Recently I read a blog regarding cold calling and how it is scary or causes nervousness. I agree with that sentiment, however I have found a way to continue cold calling even when most would give up or feel they don't do it well enough to try it. I have often said I can't sell anything to anybody, not even a cup of coffee to a state worker and it may be true......but only if I'm trying to sell.
Quit trying to sell and begin looking at some of the benefits of "expanding your network". Almost everyone on Active Rain is doing just that by setting up a page, it takes less time to call someone and have a brief conversation.
Here is a copy of my response to the cold calling blog and the way I get around the jitters.
Nobody loves cold calling.........unless you make it a game. Give yourself points for different scenarios within each conversation.
Couple of points for the ability to get the phone into a decision makers hands.
Couple of points if you can try to relate to him/her on some level, even if it is professional.
Couple more points if you can get them to agree with you on ANYTHING.
Double your points if you can get them to ask you to call you back or if you get permission to keep them updated to status of the property as it changes.
Quadruple your points if you can get them to agree to a meeting in person.
Everyone likes friendly competition even if it is with yourself......makes it a lot easier to make those calls. Plus if you set levels for yourself daily such as "I will get 100 pts today" it requires you to keep calling until you get a certain level of success.
Many ways to market yourself, but will a flyer or a pamphlet sent directly to the neighborhood or principals of your choice be able to portray your enthusiasm or excitement as much as a conversation???
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