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How To Avoid a Terrible Prospect Phone Call

By
Title Insurance with First American Title

As we head into the slowing 4th quarter, many will lay down and give up.  Others will step up their efforts to win new business.  One way to build new business is by reaching out to prospects on the phone.  Yes, I'm talking about actual phone call conversations, not made through social media.

An all too common and serious mistake people make on the telephone is using opening statements that build resistance. Within the first 15 seconds of a call, you create one of two emotions;  resistance or interest.  Unfortunately, most people create resistance.  The result is as a morale-killing rejection and an early exit from the phone call.

Avoid lines such as "I provide these services...and I would like to tell you more about them".  The listener justifiably thinks, "so what - why should I listen?"  Another resistance builder to avoid is; "I sent you a letter and was wondering if you received it yet?"So what if they did?  What are they supposed to say?  "Oh yes, I did receive it - I am so glad you called.  I was just sitting here hoping you would call so that you can sell my house"  No chance!

 

Here is a simple 3 step guide that can lead to success:

1. Introduce yourself.

2. State something interesting, that stimulates thought, peaks curiosity, and that will create benefits that appeal to their desire to gain, or avoid loss.  With interest rates at all-time, record setting, "they'll never be this low again" percentages, every home owner or potential buyer should consider two things; Either refinance your existing home or sell and buy a bigger one.  

3. Get them involved in a conversation.  Remember, you want to do more listening than talking.  Tell them that in order to deliver the potential benefit you alluded to, you need to get more information from them.

 

Posted by

 

 

 Max VanNatter

                                                                                                                                                      

Bill Reddington
Re/max By The Sea - Destin, FL
Destin Florida Real Estate

Making the connection is what its all about. Some people have it, some don't. Keep prospecting.

Oct 07, 2011 02:56 AM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

Hi Max,

 I've never liked the "I sent you some junk mail, did you get it?" line. As you wrote, the call needs to be more about them and less about you.

Oct 07, 2011 03:05 AM
Terri Poehler
Realtor - Coral Springs, FL
Coral Springs Real Estate Agent

You make a good point, Max. We hate getting those phonecalls ourselves. So why would we put it on others.

Oct 07, 2011 03:17 AM
Bart Vickrey
Bart Vickrey & Co Real Estate - Valparaiso, IN

Max,

All true!

Do most agents even prospect anymore?  Or do they justify all that time spent on social media sites as prospecting?

Now don't get me wrong, I am going to add bloggin and social media to my business model for 2012... but something that will never leave my business is prospecting.

And I admit, this time of year I do sometimes put on my skates.  But it's only after kicking ass during the rest of the year.

Great post, keep them coming.

Dec 22, 2011 07:05 AM