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Am I Doing This Right?

by ColouredRice
14 replies
Okay, so tomorrow morning I plan on starting to cold call local businesses and see if I can get any work

After getting past the gatekeeper and everything (I don't really have any issues with calling up people) and getting to the owner, what should I offer? As people say, "it's 90% value and 10% sales" or something along those lines.

I plan on using Jason's opening here:

http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...ccess-tip.html

And then when I get to the part where it's like "here's what I have to offer", I was planning on just telling them I'd just like to offer free consultation on helping grow their business. I won't try to sell them anything, but I'll just offer them tips in growing and stuff like that.

If they're interested in learning more about like getting a website done or SEO work or anything like that, then I'll just mention that I can do those types of things pretty well.

It's kind of hard to explain my sales pitch properly, but I just want to know is offering free consultation a good "hook"?
  • Profile picture of the author abbot
    Banned
    Originally Posted by ColouredRice View Post

    Okay, so tomorrow morning I plan on starting to cold call local businesses and see if I can get any work

    After getting past the gatekeeper and everything (I don't really have any issues with calling up people) and getting to the owner, what should I offer? As people say, "it's 90% value and 10% sales" or something along those lines.

    I plan on using Jason's opening here:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...ccess-tip.html

    And then when I get to the part where it's like "here's what I have to offer", I was planning on just telling them I'd just like to offer free consultation on helping grow their business. I won't try to sell them anything, but I'll just offer them tips in growing and stuff like that.

    If they're interested in learning more about like getting a website done or SEO work or anything like that, then I'll just mention that I can do those types of things pretty well.

    It's kind of hard to explain my sales pitch properly, but I just want to know is offering free consultation a good "hook"?

    You're making it too hard already. If you are calling LOCAL.. simply qualify in/out and set an appointment.

    If they show any interest at all just tell them you would really like the opportunity to set an appointment with them, give two dates and times and let them choose what works best for them. Don't give them the OPTION to say no...

    "Bob I would really appreciate the opportunity to set a time to meet with you this week and I know you'll find the information of great value. What works best for you? Tuesday at 10:00 AM or Wednesday at 2:00PM?"

    Simple as that. Despite what many people say on here...I will tell you this...telemarketing is not ment to be complicated, it's not ment to "master". You don't have to be good to make sales. Telemarketing works because it WORKS. It's literally a matter of calling and asking if they are interested. If they say yes great, if they say no; on to the next number.

    It's simply a numbers game, focus on your numbers rather than the details.
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    • Profile picture of the author ColouredRice
      Originally Posted by abbot View Post

      You're making it too hard already. If you are calling LOCAL.. simply qualify in/out and set an appointment.

      If they show any interest at all just tell them you would really like the opportunity to set an appointment with them, give two dates and times and let them choose what works best for them. Don't give them the OPTION to say no...

      "Bob I would really appreciate the opportunity to set a time to meet with you this week and I know you'll find the information of great value. What works best for you? Tuesday at 10:00 AM or Wednesday at 2:00PM?"

      Simple as that. Despite what many people say on here...I will tell you this...telemarketing is not ment to be complicated, it's not ment to "master". You don't have to be good to make sales. Telemarketing works because it WORKS. It's literally a matter of calling and asking if they are interested. If they say yes great, if they say no; on to the next number.

      It's simply a numbers game, focus on your numbers rather than the details.
      Is it mandatory to meet though? I'm pretty good at talking on the phone and I have no issue with that, but in-person is something I'm not that good with :/
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      • Profile picture of the author ERPLeadsWriter
        Originally Posted by ColouredRice View Post

        Is it mandatory to meet though? I'm pretty good at talking on the phone and I have no issue with that, but in-person is something I'm not that good with :/
        Well yes but if you yourself don't want to meet them, I think the usual alternatives are:

        1. Teach yourself to be good at face-to-face as much as phone.

        2. Find a way to have client meetings over the phone.

        3. Have someone else do it. (Normally, we usually have the opposite problem with salespeople willing to meet but unwilling to call first.)

        These are just general suggestions by the way. Don't be afraid to do a little more research on refining them. And being on these forums, I would say you got a good start already!
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      • Profile picture of the author abbot
        Banned
        Originally Posted by ColouredRice View Post

        Is it mandatory to meet though? I'm pretty good at talking on the phone and I have no issue with that, but in-person is something I'm not that good with :/

        Call the numbers, and set the appointments. Get comfortable with face to face. This is OFFLINE businesses. You won't be able to hide behind a computer screen forever. Might as well start now.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rearden
    Just do it. Gets easy after 5 cold knocks.

    My opinion is that you will have better success leading with one product, like websites, versus the shotgun approach.

    You can always sell something later. Just make them a customer first.
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    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 ColouredRice
    Great, thanks for the suggestions guys!

    I think I sort of have a general outline on what I'm going to do, I guess it's only a matter of trying it out and then refining my method?
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  • Profile picture of the author ColouredRice
    The only issue I have with meeting clients in person is the fact that I'm only 17 lol.

    I'm completely fine with everything behind a computer screen or through the phone because they won't judge me by physical appearances. I actually have only one client at the moment and my relationship is going well mainly because I haven't ever met her in person and she doesn't know how old I actually am.

    Don't get me wrong though, the work I do is actually good. I did YT/SEO work for her and increased her website traffic and she received more leads.

    The only thing is, I just simply don't wish to meet in person because I'm pretty sure my age would throw off like 98% of the people I'd meet.
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    • Profile picture of the author abbot
      Banned
      Originally Posted by ColouredRice View Post


      Don't get me wrong though, the work I do is actually good. I did YT/SEO work for her and increased her website traffic and she received more leads.
      This is all that matters.

      The only thing is, I just simply don't wish to meet in person because I'm pretty sure my age would throw off like 98% of the people I'd meet.
      You are basing this on pure assumption. Your age has nothing to do with how much money you are putting in their pockets now does it? If you can show them the value in the services you offer, your age will NEVER be a factor....100% guaranteed. Business owners care about money, not age...

      I had my first 5 figure months when I was 18. Not once did my age ever scare off a prospect. In fact, many were amazed and attracted to me even more.
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      • Profile picture of the author ColouredRice
        Originally Posted by abbot View Post

        This is all that matters.



        You are basing this on pure assumption. Your age has nothing to do with how much money you are putting in their pockets now does it? If you can show them the value in the services you offer, your age will NEVER be a factor....100% guaranteed. Business owners care about money, not age...

        I had my first 5 figure months when I was 18. Not once did my age ever scare off a prospect. In fact, many were amazed and attracted to me even more.
        I guess, but I just kind of think the way I look would throw people off. I dress pretty typically of a kid my age sooo...I guess I should clean myself up before I meet anybody then

        But thanks for the encouragement though, it helped.

        I think I'll just give a shot anyway, like what the hell
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  • Profile picture of the author Rearden
    It's all in your head.

    As mentioned, most business people are impressed to see young people going at it and making a buck versus playing video games.

    In fact, I'd bet many of the people you pitch will be partial to helping you out by buying your service.

    Regardless, clean up, invest in some clean, conservative business clothes, and study how to sell and how to prospect.

    Worst case scenario (which it isn't, really), go work for a sales company and get paid to learn.
    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 ColouredRice
      Originally Posted by Rearden View Post

      It's all in your head.

      As mentioned, most business people are impressed to see young people going at it and making a buck versus playing video games.

      In fact, I'd bet many of the people you pitch will be partial to helping you out by buying your service.

      Regardless, clean up, invest in some clean, conservative business clothes, and study how to sell and how to prospect.

      Worst case scenario (which it isn't, really), go work for a sales company and get paid to learn.
      Thanks for the encouragement
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  • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
    Your age is a good hook. You may even want to keep good notes on how you build your business and write a book for other teens on how you did it.

    Maddie Bradshaw, her mom and sister are making bank after they got backing on Shark Tank:
    Shark Tank Success Stories : M3 Girl Designs - Snap Caps

    She wrote a book for other kids on how to do what she did. Your story is different but you could do something similar.
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    Marketing is not a battle of products. It is a battle of perceptions.
    - Jack Trout
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    • Profile picture of the author ColouredRice
      Originally Posted by Joe Ditzel View Post

      Your age is a good hook. You may even want to keep good notes on how you build your business and write a book for other teens on how you did it.

      Maddie Bradshaw, her mom and sister are making bank after they got backing on Shark Tank:
      Shark Tank Success Stories : M3 Girl Designs - Snap Caps

      She wrote a book for other kids on how to do what she did. Your story is different but you could do something similar.
      I'm not very good at writing, but I'll definitely keep that in mind.

      I never thought of my age being a good hook since I'm still a high school student. I was thinking people would take me more as "he's a kid, he doesn't know shit"
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  • Profile picture of the author willz605
    The easiest way to get this cold calling done is to first get involved in the Chamber of Commerce or any other local business organization.....does anyone even know you and what you do? When you say cold calling....it really is very cold....that's why many fail at it. I admire you for hitting the phones but it can be frustrating when you haven't even oiled the wheels so to speak.

    Think "Got Junk", "30 minutes or its Free"

    Good Luck!





    Originally Posted by ColouredRice View Post

    Okay, so tomorrow morning I plan on starting to cold call local businesses and see if I can get any work

    After getting past the gatekeeper and everything (I don't really have any issues with calling up people) and getting to the owner, what should I offer? As people say, "it's 90% value and 10% sales" or something along those lines.

    I plan on using Jason's opening here:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...ccess-tip.html

    And then when I get to the part where it's like "here's what I have to offer", I was planning on just telling them I'd just like to offer free consultation on helping grow their business. I won't try to sell them anything, but I'll just offer them tips in growing and stuff like that.

    If they're interested in learning more about like getting a website done or SEO work or anything like that, then I'll just mention that I can do those types of things pretty well.

    It's kind of hard to explain my sales pitch properly, but I just want to know is offering free consultation a good "hook"?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7632895].message }}

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