard.

      My goal first and foremost is to approach people genuinely, greet them with love in my heart, and open myself up to the positivity (and revenue) that comes from that... everything else can... and will follow.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    And who can say nay to me when their heart feels my love?

    You will be just fine!
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  • Profile picture of the author Rearden
    HAdrian -- just started CC'ing myself for life and Medicare insurance today in a post within this forum. I'll make sure to follow your progress. Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by Rearden View Post

      HAdrian -- just started CC'ing myself for life and Medicare insurance today in a post within this forum. I'll make sure to follow your progress. Good luck!

      Yeah! Forgot about you Reardon. We have alot going on here this week huh?

      Im trying to make a distinction right now on the WF as to whether group training is more effective than individual training.

      Individual training is scary publicly because you never know what the person on the other side is made of or what their motivations are...but we are taking the chance for a couple of weeks and seeing if we can help more people individually.

      I think we have a fired up group this week between you two, mav, and CJ!

      Ought to be a killer week, and hope to see some people say "I got a sale!"

      Hey! Remember that guy that says "I have only been marketing for SIX months and I just made my first 32 cents Today! Im sooooo excited!!!!"

      You dont want to be "that guy" do you?

      Thats why we do offline!

      So it may seem hard for a minute, or not- but its the most secure alternative for most to being "that guy"!

      If you look at the income, it isnt even an alternative, it would be your first choice.

      I heard payoman when someone said "If I had been told that it took a hundred calls per day I may never have even started..."

      Say: " Yeah but if I had been told that I could make $5000 per week from 100 calls per day...I would have started right out of high school!".

      Lol

      That about sums it up as well as I can imagine!

      BTW, good luck this week to you too payoman.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel LaRusso
    Following this thread. Great start!
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Got a bit of a late start calling today, and am now on my "lunch" since 99.9% of this niche is closed from 12:00-1:30 or 2 PM. Will post my numbers, results and any other interesting tidbits when I finish this afternoon...
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Hadrian, the "control" audio...is based on a different operating system than you are working this week...its really the same if you understand it, but it may throw you off if you cant assimilate. So if you listen, theres the warning first.

    It doesnt mean dont love, and pressure doesnt mean "dont be nice and loving", its about "Get people off the phone if you cant pitch them".

    Its about loving yourself, your idea, your opportunity, your customers, and your family...by staying FOCUSED.

    Back when I was on the phone, staying focused was "honoring your boss" and "loving the opportunity" that God gave you, and "loving your family" by being a champion for them!

    The "control" audio is open to mis interpretation and seems to not go along with alot of other things I teach. But in a year at a call center, you give lots of different speeches for lots of different purposes on lots of different days regarding lots of different variables...

    In the big picture it all fits together...being focused and in control doesnt mean "dont love"...it doesnt mean "dont be nice to people"...it just means "MOVE FAST AND GET TO PEOPLE YOU CAN PITCH".

    It all goes along with love if you can put it all together, but that would take the whole teaching together to culminate the variables for most.

    The drawing love energy is communicated in your "tone" ...whether you are using a rebuttaling approach or a high probability approach.

    BTW: You're 4 hours late. Clock out ...we'll see ya tomorrow!



    JK
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  • Profile picture of the author DesireWealth2
    This is great. I have known HAdrian for some time and I know she has mad skills and can succeed at what ever she puts her mind to. This is important for her, and I have never seen her focus like this..so it is awesome to see the support people are giving to her...who says the WF is full of grumps..this gives me new faith.

    H...I know when I did phone sales or door knocking back in my Kirby days. I kept meticulous notes on my dials/connects/presentations/closes I found after a month I had a pretty good idea of my closing ratio. That way I could much easier set my goals so that if one day, I did not close as many people, the next day my numbers would play out.

    Once you know your numbers, you can allow yourself to be empathic and very real because it will all lead you to your goal as you go for the close in a way that is taylored to the person you are speaking to. That comes with skill...and skill can only be built over time...so Smile and Dial my friend..I am rooting for you.
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by DesireWealth2 View Post

      This is important for her, and I have never seen her focus like this..so it is awesome to see the support people are giving to her...who says the WF is full of grumps..this gives me new faith.

      Lol. We arent grumps, but "I" personally like to think we (at leas the seniors who have seasoned a bit) are different from other forums in that, while others just want to sell things under anonymous names and take the money and run- we actually want to see people succeed- and thats why we sell things.

      So we dont use kid gloves as much, because nobody succeeds if you feed them those lies. Making money requires enough love for yourself to go through some self development and is worth it...but if anyone try's to sell you a magic bullet they are lying- So people think we are grumpy because we run off magic bullet salesman.

      Great Post BTW.
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  • Profile picture of the author rolltide
    Good luck Adrian! I am pulling for you
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  • Profile picture of the author ohhugo
    I'm looking forward to reading some results from Hadrian. This thread is right on time for me as I am also about to start cold calling per JD's Bower 2.0. I build my directory and now I am about to call my prospects.

    I just wished I had the Bower OTO as I was supposed to... oh well. I'll have to do without.

    It's nice of John to coach Hadrian too.
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    OK, so admittedly... I had to deal with a string of emergencies that ate considerably into my calling time. So much for blinders today, and I fell incredibly short of my goals, even my worst hope goal of 100 calls... but what's done is done.

    I didn't get started until after the lunch close period and it took me a while to find my groove. I am actually still finding it because I have that extra step of sending faxes/emails... I will get it down though, and speed up considerably I think.

    That meant I only had about 2 hours of calling time before places closed for the day... but not all is lost...

    Here's what I did manage to do:

    50 calls total

    25 Answering Machines
    5 Not Interested
    1 Disconnected Number

    18 Faxes Sent
    1 Email Sent

    And from those communications sent...

    4 Confirmed Appointments Tomorrow (to discuss Fax, i.e. call back at exactly X time and speak to Y)
    13 Invitations To Call Back Tomorrow or later in the week (to discuss but no confirmed time/it varies)

    So... I still think there's something to work with here, and obviously tomorrow I will try to hit better numbers and will have all day to call instead of a few random hours.

    99.9% of people were nice, and were glad I called... wanted to see what I had to offer, and were glad I had something to show them..

    I learned that many of the niche where I am are closed on Mondays, or close earlier on Mondays than they do the rest of the week.

    I also discovered that I find the "little unsure" technique awkward in this capacity, but I am not sure what else to greet with before launching into "I'm new blah blah blah"

    Similarly, it really pays to be friends with the GK because with a situation like this where the DM has multiple roles, or is in appointments all day, it doesn't work to just say "OK, I'll call you back in an hour" but... they can really hook you up, if not with a time, then just by liking and remembering you and putting you through.

    I also took the reference/question about having a smartphone optimized website out of my pre-pitch greeting, because that was tripping people up, and it loses the momentum you gave them when you told them you could help them get new patients.

    I played around with another part of my greeting for about 10-15 calls and determined it's better to ask if they're accepting new patients and how they get the majority of their patients rather than assuming... because... even though assuming will get you to be able to send the info over... if they're not accepting new patients, or get 99% of their biz from insurance referrals, then they basically qualify themselves out and you can move on to the next quickly.

    We'll see how tomorrow goes. I am nervous to actually pitch since I didn't get to that today, and was wobbly on the first part for a while... but the kinks will work themselves out I am sure.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel LaRusso
    That is a HUGE win today!!! Great job!! You are among my new heroes!!!

    I have a couple of observations. Maybe with today not being the "ideal" day is a good thing, because it could show you what a "typical" day should be. Maybe you need to scale back your goal for number of dials based on what happens the first few days. As long as you''re consistently putting out the effort and tracking your results, then you can set your baseline.

    You're doing a great job though!!

    In another thread, I read this wise phrase:
    Cold calling isn't about selling your services, it's about finding the people who have the problems that you can solve, and helping them solve those problems.

    I LOVE that. With that in mind, there is no fear or no rejection at all that comes through telemarketing, if you change your paradigm. In fact, I am trying to get into the mindset that it doesn't even matter what you say, in that it's all about chemistry and timing. Finding people who like and trust you, who are ready to use the services you have. Think about that (it's actually from Sid Walker's Selling Without Wrestling). So maybe it doesn't really matter what happens on any one call, as long as you keep doing it. Maybe it doesn't matter what you say (to some degree), as long as you're looking for the people who have the problems you can solve.

    I dunno, I'm just ready to go start kicking some ass myself!! Thank you for your inspiration, and may you continue to have great success!!
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  • Profile picture of the author cash89
    Keep at it hadrian!!

    Sounds like you are at the same place i have been many times, it gets easier from here though. Brings new life to all those sayings about finding success in failures/hard times. Results always change from what we expect but I am sure with the amount of work that you are doing and have already put in you will reach your goals.

    I just made a post about an hour ago about cold calling and one of the books I always refer to "Smart Calling: eliminate fear, failure and rejection from cold calling " by Art Sobczak cehck out my thread and the book, i think it would really help you big time!
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    • Profile picture of the author ohhugo
      Way to go Hadrian. Despite your relatively low numbers, you are having great results. I only hope for that kind of results.

      When pitching, ask a lot of questions. The book referred to by Cash89, I have it and have started reading it. I think it is a really good tool. There is also a very short book called "Go for the no!" that is motivating.

      Good luck tomorrow and keep us posted.
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Mike - What you say make sense, and I certainly don't want to be unrealistic about my number of dials... but I'm looking for my lay downs, and in order to find them, I gotta get my numbers up...

    Part of that is just being able to put the time in, which by the time I finished today, I was actually having fun... so it should be no problem...

    But the other part of that is just having a system where I'm not fumbling for the right window in which to input the fax number or take down other information, etc. Makes me almost wish I had dual screens instead of my laptop.

    The other thing is, currently I am dialing from my cell phone, and after every number disconnects, you have to touch a few things to get back to the dialer, so that slows me down too.

    Once I hit 1-2 sales, I am going to invest in a stable internet connection (has been a pain to get one for various reasons, mostly due to the complex I live in) and PhoneBurner, if I don't just use John's dialer..

    I would use VOIP now, but with the connection quality not being reliable, it looks and sounds bad. I know there is an auto dial app for smartphones, but I am not sure how that works or if I'd have to change my lead formatting.

    All I have to do now, is just keep working the plan, and I know things will work out sooner rather than later. I know you will be great when you dive in as well... you've got the drive to succeed, and if we talk to enough people, taking consistent action we will win!

    Cash - I saw your thread... I've heard great things about that book... I'll have to check it out for sure. Right now though, it's more... in the trenches with my back against the wall kind of thing so I gotta learn by doing.

    I've not added any leads yet for today... so I still have 2024 to call before the end of the week, and somewhere in there... is at least one sale and probably more.

    Of course, it could be that I picked a horrid niche, and I have no skillz... but... I don't entertain thought patterns like that. Hahaha!
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  • Profile picture of the author cash89
    Hadrian - Yea check out that book asap, its so worth it, it will take you out of the trenches, i promise. Don't know what your niche is but try to find the line of questioning i mentioned in my post. When i used to sell rx eyeglasses i used the type of questioning to great success:

    "do you get headaches throughout they day from staring at your computer?" yes
    "do you feel extra tried but not sure why?" yes. "thats beacuse youre straining your eyes all day and its wearing you out!" wow really?!? "yes, lets pick out your glasses" ok!

    BOOM! sale, its the line of questioning that would lead them to the sale most of the time, despite just having a doctor say they need it, it wasn't till i posed those questions that they realized it.

    Find your line of questioning and you're in.
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    OK, so I can't sleep and I'm thinking about tomorrow... this might be a dumb question... forgive me if so...sometimes things just rattle around in my brain and that kind of thing.

    I'm wondering if I should start with the GK by asking qualifying questions before I even let on who I am?

    In this particular niche, it's important to know:

    Whether they're an independent provider or if they are a group practice
    How they get most of their patients
    (if it's insurance referrals or low income then that's no good)
    If they're accepting new patients
    If they're interested in expanding their practice

    Independent provider vs. group tells me something about their budget
    How they get most of their patients tells me not only about budget but also about their openness to new things
    If they are NOT accepting new patients, they automatically qualify out
    If they're interested in expanding the practice, have the budget, and willingness... that is the target.

    Maybe this seems like common sense to most of you... it does to me too... but I have found in my calls today that the GK's know this information, at least well enough to give a baseline.... and if they're lying/aren't into it... next, who cares?

    It makes no sense to me to go into my purpose for calling (other than being interested and nosy) if I know they don't fit my criteria.

    So... something like

    Hi, I’m not sure who I should be speaking with, but maybe you can help me...

    I just have a couple of questions about your practice...

    (ask the questions, and they will either answer them or get me to the Office Manager or directly to the owner...)

    If they qualify out, thank them and move along. If they qualify in... continue with "the reason I asked is because...." etc etc etc

    I know I am probably thinking too much and I need to just stop thinking and dial... but it's a work in progress...
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Double Post of above... will edit this with my next set of comments.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Hadrian,

    Excellent day! You made alot of distinctions (shifting gears). Very nice. I will read through the other posts in a minute.

    Sorry to disappear, my site is down, which is a rather emergent issue to say the least, and experiencing technical difficulties and so we are working on that.

    Will try to post more once I get this stuff worked out.
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    No worries John! I appreciate the input.

    I have to go downtown today and meet with my attorney, so it looks like I won't be starting as I had planned today either... but most of the places are open later than they were yesterday, so that's a plus.

    I am still kind of tripped up by what to say when I call back, and I sound like a stuttery 5 year old... but I am sure I will figure it out. I will update, and good luck with the TMF, I am sure you will get the issue resolved soon!
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    The best place to start is "Hey Bob, just returning the call as promised..."

    Note: Back in the music business I learned that you could make mistakes in a live setting because it just went over peoples heads with all the peripheral stuff going on around them..., but in a recording setting you had to be perfect because it was played over and over and mistakes would stand out....

    The phone is much like that.


    In other words, Bob never called you, so it doesnt make sense to say "Im just returning the call as promised..."

    But its harmless, it goes over their head, and makes for a smoother transition into the next level... Next you will immediately shift gears and say how you doin?

    You have kind of a familiarity going on...

    So it goes like this:

    Hey Bob, this is__________ just returning the call as promised, how you doin today?

    Great, hey did you get a chance to check out the fax I sent you?

    Awesome, have you got it handy...?

    Great. Well, I dont want to take up a bunch of your time Bob, I promised earlier that I would be brief... but just to point out a couple of things here...

    Now go into pitching Him.

    Hope this helps!
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    • Profile picture of the author rbecklund
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post


      Note: Back in the music business I learned that you could make mistakes in a live setting because it just went over peoples heads with all the peripheral stuff going on around them..., but in a recording setting you had to be perfect because it was played over and over and mistakes would stand out....

      The phone is much like that.
      John - this is so true - I never connected it with calling and leaving messages but you are right on. When we played live we never worried about mistakes because our feeling was people would remember the show and go home and listen to the record and that's what stuck in their head.
      Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Awesome. Last question before my errands and hopefully rampant calling... do you think I should have pricing on my fax flyer? I have several calls to action all over it, and 3 options, 2 of which are low cost... but the primary one... like I mentioned before has some sticker shock before they can realize how vital it is.

    I am thinking of changing that box to "call for pricing" and leaving the other two alone.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    I would either say how affordable it is and not give a price, but rather "call for pricing", then call them back anyway...

    OR,

    In, the case of web design... would put some insane deal like "$200 Websites"... and then, on the call, explain its just a one pager with a form , optimized, regisered URL (Make the one page site sound like its got alot of value in itself) ... and THEN upsell them and say, "our regular price is $200 per page but you can now get a full 5 page site for only $99 per page if you take the package deal today with this special promotion..."

    You may even add... "Also, if you do it today, it doesnt say it on the flyer but we throw in a mobile version of your site for you free of charge, thats normally worth $249 just for the design itself...... does that sound fair enough?"

    (This justifies why you had to call after sending the flyer, because it doesnt say EVERYTHING, and you need to explain a thing or two...)

    Thats a good move.

    Hadrian,
    It just depends on how your offer is structured but there are a couple of ideas you can work with and tweak to your liking.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel LaRusso
    I hope you don't mind if I join in your thread. You've really inspired me, you and a couple of other folks, and I want to keep myself accountable too.

    I started cold calling today for mobile websites, and I count it as a win just to have picked up the phone. I still have a day job, so I'm limited on being able to call during breaks and after work.

    I found myself wanting to go back to paralysis by analysis, and find excuses not to call, but I fought through with that SWOOSH technique (worked pretty good). I still feel like a fool on the phone, and I know I don't sound confident, but it'll come in time.

    My biggest problem is just making my opening statement without sounding nervous. I'm great with people once I get past about the first 90 seconds or so, but I still feel pretty scared and lack confidence right there at the the beginning. I'll keep on going and get better with practice.

    The good thing is, I'm no worse off than I was before I started dialing, and I did make some contacts, so I could be a lot better off.
    Signature

    It is unwise to trust all you read on the internet.
    - Benjamin Franklin

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    • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
      Originally Posted by Daniel LaRusso View Post

      I hope you don't mind if I join in your thread. You've really inspired me, you and a couple of other folks, and I want to keep myself accountable too.

      I started cold calling today for mobile websites, and I count it as a win just to have picked up the phone. I still have a day job, so I'm limited on being able to call during breaks and after work.

      I found myself wanting to go back to paralysis by analysis, and find excuses not to call, but I fought through with that SWOOSH technique (worked pretty good). I still feel like a fool on the phone, and I know I don't sound confident, but it'll come in time.

      My biggest problem is just making my opening statement without sounding nervous. I'm great with people once I get past about the first 90 seconds or so, but I still feel pretty scared and lack confidence right there at the the beginning. I'll keep on going and get better with practice.

      The good thing is, I'm no worse off than I was before I started dialing, and I did make some contacts, so I could be a lot better off.
      You're doing fine. I still get butterflies when I talk to people on the phone at first... doesn't matter if I am cold calling, or just scheduling appointments for my family or calling around for estimates.

      I think we think we sound worse than we do, and after a while it all shakes out. I told John this morning that I am fine with the first bit now, but still sound like a stuttery 5 year old in the pitch phase... it's true.. but that will also work itself out.

      Just keep calling. I know I have to fight to not make excuses too... but we're doing it. I just got back from my errands, so about to dive into my calls for today.

      The "appointments" I had for this morning ended up shifting around to later in the week, so for now I am just going to keep plowing through my leads.
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Just a quick update guys...

    I hit about 100 new dials today that were roughly split like yesterday... actually with more qualifying out quicker, which I like. I didn't keep meticulous records this time really.

    That number is not including my follow up calls, which I'll be continuing tomorrow.

    I still wish my internet was stable enough to use a dialer + VoIP just because that takes the thinking element out of this even more for me, and I just have to gab.

    I've got some sincere interest, especially if they think there is a "problem" with their site..

    (and there is... it looks like my 1 year old nephew built it, and is crap on a smartphone to boot in 95% of cases...) but it's kind of a chase just a bit because this is a niche where the DM's are super busy and even if they want to talk they can't always, or have to discuss with their other partners... the GK's are super nice though, and feel bad for me when that happens!

    Tomorrow, I'll be dialing again (more, I hope)... and tonight I am sending emails like iAmNameless suggested (if I can master Mailchimp's template thingy)....

    And I'm making some video follow ups for another niche that I had started to venture into before I proclaimed to the world here that I was on this journey... and when I say "making follow up videos" I actually mean getting around to sending those out to the people they were meant for. Whoops.

    I only had one person who was a royal witch today... but I got her off the phone quickly and said a prayer for her "patients" that whatever crawled up her bum would be remedied soon and they wouldn't have to deal with her. Haha!
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel LaRusso
    You rock!! I am charging right behind you tomorrow.

    May I ask, what is the very first thing you say when you get the decision maker on the line?
    Signature

    It is unwise to trust all you read on the internet.
    - Benjamin Franklin

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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Basically what John said which is "Hey X, I was just calling to make sure you saw the fax I sent (or had a chance to look at that email/video/whatever)

    If it was a fax, and they can have it in front of them, then I just talk about that, explain what my deals are, and ask questions for the tie downs.

    I played with a slightly different opening for a few calls today and had a few people go

    "OMG, I didn't know it looked like that/there was that problem/you're the first person who mentioned that, but you're right.... please send me information about how we can fix this, I can't talk about it right now but call back on X" so that's promising among other things.

    But, I enjoy going for the no.

    The only thing I don't really enjoy is the act of dialing, and the way I tend to psych myself out while punching the numbers...once someone answers generally I'm fine.
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Funny story though... I hit a string of contacts that were not unlike the "nail salon experience" today... and this one though... this one made me smile... maybe I'm just a little twisted though.

    "Hi I was just calling because I noticed a potential issue with your website and was wondering if you ever thought about updating it, or were even aware of the problem..."

    What... we have website, yes we have website?!

    "No, I know you have a website, I was just looking at it, and I think there's a problem you should know about. "

    What problem... oh...you mean, advertising? You want someone advertising on our website? I have to talk to Doctor... what your name.

    "Uh... no... that's not what I mean, I'm Heather... hey when IS the doctor going to be in anyway?"

    12 tomorrow, call him he... I bet he interested... maybe... advertising good you know... have good day, heth...hedder!

    So.. I hung that one up and giggled for longer than I should, because this sweet Asian lady totally didn't get it, or she kind of did... but didn't... and yet pretty much hooked me up with a call back time and will remember my distinctly non Asian name.

    ETA: NOW I know why I was having that experience with that clump of contacts... it was in a city that has a huge huge population of Vietnamese...one of the largest in the country actually... and Vietnamese people.. also own a disproportionately large number of the nation's nail salons.

    That is NOT a discriminatory statement at ALL... I love this guy who talks about that very thing... http://www.rooftopcomedy.com/watch/P...sianNailSalons
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    • Profile picture of the author Sue Bruce
      "Alright, so I had posted over at TMF about some minor successes, but all of those people have put me on the back burner until the new fiscal year. I was not very organized then... but now I NEED to be. "

      Most of us here hate hear NEED because it reminds us of a time when we "NEEDED TO BE"

      "Of course, it could be that I picked a horrid niche, and I have no skillz... but... I don't entertain thought patterns like that. Hahaha! "
      The health care niche is an excellent niche. Its the one I make the most amount of money in. The difference between this and other niches is that you have to be more professional. Your web site, sales material, demeanor on the phone...everything has to project the image of success.

      Unfortunately,errands, lawyers appointments and emergencies are not going to get the "NEEDED" sales.

      I know you are at the starting point of developing your system and would suggest you check out Bayo (screen name) here on the forum. Hes been very successful in the health care niche.

      Just because of the niche I would say youre right to ask the gatekeeper the qualifying questions. In most cases I would get rid of the gatekeeper as soon as possible. This is an exception.

      Tomorrows hump day already. Get on the phone and slam them
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    You should have said "When the moss grows on the east side of the bamboo tree, and the ferret is dry from his many swims in the river, then I will return to you..."
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Thanks for the advice Sue!

    I grew up immersed in the health care niche from just about all angles, corporate and SMB orientated with private practices and the like so I got my game on in that regard... I'm just new on the phones for myself, and I'm not comfortable on the phone ANYWAY.. never have been in almost any capacity, even just talking to people "for fun"... but I'm dealing with it.... just have to laser focus, and I'm working on that.... because $$ and freedom are important, and necessary at this point.

    I am tired of being broke, worried about stuff I have the power to change... and or a slave to the establishment.

    But, I do unfortunately have to balance my goals with real life at the moment, which is fraught with strange happenings related to the co-residents at my complex, lawyer dealings, and family crap I can't get around.... that's a work in progress too... but I'll make it.... I believe in myself.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sue Bruce
      "I believe in myself."

      You WILL succeed!
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      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by Sue Bruce View Post

        "I believe in myself."

        You WILL succeed!
        Yeah, my personal forecast called for thunderstorms earlier this year, but we are picking it back up.

        As globalpro quotes "Everybody has a plan....till they get punched in the mouth..." - Mike Tyson.

        Best thing you can do is try to get back up.... and try not to get in the ring with any more Mike Tysons :rolleyes:.

        Certainly its important to choose your battles and make it as easy as possible for yourself to succeed.
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        • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

          Yeah, my personal forecast called for thunderstorms earlier this year, but we are picking it back up.

          As globalpro quotes "Everybody has a plan....till they get punched in the mouth..." - Mike Tyson.

          Best thing you can do is try to get back up.... and try not to get in the ring with any more Mike Tysons :rolleyes:.

          Certainly its important to choose your battles and make it as easy as possible for yourself to succeed.
          Keeping that in mind, my transportation situation has upgraded a bit, and I've decided to shoot for local appointments FOR NOW.

          I went through my leads and got all the ones within a 5 mile radius of me, and will be calling them today.... ALL of them, come what may... there's around 200.

          I still want to be a phone closing rock star, and I will be... but it'll be a lot easier for me to learn when I am not spazzing out and as behind the 8-ball as I am with random technological errors and crime going on around me that at the moment I can't control because I don't have the $$ yet to move/do much about it.

          I remember you told CJ that "if he had been going for in person appointments he would have had his $$ by then" and that's where I want to be. A few appointments with a quick mobile site mock up that takes me less than 10 minutes, and I'll have $$ in the bank.

          I've got 5 slots open I can run this week if people are interested... I should be able to close at least 1 of those 5 if I can get them to let me come out... and probably more.

          It might seem to some that I am all over the place... and I am truthfully... but not with cold calling...

          I see how to get out of the woods, and I'm walking that way... I just need the cash infusion that face to face seems to be able to bring... and then with that tiny cushion, I can block things out easier, I think, and be in a better position all around.

          If I'm seeing things the wrong way, please John, feel free to slather on the tough love... I'll get over it, and buy you a beer some day either way!
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          • Profile picture of the author John Durham
            Originally Posted by HAdrian1239 View Post

            I still want to be a phone closing rock star, and I will be... but it'll be a lot easier for me to learn when I am not spazzing out and as behind the 8-ball ...
            Thank you. Thats why I teach it. Payoman "got it", and understood that selling on the phone was an "option" but still being willing to set an appointment. In the beginning you will get more phone closes being open that way. But developing as a straight up phone closer, for many, not all..., takes work and maybe time, so we teach appointment setting to get them to some success as fast as possible.

            The quicker you get a success the more fuel you have to keep going.
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  • Profile picture of the author cash89
    Hey Hedder lol,

    I see you mentioned dialer + voip, which one would you use or are there any good ones someone would recommend.

    Also since I see you are selling website services a good line of questioning will help seal the deal. Example:
    "How are your customers finding you?"
    "When they find your website site what impression do they get of your business?"

    Also tell them to try to find their website by doing a local search, if they can't or have trouble finding their own website it's a good way to sell seo or to restructure their website
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    • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
      Originally Posted by cash89 View Post

      Hey Hedder lol,

      I see you mentioned dialer + voip, which one would you use or are there any good ones someone would recommend.

      Also since I see you are selling website services a good line of questioning will help seal the deal. Example:
      "How are your customers finding you?"
      "When they find your website site what impression do they get of your business?"

      Also tell them to try to find their website by doing a local search, if they can't or have trouble finding their own website it's a good way to sell seo or to restructure their website
      Hey Cash. John has a good dialer as a part of his membership on his forum (I think it's still down though)... but other than that I was looking into PhoneBurner as I like their disposition system.

      As for VoIP... I use Toktumi... they have a very liberal "fair usage policy" unlike skype.
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      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by HAdrian1239 View Post

        Hey Cash. John has a good dialer as a part of his membership on his forum (I think it's still down though)... but other than that I was looking into PhoneBurner as I like their disposition system.

        As for VoIP... I use Toktumi... they have a very liberal "fair usage policy" unlike skype.

        Yeah. lol

        I told someone on the forum the other day that I could make my forum active whenever I wanted to... and somebody crashed my system the next day it seems... we will have her back up anytime...

        Moral: When you are cocky people want to see you fall off your horse, but when you are humble people want to support you.

        Other moral:

        Dont piss people off in the greatest marketing forum on earth. lol
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        • Profile picture of the author ohhugo
          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

          Yeah. lol

          I told someone on the forum the other day that I could make my forum active whenever I wanted to... and somebody crashed my system the next day it seems... we will have her back up anytime...

          Moral: When you are cocky people want to see you fall off your horse, but when you are humble people want to support you.

          Other moral:

          Dont piss people off in the greatest marketing forum on earth. lol
          Good lesson but I swear it's not me!
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          • Profile picture of the author John Durham
            Originally Posted by ohhugo View Post

            Good lesson but I swear it's not me!
            Its all good. I have some work to do, and sure this is going to be costly...what these people dont understand though is that if you totally destroyed my forum from the ground up , I would rebuild. The forum didnt make me, I made it. Thats not to be cocky, but its to say to any newbies reading this that YOU create success- Its in Y-O-U.

            You cant keep a good man down.
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            • Profile picture of the author Sue Bruce
              Appointments are good. One step closer!

              Love your spunk!

              Spunk Wins!
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            • Profile picture of the author ohhugo
              Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

              Its all good. I have some work to do, and sure this is going to be costly...what these people dont understand though is that if you totally destroyed my forum from the ground up , I would rebuild. The forum didnt make me, I made it. Thats not to be cocky, but its to say to any newbies reading this that YOU create success- Its in Y-O-U.

              You cant keep a good man down.
              John, you might be cocky some times but your ideas are good. I hope to create success thanks to YOU.
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  • Profile picture of the author 546961
    I wanted to comment on the post you made about being an empath and how you get drained by the intense contact. I am also an empath with three years of telemarketing experience and two years of phone psychic experience. It IS draining!

    I've found creating a "sacred" environment for my calling and beginning and ending rituals for my calling sessions to really make a difference. I also like to take a nap afterwards.

    I prefer to work in a completely bare, dedicated space that is totally shut off from the world. An empty closet with a light bulb, painted in a bright light blue is ideal for me. I like to listen to a guided meditation before and after my calling session. Slamming some caffeine before a sales call session can also be helpful if you are carrying emotional weight into the session.

    Having a really organized workspace helps a lot. A headset is essential for me. I know i'm going to use up a lot of emotional energy so I have to reduce all other energy expenditures to compensate. There are nice telemarketing applications that you can get to go with Skype, and Skype makes it easy to record your calls for review. I need to be able to load my whole list into a program, have it autodial for me and only need to type in notes/flags for each call.

    Nicer programs will let you flag for tasks like callbacks, putting appointments in the calendar or sending fax/email. At the end of your session you have a neat todo list. Telemarketing is an art that I'm good at so I don't outsource it, but a VA can deal with the after session task list.

    Even after setting up an environment and system, you're going to attract those talkers. You are selling, so you have no business listening to somebody's story about their baby daddy. You don't want those over personal talkers as clients, they will eat up all of your time calling you and talking to you and thinking you are their friend. So when you spot a talker, shut them up.

    Some methods:

    Please Shut Up, Round One:

    "Wow, it sounds like you're really going through a rough patch. I don't have time to talk right now, but I have a friend who is a life coach. Would you like her number?" (JV?)

    OR

    I can tell that you have way too much going on to think about a website right now. I'll give you a call back in a few weeks when you've had time to recover from this.

    Please Shut Up, Round Two

    "I'm sorry but I'm going to get behind in my work if I stay on the phone talking to you about this. I really hope things turn out ok for you."

    "I'm sorry, but I have to go. I'm really sorry that you are having a hard time."

    Please Shut Up, Round Three

    Just.Hang.Up
    Seriously, just hang up the phone. Its a numbers game and you didn't need that client.

    Hope this helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    546, you are... awesome, for reasons that I can't even explain... thanks for that post and for those tips. I already do a good bit of that, and it's helped a TON... but I can't wait to be better off so that I can actually create the sanctuary that I need... right now I live in a place with paper thin walls and crazy bad juju among other things... and that in and of itself has been a drain to stay grounded and centered in the midst of.

    The manual dialing is a big issue for me, as I've mentioned before, not because I can't do it, but because it's such an extra energy drain when I'm trying to keep everything together.

    My best friend in the entire universe is much the same, and people think we're crazy because when we're together or, meditating or if she's consulting with particularly annoying/heavy people, we have the house entirely dark and just totally vibe on a different level to get through it before we both fall into bed...

    Very interesting, and sometimes hard to understand for people who aren't so... uh... "lucky." LOL.
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    BOOM... two appointments. One in person tomorrow at 2:30. While on "lunch" I got bored so started calling other places I knew from personal experience.

    This is actually not in the niche I was focused on, but I checked back with a place I used to eat at a lot... their website is horrible, and they have a QR code ON their desktop website for themselves, which is useless while on my phone.... which their current web designer didn't mention to them. It was broken like that for a while, and I just looked and it was still so I rang them on a whim.

    So... he's more than happy to talk to me, because he doesn't know how to fix the problem...

    The other... is a actually a pre-lim appointment on the phone... this is a gal I'd bumped into weeks ago while in her store and in the course of conversation she told me how unhappy she was with her site... I called her back finally, and she wants me to come see her again, but to speak with me tomorrow morning to figure out when I can come out and what we can do together.

    This particular one, I may not make much money off of... but... she's been in the same location on one of the main streets in my enclave for almost longer than I've been alive so she can certainly be useful to me by introducing me to other business owners.

    For THESE kinds of situations I am using an approach like...

    "Hey, your place is so great, and I always get incredible service/have a great experience when I come in...what you didn't know is that I am a new business owner in the area and I was just wondering if I could do something nice for you, and come in and talk to you about it"

    Something like that.

    I've got the rest of my calls to make today, but I've also got another few of these contacts to follow up on as well... including a pharmacist, and a few other cafes....

    When I am out tomorrow, I can use the "hey, I was just in the area talking to X about Y and thought I'd pop in on you too" line and see if I can set some more.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Alright. My man "Awkward Genius" is on the scene. Hopefully the TMF will be back up before you know it.
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    OK, so funny story for the day. I call prominent night club in West Hollywood... they have great shows, I am interested in buying tickets... but their website is screwed up and is even more screwed up on my smartphone which means I can't buy tickets.

    So... after seeing it like this for 3 months, and growing some balls... I called. I spoke to "Chad" who supposedly is their head of marketing...

    Me: Hey, Chad, crazy question about your site... uh... it's not working on my mobile phone very well... what's the deal with that... as one of the hottest clubs in LA... I mean I'm having a hard time navigating much less checking out what you're doing this weekend...

    Him: We have a mobile site...

    Me: Oh, well, it might not be working properly, because all I see is your homepage, and it's hard to read and navigate which means I can't buy tickets or do anything.. so you're probably missing out..

    Him: I don't know... I don't know anything about that... I have to ask my guy.

    Me *thinks to self, don't you work in marketing, buddy?* OK, well, when you talk to him you should also ask him why your WordPress permalinks are messed up.. it looks like something is wrong with them and that's probably impacting your rankings which means less traffic and frustrated people.. I'm just trying to help.

    Him: Look ma'am is there anything else I can help you with besides the website, because we're just interested in selling tickets and I told you I don't have the answers. Email me and I'll talk to my guy...

    Me: No, there's nothing else, and I am sorry to inconvenience you... I just thought it might be important to point these things out to you, because it's been like this for a while, and I can help you fix the situation which is probably costing you the very ticket sales you're worried about... because... I love your shows, and I can't buy tickets from my mobile phone or even from the regular site most of the time.... so I bet other people are struggling too.

    Him: *silent* Send me the email, here's my address...

    He's a jerk... but it was just entertaining... a boat load of people search for them from their mobile devices every month... and they are missing out on so much revenue.... oh well, we'll see what happens.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sue Bruce
      Heres hoping this week will be more successful. The odds are with you.

      If youre in dire straits , PM me. I hate seeing anyone in need financially.

      Keep the positve outlook. ONLY positive wins and you have it!
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Note to self:

    "Houston, we have airspace!"

    Allllllrighty then..., and we are back up yall.

    Thank you Jeff Hanson (Awkward Genius) You are da man!
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  • Profile picture of the author EaglePiServ
    >>BOOM... two appointments.

    Good Job HAdrian!
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by EaglePiServ View Post

      >>BOOM... two appointments.

      Good Job HAdrian!
      Indeed. I would have said the same, however; two appointments is to be expected from Hadrian by now.

      Show me some closes and I will say Boom.

      (I do get the feeling though...)
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    We'll see guys... the one is just basically an appointment to set an appointment... LOL... the lady is great but totally flaky...

    I'm also going after a few more places tomorrow while out and about so I should come home with more appointments if nothing else. I'm gonna rock it... I claim it, so it will be.
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Hey guys,

    Just wanted to post a quick update about my results from today. Didn't make any calls for most of the day since I was out around town. The two appointments I got yesterday were from well less than 100 dials, and actually they weren't even from my list of leads I started with... I think I mentioned that though.

    My meeting with the one pizza/italian guy had to be pushed until tomorrow but I didn't know that until I got there... because what was usually his slow time, he got slammed with a large party, and was short a waiter, so he had to do it himself and had no time to talk. Cool guy though.

    I also talked to the flaky woman, and she has pretty much sold herself, and asked me to stop by tomorrow so we can finalize things. (!?)

    Like I said this one is not one I expect to be a huge deal, because she is not really moving merch right now... BUT... it should pay off in referrals if nothing else because she is pretty established.

    I also got about 50% of the 10 other businesses I visited today asking me to call them tomorrow to see if I can setup a time to come by this coming week where we can talk more. The other 5 were either not interested at all or the owner wasn't in. Those are leads. We'll see if they turn into appointments.

    I may make some calls after I eat since I still have time left in the day. I finally broke down and got that Autodialer app that Payoman used, and that thing is sweet... no more over analyzing and being mentally exhausted by the dialing process for me. Tomorrow will be a good day.

    I've got a couple of different angles from which I am approaching these local prospects depending on my mood and what I know about them coming in... but it's all based around HELPING them... so even if they're busy or not into it, they thank me and are happy.

    Once I close a few locally, I'll start back with my state-wide calls and should be able to knock out a bunch to become a awesome closer whether in person or on the phone.... I wish I had $$ in front of me all ready... but the pipeline is being stuffed.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    You are on the right track. Just keep rockin, once the ice breaks its broken and you will do this like riding a bike.
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Well, the appointment with the crazy woman was a bust... because she's crazy... and I think she is a compulsive liar too...

    So... even though her story changed 87 times in the course of our conversation, and she suddenly "couldn't afford anything"... there wasn't any amount of money she could have thrown at me to get me to work with her. Now I know why her store is not moving merch like it should be when a similar store right down the road is thriving.

    She is nice... but damn.... still a bummer.
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    • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
      Originally Posted by HAdrian1239 View Post


      She is nice... but damn.... still a bummer.
      It takes all kinds... and as you progress so will your "spidey sense"

      Off topic: I just lost one of my inhouse copywriters.
      I see you were a journalist. I also see your trying to learn sales.

      Would you be interested in some long term horse swapping?
      Signature

      Selling Ain't for Sissies!
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      • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
        Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

        It takes all kinds... and as you progress so will your "spidey sense"

        Off topic: I just lost one of my inhouse copywriters.
        I see you were a journalist. I also see your trying to learn sales.

        Would you be interested in some long term horse swapping?
        Sure. I'll see what we can do. I'll PM you my best contact email for the moment since it's changed a bit.
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  • Profile picture of the author kevinenrique
    Hi HAdrian. Keep it up, dont stop calling or visiting, i'm sure you'll do just fine.

    I began calling and visiting this week and had a couple of appointments with some very interested prospects. And although I didnt get money this week, i'm almost sure that by next i'll get some checks.

    So the key here is persistance, along with making a lot of calls, visiting a lot of people and also tell all your family and friends that you are doing websites and give them a couple of business cards. (actually writing this i just remember my sister gave me 2 leads yesterday and i haven't called... oooops)

    While in a meeting with a graphic designer her husband came in and asked me if i could do banners and PPC for another business he has, so of course I said yes. So i began to think, "to be there at the right time and at the right moment you just have to be present" (Hey if this is no one's quote then i want it, lol).

    I was getting a haircut on wednesday and I gave business cards to everybody and the next day someone called me and said he needed a website. Although we then met and i will not be working with him (because i dont like the kind of business he is doing). But just be there and introduce your services and you'll eventually find someone interested, and then another one, and another one... and so on...

    Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Sue Bruce
      It may be discouraging to end the week with no sales but it would be a big help to see what changes you made to your script, if any.

      Actually, what I would do is post the script word for word that you have been using and you'll probably get lots of help with modification of it and you can go with what sounds most comfortable for you.

      Since you mentioned money in yesterdays post, check out Seohitmen's post on making quick money. its an easy system.

      If I was in your shoes, which I was, Id jump on it. Spend 1 hr a day and theres no way you wouldnt make money.

      Hope you dont have as many appts next week. I have a dentist appt Mon morning and a physiotherapy appt Tues aft. Luckily, Ive been able to build my business to the point where I have back up.This is the hardest that it gets when you have to shoulder it all.

      My biggest piece of advice is to get to the point where it's not just you, as soon as possible. The reason I say this is because a business that is not scalable is worse than a job. No salary.

      This cold calling game is not a picnic. Outside appts eat up valuable time. Is there any way you can do a one call close or call, send info, follow up?

      At this point, just work on your system until you get it to work so you can have employees working the system. The reason I say this is because it takes a trial and error time period to even find your first peron who will be successful. The sooner you have a good system that works, the sooner you can start building your business.

      If you can hire a commissioned salesperson at that point,it will be trial and error until you find one that works your system sucessfully.

      My best advice is to look at next week as working on a system, find the niche that works, the script that works.

      The harsh truth is that if you were cold calling in a boiler room you would have been fired Wednesday. Thats why were not working in a call center
      or for anyone else, so we can work out our own system and have other people replicate our system.

      Hope youre taking the weekend to regroup and drive it Monday!
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Hey Sue, Yea, I started with the one call close... send info... follow up or phone appointment bit but...

    I have a crap internet connection right now and it's hard to use my email fax thing if I have to keep resetting my connection, and running a phone appointment is kind of the same thing if you're using a screen share aspect and it doesn't work smoothly.

    There's nothing I can do about the internet thing since it's provided by where I am currently living, but I am moving soon.

    And, because of all the stuff going on, it ended up actually being easier to run in person appointments because I wasn't getting my call numbers in to sufficiently do/learn one call closing (yet) but I could get an appointment in about 1/100 or sometimes 1/50 calls.

    It's just a combo of not having run many appointments yet, and not being able to call like I would have liked... but I've got leads, and several things scheduled for the upcoming week.. so something will happen... I know it will.

    As far as the script, it's basically JD's word for word, with some changes for the way I actually speak so I don't trip all over my tongue. It's not really a scripting issue, it's more of a numbers and logistics issue this past week, and having to change gears... but the coming week should be much better!
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    • Profile picture of the author AskPete
      Well done HAdrian,... you've really come a long way in a VERY short time there,... it's only a matter of time before you strike your first gold vein and then things will start to snowball.

      In my first telesales training 25 years ago, we were taught S.I.N.A.L.O.A. -

      "Safety In Numbers And Law Of Averages"

      When you first start dipping your toe into telesales (and sales in general), this is absolutely true, though as you start to get more experienced and grow in confidence and consistency, I feel it stops being a pure numbers game, and begins to come down to your systems and follow up processes that are responsible for maximising your overall conversion rates.

      My Mentor Mark Victor Hansen teaches the SECRET to your success in sales, (and this applys even more to telesales), comes down to remembering this FOUR letter word...

      ... and this word will get you through that rude obnoxious guy on the call.

      ... will help you realign yourself when a deal you felt certain about fell through.

      ... can pick you up when you want to throw the towel in and get a J.O.B. instead...

      and that four letter word is.... NEXT!

      You've got to have a NEXT person to follow up on, you've got to have a NEXT appointment to attend, you've got to have a NEXT invoice to send out,... so building your 'Prospecting Pipeline' is key.

      One thing, HAdrian, relating to your initial goal of make calls of 400 per day, (at the start of this thread), I've run floors of call centres in the UK on automated dialers and we would rarely even expect 200 calls per day in that environment, so with manual dialing, I'd honestly say 100 - 200 calls per day will DEFINITELY help you hit your target, and help you to achieve your daily targets, which in itself is a huge motivator in the early days.

      Sorry to go on as much as I have, but I felt your efforts so far warranted a well deserved pat on the back, 'cos remember...

      "We get what we DESERVE in life,... NOT what we need!"

      Keep up the good work! :0)
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      • Profile picture of the author Sue Bruce
        Sorry I gave you the wrong user name Thanks to Yogini for pointing that out.

        IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF MONEY, CHECK OUT THE POSTS FROM SEOHITMEN.

        DONT WANT YOU TO GET DISCOURAGED!

        Lack of money is the #1 downer and causes the biggest # of failures. Dont trust anyone elses system. You will make you own as you proceed. It will be Hadrian's system.

        You dont need anyone elses method, WSO, script, Make your own and do it this week!

        You have drive and belief in yourself. Thats 100 times more valuable than any written information. Why? Its a successful mindset. If you could sell it you would be a billionaire.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel LaRusso
    No offense, but I say do NOT check out the post from SEOHitmen. HAdrian, you are on the right track, and you have the focus to keep on that track. You WILL succeed.

    The post from SEOHitmen, is it's the one I looked at, involves posting a listing on Craigslist for a service industry, like plumbing, and then selling the leads to plumbers. I feel like this is fraudulent to represent yourself as a business that you really are not, and that this is not a long term or short term solution I'd be comfortable doing. Cold calling, like HAdrian is, is a valid business model.

    I will ask you, Sue, or someone else if they posted this - are some people just not cut out for cold calling? With enough repetitions,is this something that anyone can do? Or are there truly some people who just cannot/will not be successful in cold calling?
    Signature

    It is unwise to trust all you read on the internet.
    - Benjamin Franklin

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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by Daniel LaRusso View Post

      No offense, but....

      I will ask you, Sue, or someone else if they posted this - are some people just not cut out for cold calling? With enough repetitions,is this something that anyone can do? Or are there truly some people who just cannot/will not be successful in cold calling?
      Here is how I will answer that Daniel

      No some people never succeed at it and it isnt because they cant.

      Hadrian for instance isnt even getting Started most days till after 3-4 in the afternoon. That makes sense. Not that you cant get calls in the evening, but anyone I have ever seen who really rocks this gets up fired up, and they arent casual, they are intending to get a sale.

      When a person really wants a sale bad enough "Stuff dont get in their way".

      I think with Hadrian,

      This person still has their toe in the water and they arent deadset on a "sale", just a "result" ....and so thats whats happening here. The entire approach is too casual , not in the sense of the pitching but in the approach itself...

      You gotta be wanting to close someone.

      Thats my take. I have said that to 500 telemarketers over time and not a single one agreed with me. They either got the fire under their behind or got mad at me and quit.

      There are two posts that stand out to me this week on the forum and here is one of them, in response to someone saying telemarketing was dumb:

      Originally Posted by NewAge29 View Post

      Coming from someone who's been on the phone for 8 to 10 hours per day for almost 15 years, it's kind of funny that I totally agree with you.

      Calling some random person and trying to sell them something is DUMB. But I think that's part of what makes cold calling such a successful form of selling. You can basically pull someone off the street, hand him a pitch, hand him a few hundred leads and just say "dial and read". They won't be the best right from the start but I've never seen a telemarketer last more than 2 days and not make a sale.

      DUMB but also simple and extremely profitable.
      Now that is generally true. This quote is from a fulltime telemarketer who is in the booth day in and day out and has seen many co workers pass over ten years...

      As far as my normal training routine...

      A person is generally in the booth making calls within 2 hours of being hired and handed a pitch.

      What I tend to do is give a person about 2-3 days of attention, and if they havent got it by then I let them sink or swim.

      Im pretty convinced that Hadrian is not pulling our leg, but Im also convinced that Hadrian is not doing this with 100% deliberate intention to close someone.

      I say that having experienced one on one counseling across the desk with a thousand telemarketers.

      So in my own way of doing this, this thread is already past the sink or swim stage... Either this person is going to nail it or not. If they nail it, the encouragemenbt will continue, and if they DONT nail it, then no encouragement I give is going to change it until they find the fire to close someone inside...

      So I need to approach these accountability threads differently, after two years. The basic teaching is here.

      I will always be a tried and true warrior who participates here, because the Warrior forum is the greatest marketing forum on the planet BUT....Hence I will be responding to cold call accountability threads only at my own forum, and there is a reason.

      The reason is because this place is too attractive for spammers and people with ill intentions like this guy calling it sleazy in another thread...

      If I see that at my own forum then I can just boot them out...plus its not big enough to really be attractive to spammers much, only people who want to learn.

      This isnt a plug, I have posted here so much that everyonje knows Im not soliciting for my own forum. I have consistently over YEARS been a supporter of the offline forum here...

      Hope this helps, Its just to say that if someone wants to get DIRECT training on a cold call accountability thread...then Im doing it at TMF only from now on.

      I will still participate in other ways here.

      In short:

      I can see devoting a couple of days of personal attention to a person who wants to succeed, they are worth that, even though I dont get paid for my time, it sets another person free... But I wont play for weeks on end if they arent getting it...it will be just like a call center, you get the same training and attention as everyone else, and you have to sink or swim just like everyone else if you havent gotten it in a couple of days, or are showing major progress.

      I have been on this thread for a week, and well...if you were on fire and really needed money you would be pushing those appointments for the next day and running five of them within 48 - 72 hours, coming back with a check.

      Thats my experience.

      As far as the crazy Lady, you knew inside she was a flake and set yourself the appointment anyway, so thats to be expected. We call it "wood", sometimes appointment setter write "wood" just to get something down on the pad... You wrote yourself a wood appointment.

      Hadrain, I applaud your effort, but if you were in my room I would say at this point after a week..."YOU have two days to produce cash or Im gonna have to let you go."

      And some quit, but nine times out of ten, even after a week of not popping one, most will go back to their desk and pop a sale within two hours after a talk like that.

      JD
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      • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post


        Hadrain, I applaud your effort, but if you were in my room I would say at this point after a week..."YOU have two days to produce cash or Im gonna have to let you go."

        And some quit, but nine times out of ten, even after a week of not popping one, most will go back to their desk and pop a sale within two hours after a talk like that.

        JD
        Thanks for this John. You know I always appreciate your honesty, and not the sugar coating. I certainly am not one of the crazy spammer/scammers around here, I just let stuff get in my way that I shouldn't have... and when I got appointments, I didn't push as hard as I could have either.

        Actually I do agree with you, have got no one to blame but myself in terms of not being "on fire" enough to meet the goals I know I can meet.. I know this can work... so I take you up on the challenge to get a fire going under me. I WANT to be your next success story!... not scrapped in the pile with all the "has been's"

        LOL

        If you'd like me to move over to TMF now that we can, I'm happy to do so.
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      • Profile picture of the author AskPete
        HAdrian,

        John responded regarding the fact you're not actually physically on the phone enough, and he is right for sure, it's vital that you work your numbers especially when you start out, but once you make that first sale, you'll start to believe in yourself more, which in turn sets the snowball off the top of the mountain.

        Personally, if I were in your shoes I would initially commit to calling 0830 - 1030hrs ONLY, from Mon - Fri, and REFUSE to let ANY appointments or life obstacles get in the way.

        It's less intimidating, and you're more likely to follow through and in turn get some results.

        At the end of the day, you're not working in a call centre and you don't have to hit HUGE telemarketing targets and do eight hours on the phone, and it appears the 'usual fears' are causing you to procrastinate which is normal, so if you do TWO HOURS per day, and get one or two results, you'll be more motivated to continue and expand your hours.

        Stick at it anyway, and it WILL come together for you, though you need to plan your goal of which hours you'll be on the phone, and ONLY MAKE CALLS in that time,... no paper shuffling, database compilation or coffee making, JUST CALLS!

        And if this still doesn't work, you may need to look into outsourcing the telesales side of things, (at least until you become more confident in yourself), and just project manage the web design, social media or whatever service it is you're offering.
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  • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
    Originally Posted by HAdrian1239 View Post

    Even if I fight tooth and nail to do it...
    This is what John is referring to. You wrote this in your initial post.

    So simple question. Hand on heart Are You?

    Maybe not quite, but I do think that you have come along way from where you were.

    Here is something to ponder.

    You may have heard that the English like to queue.

    Well when you join a queue you are obviously at the back. But as long as you stay in it eventually you will get to the front.

    I see you in the queue. Can you afford to stay in it? More importantly, can you afford to leave it?

    I think stay in it. Bit more dedication on the time front and you will have the breakthrough.

    Dan
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Thanks. You are always so much more eloquent Dan, but still make the point.
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    • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
      John

      We were taught ABC in school.

      Accuracy, Brevity & Clarity.

      Dan

      PS: I wouldn't bother with that other thread.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Hadrian,

    I would NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS try to suck people out of the WF subforum as I have seen others do, but if you want to post at TMF I will respond.

    If we struggle any longer on this one it will discourage people like Daniel.

    I would like to see you come back here in a week and tell Daniel that it worked and you are in the groove now.
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    • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      Hadrian,

      I would NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS try to suck people out of the WF subforum as I have seen others do, but if you want to post at TMF I will respond.

      If we struggle any longer on this one it will discourage people like Daniel.

      I would like to see you come back here in a week and tell Daniel that it worked and you are in the groove now.
      It's OK John. I know you're not trying to suck me out of here... but I like being at your hub too for various reasons. I'd rather work out the kinks in what I am doing over there I think, and then be ABLE to come back in a week and be a source of encouragement for people like Daniel!
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  • Profile picture of the author maricelu
    Man you just keep calling until you find someone who will accept your personality and will let you talk. I just did my second call today and found a business owner which was very nice and willing to hire me, he is not native-english speaker nor I am and he nearly didn't care about my age, he even congratulated me for what I am doing. And I haven't used any script. I haven't got any money from him yet but he asked if I am able to take payments and it's definetely a good sign Just do it! ©
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel LaRusso
    There is some wise advice in this thread.
    Signature

    It is unwise to trust all you read on the internet.
    - Benjamin Franklin

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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    So, just wanted to resurrect this with a positive update:

    I made about 60 calls today so far not including my follow ups...I will be hitting the phones again shortly.

    You might thing "geez, what's the point of that" but...I decided to change up my list just slightly and start with businesses I could rave a little bit about, and I changed my offer a bit too... I managed:

    An appointment for almost every day this week... I say almost because Friday is an exception so far... but I even scored an appointment for today... by calling today... in almost a pursuit of Happyness kind of fluke.

    So, I'm going on that one in about 20 mins. The appointment tomorrow should just be to collect a check and finalize some details... but I'm not calling it in the bag yet obviously!

    I also had a realtor's office that I called compliment me on how amazing I am with my tech skills because I pointed out a bunch of things with one ad campaign and their website that no one had mentioned to them before, even the guy they're contracted with... AND... they initially weren't interested, but he and the office manager who does his marketing both put my number in their phones in case they change their minds... thought that was cool!
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by HAdrian1239 View Post

      So, just wanted to resurrect this with a positive update:

      I made about 60 calls today so far not including my follow ups...I will be hitting the phones again shortly.

      You might thing "geez, what's the point of that" but...I decided to change up my list just slightly and start with businesses I could rave a little bit about, and I changed my offer a bit too... I managed:

      An appointment for almost every day this week... I say almost because Friday is an exception so far... but I even scored an appointment for today... by calling today... in almost a pursuit of Happyness kind of fluke.

      So, I'm going on that one in about 20 mins. The appointment tomorrow should just be to collect a check and finalize some details... but I'm not calling it in the bag yet obviously!

      I also had a realtor's office that I called compliment me on how amazing I am with my tech skills because I pointed out a bunch of things with one ad campaign and their website that no one had mentioned to them before, even the guy they're contracted with... AND... they initially weren't interested, but he and the office manager who does his marketing both put my number in their phones in case they change their minds... thought that was cool!

      May the force be with you on your appointment. Good luck! Break a leg, as we say!
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      • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        May the force be with you on your appointment. Good luck! Break a leg, as we say!
        So... I didn't close them right there... I was hoping to catch both partners at the same time, but one had just left on some kind of "OMG my kid" kind of deal... so the one left said he had to wait to speak with him....

        But, I got through my first full in person pitch with this particular offer and didn't die...LOL

        AND he was crazy interested because I added a lot of value... so what I did is faxed over a copy of my pitch stuff, with a deal that is a "fast action" price good for 24 hours only....

        If they don't grab it, there are three other eateries within 2 blocks that offer the same cuisine type, and I'll just go pitch them... someone will take it.

        What I did was combine the Bob Ross method that I learned from his free info/report... with cold calling/your fax-call back method... and then I went to businesses that I know of/frequent the most first... so I could be all like "thanks for giving me such a great experience XYZ, what you didn't know about me is I'm a local business owner too, and I wanted to give you first dibs on something before I go to your competitors." more or less.

        It's not like I'm some wicked awesome appointment setter to be able to fill up my week in less than an hour... it just happened... I'd like to actually have 2-3 appointments per day... and that's what I'll be working on tomorrow.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mav91890
    Hadiran, how many calls are you averaging a day now? And have you made any sales?
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    I've averaging about 100 now, with call backs included, I don't like that but it's my fault alone... and no sales yet, but basically last week doesn't even count (it does but I screwed up) as I wasn't committed. I was... on one level but not on all the levels I needed to be. Does that make sense?

    Today, I made over 60 calls, not including call backs, and set one appointment for each day of the week... and I have several people to follow up with as well, so I should be able to close something, and keep stuffing my appointment calender.

    I wasn't focused last week even though I had a plan and I thought I was... I let too much **** get in the way that should have never when I'm in the spot that I'm in.

    But, I tweaked my offer, and changed who I approached at first... and now people are very into it... I even set an appointment with some lady who started off being a negative nancy... and by the end she was talking to me like we were BFF's.
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  • Profile picture of the author EaglePiServ
    So....have you had any successes yet? Closed any?
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  • Profile picture of the author Rearden
    Keep going. Kick ass and take names.

    They're sitting out there... waiting for you to TAKE their money!
    Signature
    David Duford -- Providing On-Going, Personalized Mentorship And Training From A Real Final Expense Producer To Agents New To The Final Expense Life Insurance Business.
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    • Profile picture of the author volit
      Can't wait to read an update...
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Originally Posted by volit

    Can't wait to read an update...
    I tried to post an update earlier.

    I have had some success will talk about it as soon as I'm finished moving on tuesday. needless to say I got the money together that I needed in a short amount of time that I needed it.

    now I just have to keep at it and scale up.


    Posted from Warriorforum.com App for Android
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by HAdrian1239 View Post

      I tried to post an update earlier.

      I have had some success will talk about it as soon as I'm finished moving on tuesday. needless to say I got the money together that I needed in a short amount of time that I needed it.

      now I just have to keep at it and scale up.


      Posted from Warriorforum.com App for Android

      Good job Hadrian.
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  • Profile picture of the author EaglePiServ
    Excellent! Well done!
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Hey guys!

    So, I finally moved to my new digs, and got away from the hell hole I was living in before. That in and of itself is exciting.

    The success that I had amounted to this:

    475 calls (roughly probably more, wasn't using my auto dialer to get though this lot, will be in the future)

    7 appointments for variations of the same offer, 5 of which I actually pitched to, the others ended up flaking out or rescheduling on me... I closed 2 of them, for a total of about $1550 across 3 projects in about 6 days total... in the midst of a ton of other stuff.

    I have one of those who is still interested but is trying to determine how else to shave his budget to work with me, so that will probably be someone I'll have to keep following up with.

    I also got 3 leads from CL within 24-48 hours, and am in talks with all of them right now. One is actually a production company working on a ton of stuff.

    I never doubted that cold calling worked, and I am still not the best at it (learning the more I do it, ) but it's amazing, and I would have gotten over myself and started a lot sooner if I had known what I know now.

    I've still got some debts and things to pay off before I'm in a super comfortable financial situation and can really focus on scaling up and having the life I want... but, this along with some negotiating, got me enough money to get out of my situation of impending doom (as in, you're going to be living in a box on Venice beach by the end of the week if something doesn't happen).. and the place I'm in now makes me a lot happier, which makes me more motivated to push even harder.

    And, thus you can imagine... I'm happy, and I will be calling until I get all the work and money I need.... still a ways to go yet, but it can only get better, IMO.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Awesome story, and you forgot to mention one thing:

    You will never be a slave to another man again!
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  • Profile picture of the author HAdrian1239
    Still going for that first phone close, so that's the next small goal along with some larger ones... but hey, I've got stable internet now, and a headset for my cell phone... so even that all by itself is a huge improvement! LOL
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  • Profile picture of the author itzpaul
    @HAdrian1239 Great Job! Glad you created this post and keep updating us on your future success. I will definitely be working on cold calling as well and hopefully have great success.

    I just sent out a direct mailer to about 100x 1page regular envelopes and 35x 6pg reports in a 10x13 manila envelope so far no results from it but I'll be calling these companies asking if they received my package.

    I am looking at wanting to test a 1,000 postcard run as well for a website special offer.

    I am definitely looking into the cold calling as direct mail is great with cold calling but good luck! I hope to make my own journal shortly.

    How many companies are you calling per day?
    How many days per week are you calling?
    Is there a particular type of company, you are calling?
    Are you focusing on just local businesses, right now?
    What hours are you calling from?
    Have you modified the script?
    What is the main service you are promoting when first talking to the business owner?

    Thanks! Will keep watching this thread.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ashwin83
    Very cool progress HAdrian. I am probably a week or two from starting myself and was rooting for your success while reading this thread.
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