MY FIRST COLD CALL -- Speechless!

34 replies
Hey Warriors,

After lurking the forum for over a year and finally registering several days ago, I decided that Offline Marketing would be an amazing outlet for myself to finally make some capital.

It took me about half a week of researching on the forum to get comfortable. After reading countless e-books as well as a ton of helpful threads (shoutout to John and Jason!) I decided to create an outsourced web design business.

I created a website for myself, and decided that my best bet would be to cold call local businesses with outdated websites. I made the choice to begin my cold calling adventure by targeting roofers, painters, and plumbers in my city.

When I finally made my FIRST EVER cold call, I didn't know what to expect.. but I prepared a script and off I went. I went on google and found a roofing company with a TERRIBLE website (looked like it was straight out of 1995!) and decided to make the call.

I was luckily connected directly with the owner of (what I thought was) the small roofing business. I explained that I was a graphic designer and that his website seemed outdated and that I wanted to show him some prototypes for what I wanted his website to look like.

He told me that even by doing literally no internet marketing, his roofing company was already overbooked and he didn't want to do anything with the website. HOWEVER, he mentioned that he owns a sister company in which sells glass shower doors + hardware.

I looked at the website and noticed a remotely similar theme to his roofing site - old and ugly. After browsing around, I noticed that this was not some local business, this was a CONTINENT-WIDE CORPORATION!!!

This owner then went on to have a friendly discussion with me. He told me that he was impressed with my drive for a teenager and that he wanted to do business with me - but not just web design. He mentioned that he wants me to do affiliate/commission based marketing for him; continent wide.

He went on to describe his story. He told me that he came to Canada in 1988, with no friends, no english speaking skills and not a dollar in his pocket. He told me that it took him 7 years to go from immigrant to millionaire. At this point, I could tell this guy was a LEGIT owner of a huge corporation and that I had something fantastic going just by this one cold call.

I jotted down his e-mail and his cell phone number. He's going to e-mail me some more information and a copy of the scripts he provides his national promoters so that I can get a better grasp on what his company is about and what he wants from me in terms of marketing.

SUMMARIZATION:

I decided to try cold calling, and on my FIRST EVER CALL I was somehow connected with a multi-millionaire of whom wants to hire me and basically went out and hired me for a huge, lucrative marketing position within his large company.

This was all from my first cold call ever - beginners luck? I am actually speechless. I'm meeting with this guy on Monday at the company headquarters and I am anxious and excited. I can't believe this.

Moral of the story:

COLD CALLING works if you are running a web design / outsource business. Stop sending lame e-mails / direct mails and get on the phones. Start talking to some business owners. You never know who you may end up speaking to on the other end.

I have a great feeling that this is the first of many successes to come, and all thanks to the great contributors of Warrior Forum. Thank you for helping educate me and for giving me the confidence to do start cold calling.

Have a GREAT day, and feel free to drop a comment or message below. I hope you enjoyed this storytelling of mine, so to speak.

Special thanks to Jason Kanigan and John Durham for inspiring me through their contributions on WF. :]


(24/07) I RECENTLY MET FOR LUNCH WITH THIS CLIENT! TO READ ABOUT HOW IT WENT, GO HERE FOR AN UPDATE:
http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...ml#post6662032
#call #cold #speechless
  • Profile picture of the author PeacefulCalamity
    Wow - this guy sounds like a handful. You definitely got some fate/luck thing going on *but* I'm alos sure you sounded like you knew what you were talking about to be able to connect with him.

    How old are you? I think I read something in there that said you were young.

    Certainly, he'll pay well. I wouldn't budge giving him some huge price ranges because I'm sure his idea of "dollars" to us is 100 dollar bills in our world.

    Jason is a really clever guy, and you've obviously put his advice to good use. Durham's a great motivator, too. Good for you to finally take action~
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
      Originally Posted by PeacefulCalamity View Post

      Wow - this guy sounds like a handful. You definitely got some fate/luck thing going on *but* I'm alos sure you sounded like you knew what you were talking about to be able to connect with him.

      How old are you? I think I read something in there that said you were young.

      Certainly, he'll pay well. I wouldn't budge giving him some huge price ranges because I'm sure his idea of "dollars" to us is 100 dollar bills in our world.

      Jason is a really clever guy, and you've obviously put his advice to good use. Durham's a great motivator, too. Good for you to finally take action~
      I made sure to note that I was not completely qualified for a huge corporation project like this - he was fine with it. He knows that I am in my teenage years and I feel as though he is more interested in my drive and experience in accordance to my age. I'm very optimistic about it.

      Thank you for the receptive feedback on my first cold calling experience. I appreciate it! :]
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      • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
        Hey that is great.

        And yes he is more interested in 'you the person' not what you can do now.

        He will sort out the latter. Stick with him. He will introduce you to the horizontal and vertical markets in a couple of years.

        I don't know if you know this fact but you only need to know 10 successful people to be a success yourself as life is often to do with who you know.

        That is why people live in little social class groupings and earn within 10% of each other.

        So through him you will get to know other successful business people and he is your endorsement that cuts through age etc.

        Also means you will have warm/hot calls but that is an other issue. Remember the cold one that got you there.

        Dan
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        • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
          Originally Posted by jimbo13 View Post

          Hey that is great.

          And yes he is more interested in 'you the person' not what you can do now.

          He will sort out the latter. Stick with him. He will introduce you to the horizontal and vertical markets in a couple of years.

          I don't know if you know this fact but you only need to know 10 successful people to be a success yourself as life is often to do with who you know.

          That is why people live in little social class groupings and earn within 10% of each other.

          So through him you will get to know other successful business people and he is your endorsement that cuts through age etc.

          Also means you will have warm/hot calls but that is an other issue. Remember the cold one that got you there.

          Dan
          Thanks, Dan!!

          I agree whole-heartedly. I see this client as having potential to be a future mentor of mine and he could quite possibly get my foot in the door to other companies of which are in need of design assistance.

          Thanks so much for the feedback - all of you! Keep it coming and I hope you guys enjoy the story of my first cold call! :]
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  • Profile picture of the author vgvetter
    Congratulations!
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  • Profile picture of the author JayBay
    Spot on! Go get yours!
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  • Profile picture of the author somacorellc
    Congrats! I've scored a ton of deals over the phone and it's always awesome to see other people doing the same

    Talk about beginner's luck, lol - it sounds like you picked up an awesome client and possibly mentor - great stuff!


    Originally Posted by Alanis Morissette View Post

    TL;DR
    There's no need for tl;dr here.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
      Originally Posted by somacorellc View Post

      Congrats! I've scored a ton of deals over the phone and it's always awesome to see other people doing the same

      Talk about beginner's luck, lol - it sounds like you picked up an awesome client and possibly mentor - great stuff!




      There's no need for tl;dr here.
      Thanks for the feedback. And I kind of chuckled to myself when I realized that my TL;DR section of the post was almost as long as the original story haha. I'll change it so it just says "Summary" or something similar! :]

      I'm honestly not used to being a part of a forum like this, the Offline section in specific. There is such a variety of intelligent users and I've never been a part of a community with such knowledge share in a sense that everybody seems to pitch in, in an intellectual fashion. Fantastic!

      Thanks for the tip, and I appreciate the congratulatory remark! :]
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  • Profile picture of the author GforceSage
    If you seem sincere and connect on a personal level, you will open doors for yourself because most cold callers tend to bring too much BS to the table.

    The client most have liked your demeanor... or he wanted concert tickets.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
      Originally Posted by GforceSage View Post

      If you seem sincere and connect on a personal level, you will open doors for yourself because most cold callers tend to bring too much BS to the table.

      The client most have liked your demeanor... or he wanted concert tickets.
      LMFAO - funniest thing I've read today. Thank you for that.

      PS- I totally wish I could go back in time and change my username hahaha. Bad choice for a nickname on a forum like WF, I know.

      Thanks for the laugh. & definitely. I was able to squeeze a sincere conversation out of the guy on the phone and I think that his suspicions of me being a genuine asset will be solidified when we meet on Monday.

      Thanks Again! :]
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  • Profile picture of the author betsyanne
    Yes, I agree with GforceSage - your new client probably wanted to meet you in person and get tickets or a backstage pass. :-)

    Seriously though, congratulations on your new position. It turns out some cold calls go really well! I enjoyed your story.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
      Originally Posted by betsyanne View Post

      Yes, I agree with GforceSage - your new client probably wanted to meet you in person and get tickets or a backstage pass. :-)

      Seriously though, congratulations on your new position. It turns out some cold calls go really well! I enjoyed your story.
      Bahaha, thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the story, and thank you for hiting the "Thanks" button on my OP - I appreciate it! :]
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    I guiess you touched on a subject Jon , that I havent talked about, which is refreshing...and that is that YES, when you cold call you will get sales job offers from business people! lol

    Thats a bonus.

    Great post!
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      I guiess you touched on a subject Jon , that I havent talked about, which is refreshing...and that is that YES, when you cold call you will get sales job offers from business people! lol

      Thats a bonus.

      Great post!
      Could not have done it without reading a ton of your detailed threads and responses throughout the subforum. Thanks for the feedback!
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  • Profile picture of the author solae
    Wow, that is great and a commendable start for you. I must say that if all teenagers had the drive and initiative you have, things will be different in many cities. You can be a role model to many teenagers and help to mentor others by sharing your story at some stage. Keep it up.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Bratcher
    Did you do any more work after that call?
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
      Originally Posted by fatherflame View Post

      Did you do any more work after that call?
      On this particular day, no, I did not continue cold calling simply because I spent so much time speaking with him on the phone and it was already approaching late in the afternoon.

      However, do not worry! I am far from putting all of my eggs in one basket. We've decided to meet on Tuesday for luch, and until then I will resume my cold calling efforts,

      Thank you for the inquiry, and thank you for reading the OP! :]
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  • Profile picture of the author zigzag007
    Awesome post...gives us hope.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
      Originally Posted by zigzag007 View Post

      Awesome post...gives us hope.
      That was my honest intention - I'm glad you enjoyed it. THANK YOU for the feedback!
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  • Profile picture of the author AlexTee
    Congratulations!

    Isn't it an awesome feeling when you "take action" and…..something happens?
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  • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
    UPDATE:

    We finally met over lunch today. Turns out this guy has several million dollars, 4 separate companies, and just invested $120,000,000 into a developing fast food chain in Hungary. Wow.

    The meet up went well. He's Hungarian but moved to Canada in the late 80's and basically built multiple empires. Oh, and might I mention he looks like the badass lovechild of Ray Romano and Tony Soprano (LOL).

    He basically told me straight up that because he travels so much (he's leaving for Asia in a few weeks for business) and since he has so many other projects, he no longer has the time to handle the online aspects of his reno business. He deemed me as the official "Marketing Manager" for the business. Upon completing the website, my next job will be to hire some commission-based promoters all across North America whereas I myself as well as the clients I hire will pick up CRAZY percentages. I may very well get some members of the Warrior Community in on it (let me know if you're interested).

    The meeting went great. Developing the website this week and beginning my duties as a marketing manager as soon as next Monday. SO pumped! Oh, and he drove in on a $250,000 Mercedes Benz, it was pretty badass. I checked him out online, he legit owns companies worth MILLIONS all over the globe.

    Might I remind everybody that this was my FIRST COLD CALL EVER. Great things can happen. Take action. I'm a teenager. If I can get lucky, surely you can get some solid leads if you work hard.
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    • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
      Originally Posted by Alanis Morissette View Post

      UPDATE:

      We finally met over lunch today. Turns out this guy has several million dollars, 4 separate companies, and just invested $120,000,000 into a developing fast food chain in Hungary. Wow.

      The meet up went well. He's Hungarian but moved to Canada in the late 80's and basically built multiple empires. Oh, and might I mention he looks like the badass lovechild of Ray Romano and Tony Soprano (LOL).

      He basically told me straight up that because he travels so much (he's leaving for Asia in a few weeks for business) and since he has so many other projects, he no longer has the time to handle the online aspects of his reno business. He deemed me as the official "Marketing Manager" for the business. Upon completing the website, my next job will be to hire some commission-based promoters all across North America whereas I myself as well as the clients I hire will pick up CRAZY percentages. I may very well get some members of the Warrior Community in on it (let me know if you're interested).

      The meeting went great. Developing the website this week and beginning my duties as a marketing manager as soon as next Monday. SO pumped! Oh, and he drove in on a $250,000 Mercedes Benz, it was pretty badass. I checked him out online, he is legit owns companies worth MILLIONS all over the globe.

      Might I remind everybody that this was my FIRST COLD CALL EVER. Great things can happen. Take action. I'm a teenager. If I can get lucky, surely you can get some solid leads if you work hard.

      Jon,

      Something for you to think about.

      Real business people, specially very successful business people
      Don't brag about them selves, or show off their knowledge, or go out
      there way to impress people.

      Some people like taking others under there wing and help guiding them
      others, like to find young impressionable "marks" and bleed them dry.

      If you dug up all this info on your own about who he is and his status
      your prob golden, but if he was telling you how rich he is
      and bragging , i would consider it a warning sign.

      If this guy is legit, then it look like you were in the right place at the right time
      and that is how a lot of people wind up striking it rich.

      Good luck
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      • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
        Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

        Jon,

        Something for you to think about.

        Real business people, specially very successful business people
        Don't brag about them selves, or show off their knowledge, or go out
        there way to impress people.

        Some people like taking others under there wing and help guiding them
        others, like to find young impressionable "marks" and bleed them dry.

        If you dug up all this info on your own about who he is and his status
        your prob golden, but if he was telling you how rich he is
        and bragging , i would consider it a warning sign.

        If this guy is legit, then it look like you were in the right place at the right time
        and that is how a lot of people wind up striking it rich.

        Good luck
        I'm aware of all of this, and I thank you for the reminder!

        I did find the vast majority of the information my own. He definitely was humble and did not brag. I was weary at first too.

        Thanks!
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    • Profile picture of the author Prince Vegeta
      Originally Posted by Alanis Morissette View Post

      UPDATE:

      Upon completing the website, my next job will be to hire some commission-based promoters all across North America whereas I myself as well as the clients I hire will pick up CRAZY percentages. I may very well get some members of the Warrior Community in on it (let me know if you're interested).

      Sounds interesting, if the pay is good enough, I'm in.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
        Originally Posted by Prince Vegeta View Post

        Sounds interesting, if the pay is good enough, I'm in.
        Send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll be sure to contact you when we launch the marketing campaign. :]
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        • Profile picture of the author Prince Vegeta
          Originally Posted by Alanis Morissette View Post

          Send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll be sure to contact you when we launch the marketing campaign. :]
          Great! I don't have enough posts to PM, but my email is jtlucas11@gmail.com

          Looking forward to hearing from you
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          • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
            Originally Posted by Prince Vegeta View Post

            Great! I don't have enough posts to PM, but my email is jtlucas11@gmail.com

            Looking forward to hearing from you
            Expect an affiliate package within 7 days -- thanks.
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            • Profile picture of the author Prince Vegeta
              Originally Posted by Alanis Morissette View Post

              Expect an affiliate package within 7 days -- thanks.
              Make sure to ask your multi-millionaire client if he needs another young gun to help with marketing :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author robgee123
    Hey well done but you are hardly 'speechless'

    Great post!!
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
      Originally Posted by robgee123 View Post

      Hey well done but you are hardly 'speechless'

      Great post!!
      I was at first! hahaha. Well techniqually text doesn't equate to speech, so HAH

      Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it! I had fun sharing. :]
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  • Profile picture of the author aaronco
    Once you realize the person on the other end cannot physically jump through the phone line and kill you....then cold calling actually becomes fun and easy. LOL

    Good Job!!! Keep at it!!
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
      Originally Posted by aaronco View Post

      Once you realize the person on the other end cannot physically jump through the phone line and kill you....then cold calling actually becomes fun and easy. LOL

      Good Job!!! Keep at it!!
      Hahaha, nice one. Thanks so much. I may quote you sometime, lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author shah321
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author IMguy123
      Sounds a little surreal....congrats on calling at the right time and place. This guy must really want to help you out because I would have thought most business guys of his stature wouldn't take chances like this...but then again I am nowhere near his business level and therefore I obviously don't think like him.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
        Originally Posted by IMguy123 View Post

        Sounds a little surreal....congrats on calling at the right time and place. This guy must really want to help you out because I would have thought most business guys of his stature wouldn't take chances like this...but then again I am nowhere near his business level and therefore I obviously don't think like him.
        He probably wants to retire sometime soon and wants to mentor somebody to take the work off at an eventual point. Plus, a couple thousand isn't much of a gamble for people as wealthy as him it seems, haha.
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