08.11.06
Posted in General at 3:03 pm by Livvie
Even though cold calling sends shivers down some spines and cause some to break out into cold sweats, it really does work.
In Peter Bowerman’s Well Fed Writer: Back For Seconds cold calling is a subject he endorses extensively due to it’s “law of averages” for success.
Granted you must be making, as Bowerman puts it, “….a TON” of calls for the averages to work, but the point is, it works!
The beauty part of it is you are just saying a 20 second message and it’s amazing how receptive the prospects can be to receiving the calls. The more you call, state your message and move on to the next call, the more proficient you become in delivering your message.
Now how about it? Go ahead–pick up that phone and see how many people are glad you took the time to contact them! How will you know??? YOUR phone will be ringing with inquiries in no time.
Happy Calling!
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07.31.06
Posted in General at 8:38 am by Livvie
I know many writers have a problem making cold calls and would rather go to the dentist for a root canal than make the calls.
For me, the cold calls are very easy. This is because coming from a dental front office background I made confirmation calls to confirm dental appointments everyday for years.
One of the easiest ways to make cold calls is to have a short 15 - 20 second message (script) stating the purpose of your call. I have two scripts, one for actually speaking with the contact and one for leaving a message on their voice mail.
In both scripts I reference my web site www.WriteBusiness.net for them to be able to see samples, a brochure and more information.
When creating your script write as though you were writing it for a client…present the value and benefit to the prospect and sell your services. You can do this.
Have your list of people ready that you will be contacting. This can be a list using the Yellow Pages, the Book of Lists, or a list you have created from gathering prospects. For example using the Yellow Pages, you may be contacting Graphic Designers. When the person answers the phone, introduce yourself and begin reading your quick script. If the person is interested in seeing your work ask for their e-mail address that you may send them the link to your website. Then send the information to them immediately after ending the call.
Make sure you set up a way to manage the information for those you contact, those you actually spoke with, the ones requesting additional information, and those you leave a voice mail. Record any names given and make sure you use their name in any additional contact made or sent. Be personable and remember you are building relationships starting with these initial contacts.
During those first 2 weeks you will also do warm follow-up calls or e-mails to prospects you previously contacted and those you sent requested additional information. Working the cold calls and warm follow-ups will allow you to see what type of responses both bring.
So with that said…let’s get those phones to ringing!
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07.24.06
Posted in General at 9:34 am by Livvie
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