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Telemarketers - Do You Watch What You Eat Before Calling?

by Marvin Johnston
24 replies
I haven't seen this mentioned here that I can recall. I know some foods/drinks tend to interfere with the quality of a persons voice. As such, they should be avoided before really using your voice.

For me, I called Bingo for quite a few years and found myself coughing if I ate certain foods prior to calling ... Hot dogs, chocolate, dairy products to name a few.

So for those of you who love cold calling on the phone, do you watch what you eat and drink before starting? Do you find other foods/drinks that interfere with your voice quality when talking to prospects?

Edit: Thanks to the comments below, I should also include what you drink here.

Marvin
#calling #eat #telemarketers #watch
  • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
    I actually sing, and my vocal coach/teacher advises against anything dairy on performance days, so I guess that would equate to telemarketing as well, just in a less-extreme manner I suppose. I always keep a glass of water at my desk -- good for the voice and the body to remain hydrated
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  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    You guys are crazy.

    Meditation, singing, jogging, watching what you eat before calling. It doesn't really matter. If you cough once per 100 calls then the chance of you coughing on a call that would convert to a sale is 1:10,000

    I know you're probably serious too, and I mean no disrespect, but this is the stuff that doesn't matter. It is irrelevant. Focusing on such things I consider weak minded. You have a script, you have a pitch, you have a product or service that someone is either going to need or not.

    The person that buys doesn't care if you meditate, walk, run, jog, sing, or avoid dairy before calling them. They care about results. Get some coffee, or whatever, or energy drink and that's that.

    This other stuff doesn't matter.
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    • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
      Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

      You guys are crazy.

      Meditation, singing, jogging, watching what you eat before calling. It doesn't really matter. If you cough once per 100 calls then the chance of you coughing on a call that would convert to a sale is 1:10,000

      I know you're probably serious too, and I mean no disrespect, but this is the stuff that doesn't matter. It is irrelevant. Focusing on such things I consider weak minded. You have a script, you have a pitch, you have a product or service that someone is either going to need or not.

      The person that buys doesn't care if you meditate, walk, run, jog, sing, or avoid dairy before calling them. They care about results. Get some coffee, or whatever, or energy drink and that's that.

      This other stuff doesn't matter.
      I'm assuming that you have tested that the quality of your voice doesn't affect results. Or that you are just doing the things automatically that keep your voice in good shape for calling. Or maybe you really haven't thought about it before .

      I too am talking about *results* and how to improve those results. And it major surprises me to hear you say (if I am reading you correctly) that voice quality is totally irrelevant to getting good results. This goes against almost everything I've read and experienced.

      Performing in front of the public (and I would argue that telemarketing IS performing) requires a good voice quality in the sense of projection, quatlity, etc. I don't think anyone would seriously argue that this is not the case.

      One example would be a good opera singer vs a beginner ... the difference is obvious and the public (those who like opera) would probably not return to hear the beginner.

      So why would telemarketing be any different?

      I don't remember who it was (JD?) who talked about the pitch of his voice having an effect on different types of buyers.

      So again, why not voice quality?

      Marvin
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      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
        Originally Posted by Marvin Johnston View Post

        I'm assuming that you have tested that the quality of your voice doesn't affect results. Or that you are just doing the things automatically that keep your voice in good shape for calling. Or maybe you really haven't thought about it before .

        I too am talking about *results* and how to improve those results. And it major surprises me to hear you say (if I am reading you correctly) that voice quality is totally irrelevant to getting good results. This goes against almost everything I've read and experienced.

        Performing in front of the public (and I would argue that telemarketing IS performing) requires a good voice quality in the sense of projection, quatlity, etc. I don't think anyone would seriously argue that this is not the case.

        One example would be a good opera singer vs a beginner ... the difference is obvious and the public (those who like opera) would probably not return to hear the beginner.

        So why would telemarketing be any different?

        I don't remember who it was (JD?) who talked about the pitch of his voice having an effect on different types of buyers.

        So again, why not voice quality?

        Marvin
        This is utter nonsense Marvin... it shouldn't surprise you that I'm saying it doesn't matter. Voice QUALITY is not what you are referring to, voice quality is the sound and clearness of your voice. Not whether you cough or not. Skype = mediocre voice quality. My digital line by charter communications is = awesome quality. This is like comparing a radioshack microphone quality to a shure microphone quality. Those, lead to voice quality.

        Coughing, shakeyness, whether you sneeze, clear your throat, that's not voice quality.

        You even gave an awesome example just now.... Opera singer vs. Beginning opera singer.... I don't care about either. Both sound equally eardrum shatterific to me. The only difference it makes, is to those that like opera and know the difference. When you're dialing and someone is interested in what you have to offer, chances are they don't know the difference between telemarketers, unless you're selling to a telemarketer then I guess. Are you asking for them to hire you as in house entertainment? Sing for the people instead of having hold music?

        This is just ridiculous to me.

        The problem is not what you eat, drink, go on a run or not, it doesn't matter. Redshifted can say it helps his speech class and all that BS, but it shocks me that he didn't realize the only thing it helped was his confidence. That's all.

        The result of a cold call is not going to go down the drain based on coughing, or clearing your throat.

        How do I know?

        I have made a sale(s) in these situations:
        Waking up as the phone was ringing
        On the toilet
        In the shower
        Naked
        At a baseball game
        During a tornado
        With a cat in my lap meowing
        Coughing, sneezing
        With a 103 temperature
        At a wedding reception

        I can PROMISE you, coughing is not going to prevent you from getting a sale.

        I'm just giving REAL input... If you care about sales, then there are SO MANY MORE THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT than what you eat before you call. It's 100% irrelevant in my opinion, and nobody is going to be able to change my mind on that. Don't sound dead... have fun with it.. don't take things too serious when you're calling or you just won't do well.

        People either want what you have to offer since it is a solution to their problem... or they don't. It REALLY is THAT SIMPLE.

        If I had to stress out and worry about activities before calling like people have been bringing up lately... I would not cold call. Your issue is with confidence... not with what you eat beforehand.
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        • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
          Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

          This is utter nonsense Marvin... it shouldn't surprise you that I'm saying it doesn't matter. Voice QUALITY is not what you are referring to, voice quality is the sound and clearness of your voice. Not whether you cough or not. Skype = mediocre voice quality. My digital line by charter communications is = awesome quality. This is like comparing a radioshack microphone quality to a shure microphone quality. Those, lead to voice quality.

          If I had to stress out and worry about activities before calling like people have been bringing up lately... I would not cold call. Your issue is with confidence... not with what you eat beforehand.
          Utter nonsense? Interesting choice of words.

          My impression is you are heading out in a direction based only on your experiences and perceptions.

          All of the garbage aside, I don't totally disagree with what you are saying. But I don't think from your comments that you can say with 100% assurance that improving the voice quality won't improve conversions.

          And conversions really are the name of the game.

          As an analogy, in one sport that I am active in, I was talking to someone who had taken multiple gold medals at the World Championship competitions. Being VERY inexperienced, he took the time to educate me on what this sport is all about. And one comment he made applies here ... he is trying to shave seconds from his times while I was still back trying to shave 10s of minutes off my times. And that statement sums up the differences between top competitors and all the rest.

          At this point, we'll have to agree to disagree with what you think I'm saying.

          Marvin
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          • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
            Originally Posted by Marvin Johnston View Post

            Utter nonsense? Interesting choice of words.

            My impression is you are heading out in a direction based only on your experiences and perceptions.

            All of the garbage aside, I don't totally disagree with what you are saying. But I don't think from your comments that you can say with 100% assurance that improving the voice quality won't improve conversions.

            And conversions really are the name of the game.

            As an analogy, in one sport that I am active in, I was talking to someone who had taken multiple gold medals at the World Championship competitions. Being VERY inexperienced, he took the time to educate me on what this sport is all about. And one comment he made applies here ... he is trying to shave seconds from his times while I was still back trying to shave 10s of minutes off my times. And that statement sums up the differences between top competitors and all the rest.

            At this point, we'll have to agree to disagree with what you think I'm saying.

            Marvin
            With that analogy, I don't understand how you can be hung up on this. The sport you're very active in, and have cared enough about to the point that situation sticks with you today, you should apply to business.

            If you're SERIOUSLY this far along that you think maybe your voice is a bigger factor in your conversions, then you need to hire people. Why spend so much focus on such a small area with small possibilities of growth when you can hire people that have 10s of whatevers of growth and potential left in them. Does that make sense? You might improve .01% but someone else has room for 1000% improvement.

            I'm closing 1 out of every 40 calls now. I want to get it down to 1:20, but you can bet that I will never be looking to what I eat or drink as a factor in my conversions. There is TOO many more possibilities than to worry about that.

            You ARE RIGHT though Marvin.... My perceptions are TOTALLY based on my own experience. Everything I talk about on here, is based on my experience. That's all I have bro, I can't count on something I read, someone elses idea, or what someone else claims to be their experiences either. All I have is my own experience, and all you have is yours... If you feel that not eating certain things before calling gives you more confidence, then right on, do your thing.
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      • Profile picture of the author abbot
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Marvin Johnston View Post

        I'm assuming that you have tested that the quality of your voice doesn't affect results. Or that you are just doing the things automatically that keep your voice in good shape for calling. Or maybe you really haven't thought about it before .

        I too am talking about *results* and how to improve those results. And it major surprises me to hear you say (if I am reading you correctly) that voice quality is totally irrelevant to getting good results. This goes against almost everything I've read and experienced.

        Performing in front of the public (and I would argue that telemarketing IS performing) requires a good voice quality in the sense of projection, quatlity, etc. I don't think anyone would seriously argue that this is not the case.

        One example would be a good opera singer vs a beginner ... the difference is obvious and the public (those who like opera) would probably not return to hear the beginner.

        So why would telemarketing be any different?

        I don't remember who it was (JD?) who talked about the pitch of his voice having an effect on different types of buyers.

        So again, why not voice quality?

        Marvin
        You are digging WAY too deep into such micro subject. The pitch/tone of your voice does effect your outcome, I agree. But the decimal is SO small that focusing your attention on such a subject is an utter waste of time.

        Cold calling is not a talent...that's not saying there's no such thing as talented cold callers. Cold calling is a very simple formula...It does not take rocket science to solve the equation.

        I'm arguing with your statements due to the fact that this subject plays such a SMALL role in phone sales. When I started I absolutely sucked, but I sold. As things progressed I learned tricks to make things easier, quicker, more efficient. And not one of them had anything to do with changing my voice in any way.

        I call hundreds of niches. And every single one is a little bit different. But that does not change my formula and it shouldn't change yours.

        The ONLY variable factor in your calling campaigns should be the quantity of numbers dialed...

        Keep it simple, and trust me... you will do better then the guys that go on a diet before calling.
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  • Profile picture of the author PeacefulCalamity
    I actually laughed a little at iAmNameLess's post, cause it's just the straight up honesty.

    The OP may be on to something when it comes to having a good TONE of voice, but I don't think what you eat hours prior to a phone call will change much. Working on your tone alone will probably garner more results.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mwind076
    No, I just call. I'm with Iamnameless...this is a non-issue. Doesn't matter what you do before you call, there will always be a sneeze, a knock on the door, a crazy dog next door, or the random swallow wrong to try to throw you off once in a while.
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  • Profile picture of the author maxrezn
    Make sure your chi is in balance and your office has been Feng shui approved before you pick up the phone, that's just as important as not eating dairy.
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Marvin, the other comments about things not working or not mattering may be true for them but may not be true for you.
    As an ex call centre manager and telemarketer I did find some things helped.
    Always have a bottle of water next to you!
    Don't overeat because you can feel nauseous when you're on the phone.
    Go to the toilet before you begin.
    The list goes on and it will be different for everyone so don't let others put you off.
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  • Profile picture of the author RedShifted
    I respectfully disagree with IAMNAMELESS on the jogging thing. Why? Because back in college when I had a speech course I ALWAYS had to go for a run before I'd get in front of class and give a speech.

    It did some pretty amazing things for me personally.

    1) Allowed me to relax during the speeches, murdered anxiety.
    2) Allowed me to speak and articulate words faster. It wakes up your brain.
    3) It makes you overall more responsive, more optimistic & positive.
    4) Gets oxygen into your body which again helps with your focus and thinking.
    5) There really is a lot that jogging/running does to help you in social situations imo.

    Diet also helps but its not about eating 1 healthy meal before you make a call. Its about eating 4-5 healthy meals everyday. Eating tons of veggies and lean protien. A high veggie diet is known to reduce stress, making calls is stressful, so I recommend upping your intake of veggies. Although you won't feel the benefits for a couple of weeks (this is no hocus pocus I felt a huge difference in stress on a high veggie diet).

    But if there would be anything I'd recommend, since most people have issues eating healthy, is to simply go for a run before you make calls. Its the first thing I do every morning I wake up. I don't do cold calling, but I talk to a lot of folks throughout the day, and it always helps me stay cool and collected. I may naturally be an anxious person (I am I won't deny that, giving speeches in school was a nightmare for me), so maybe for the superrelaxed type it doesn't really matter.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ashwin83
      Originally Posted by RedShifted View Post

      I respectfully disagree with IAMNAMELESS on the jogging thing. Why? Because back in college when I had a speech course I ALWAYS had to go for a run before I'd get in front of class and give a speech.

      It did some pretty amazing things for me personally.

      1) Allowed me to relax during the speeches, murdered anxiety.
      2) Allowed me to speak and articulate words faster. It wakes up your brain.
      3) It makes you overall more responsive, more optimistic & positive.
      4) Gets oxygen into your body which again helps with your focus and thinking.
      5) There really is a lot that jogging/running does to help you in social situations imo.

      Diet also helps but its not about eating 1 healthy meal before you make a call. Its about eating 4-5 healthy meals everyday. Eating tons of veggies and lean protien. A high veggie diet is known to reduce stress, making calls is stressful, so I recommend upping your intake of veggies. Although you won't feel the benefits for a couple of weeks (this is no hocus pocus I felt a huge difference in stress on a high veggie diet).

      But if there would be anything I'd recommend, since most people have issues eating healthy, is to simply go for a run before you make calls. Its the first thing I do every morning I wake up. I don't do cold calling, but I talk to a lot of folks throughout the day, and it always helps me stay cool and collected. I may naturally be an anxious person (I am I won't deny that, giving speeches in school was a nightmare for me), so maybe for the superrelaxed type it doesn't really matter.
      Agree 100% with what you said. Although I have to improve my diet overall, the stretches of time I've eaten healthier, I felt physically and mentally much better. I seem to do poorly with quick burning carbs and better with clean carbs, fats and protein. Diet is kind of underrated in how much it can affect a person, maybe because it is hard to change. Anyway, good post!
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  • Profile picture of the author Ashwin83
    As with many thinngs this is a completely personal issue. Coffee makes me more anxious. Even if it is decaf... so I stay away from it. Talking while standing/walking around helps me deliver my script in a more confident way. I think posture helps with voice quality. Some physical movement helps dissipate nervous energy before I start cold calling. Do what works... for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author maxrezn
    When I did cold calling daily, I'd start each day with "Bulletproof Coffee". That's wet processed coffee with 2 table spoons of grassfed butter. It did wonders for my mind.
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    • Profile picture of the author TakenAction
      Everyone does different stuff before calling..what they eat, drink, watch, listen to, etc.

      Do what helps..who cares.
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      The best thing you can do is put yourself out there.

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    • Profile picture of the author Ashwin83
      Originally Posted by maxrezn View Post

      When I did cold calling daily, I'd start each day with "Bulletproof Coffee". That's wet processed coffee with 2 table spoons of grassfed butter. It did wonders for my mind.
      I had to google it. Sounds interesting. I'll have to try it sometime. The grassfed butter might help even the coffee effect out.

      In a month or two once I get this business off the ground and move, I will start the Paleo diet which is high in fats. I have heard good things about it. I tried a raw food only diet in the past but I felt it was too restrictive.
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      • Profile picture of the author PeacefulCalamity
        Originally Posted by Ashwin83 View Post

        I had to google it. Sounds interesting. I'll have to try it sometime. The grassfed butter might help even the coffee effect out.

        In a month or two once I get this business off the ground and move, I will start the Paleo diet which is high in fats. I have heard good things about it. I tried a raw food only diet in the past but I felt it was too restrictive.
        The paleo diet is kickass. I have a disease and it's helped me out tremendously. It's great for losing weight too.

        I think I heard coconut milk is good with coffee, not sure.

        Anyway, back to topic. I think having a good diet overall is good for phoning, it might clear out any mucus if you have any, which could impact your voice. But overall, cold calling is a larger picture than just what you eat and what you do prior IMO.
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        • Profile picture of the author Lisa RRB
          When I worked in a inbound call center I used to drink a lot of tea. It helped me calm my nerves and tune out yelling customers.

          The pitch of the voice matters a lot. When I did customer service I used a West Texan accent. Those who know me know I don't normally talk like that. However it helped out and increased my numbers. A lot customers thought it was just so cool that I wasn't in India. I may actually be from Texas but the customer may not know that. One of my co-workers was from California and I coached her for the Texan accent. Her numbers went up as well. :p

          Please note that sales was not our primary function, but customer service. It's funny but a lot people just can't stay ticked off at a 'southern belle' for long. Unless of course they are a real grade A jerk... or there is a serious issue.
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  • Profile picture of the author socialentry
    Just do it for yourself.Of course its not gonna do anything but it beats being a fat *******.
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  • Profile picture of the author meeka87
    The things people do just so they can cold call. LOL. Y'all are weird but awesome.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
    Some intriguing points were discussed here. I think what IAmNameless is trying to say is that tone, confidence, etc. DOES matter when cold calling, yet taking additional measures isn't so much a necessity. Makes sense to just jump on the phone and go, as long as one keeps those key conversion alterers in the back of their head (intonation, etc).

    I say if somebody taking a run in the morning helps for them to feel less anxious and get to the overall goal of sounding confident and tenacious on the phone, then good for them and I think it's absolutely valid to share that tip around the forum. However I also understand how it might seem a little odd to some. Moral of the story is that whatever the ritual is, it's irrelevant - the key is to get to the correct state of mine. Once you're there, how you got there is just a matter of personal preference.
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  • Profile picture of the author digichik
    I don't really like to eat before making calls. It's psychological to me, I sell better when hungry, I feel it gives me an edge. It really is all in my head, I know this. It does not matter at all what you eat or don't eat before calling. It is all about knowing how to qualify, probe, overcome objections and close.

    Tonality in your voice, speed of speech and other factors like them, have nothing to do with what you eat, but who you are calling and where. Making calls to some areas of the midwest you may need to speak at slower pace than when talking with someone in New York or California. This is not because people are slow in the midwest, it's a cultural thing, People in New York and California, for the most part, don't like to waste time and many want you to get to the point. Understanding nuances like this have nothing to do with what you eat, but everything to do with having a feel for your prospect.

    Iamnameless is right, worrying about such things is, pretty much, a waste of time and energy.
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  • Profile picture of the author jharri
    It seems this question is a little critical. If you have a good sales team, it really shouldn't matter.
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