Cold Calling Script

StartupNation Small Business and Entrepreneur Forums

Forums

Marketing, Sales & PR

Sales

Cold Calling Script

New Topic

Post Reply

Follow Topic

Page of 6 Next »

Author
Message

gonink

posts: 136

Jan 04, 2008 10:51 AM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

Any of you actually use a "script" when cold-calling? I know there are all sorts of opinions on whether or not it works, but if you do cold-call, do you use an actual script?

The more I read and think about it, using a script, sounds, well, "scripted". I don`t want to sound like a robot when calling on someone. Just seems to impersonal. But that doesn`t mean a few notes on what we want to accomplish with the call can`t be written down.

-------------------------

Chris
Gonink: Website design for the smaller business |Gonink Blog

Multimedia graphic, web and print design

delzakiya

posts: 22

Jan 04, 2008 12:09 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

I have worked for companies that use scripts, like AOL, and depending on what you are trying to do, they can serve a purpose. I found out there are tons of laws that govern what can be said, promised, etc, so they have to use a script to make sure that people know the terms they are agreeing to. One of the frustrating things was that if a person had a question that caused you to go off course, then problems arised. If it is to set up sales appointments or something like that, then a script could be helpful, but you have to be a great conversational reader. It can`t sound scripted.

-------------------------

Need web copy, press releases, articles for your website or newsletter, or even a video, we can do it.

Del Williams Media
Your Communications Specialist

gonink

posts: 136

Jan 04, 2008 1:33 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

...but you have to be a great conversational reader. It can`t sound scripted.

I like that phrase! A "conversational reader". I think the same thing would apply to the idea of listening instead of just hearing. Y`know?

-------------------------

Chris
Gonink: Website design for the smaller business |Gonink Blog

Multimedia graphic, web and print design

RicWillmot

posts: 154

Jan 04, 2008 3:48 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

I have an article on my website entitled "Cold Call Letter or Email."

It is on the "Tips & Techniques" page; the navigation button is on the left hand side of the home page.

http://www.executivewisdom.com

Rgds,

Ric

-------------------------

Ric Willmot
Executive Wisdom Consulting Group
www.ExecutiveWisdom.com
info@executivewisdom.com
Blog: www.ricwillmot.com

Founder of the Society for Executive Wisdom
www.ExecutiveWisdomSociety.com

Strategy for Professionals: www.strategyforprofessionals.com

DoorMat

posts: 289

Jan 04, 2008 8:48 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

GoNink,

I have been in and run telemarketing rooms for 12 years. Of course you should write it down. One day you may not have it in front of you, but to begin you MUST have it written down. That doesn`t mean you can`t get off the script, it just means to be sure you get back on your "map" on the way to your objective.....

cdbartwork

posts: 210

Jan 05, 2008 12:14 AM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

If it is scripted, it is stiff and uninteresting and people are uncomfortable with this. If you know your product and your customer, you should be able to have a conversation, make a connection and have a smile in your voice.

-------------------------

Colleen Dougherty Bronstein Designs
Sun Safe Designer Clothing
http://www.sunsafedesignerclothing.com
http://www.bronsteinartwork.com

DoorMat

posts: 289

Jan 05, 2008 1:08 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

You can have a script and still have an "unstiff, interseting" conversation. Think about a good movie you saw recently. I promise you it was scripted but when you watched it, you weren`t thinking about it being scripted.

RicWillmot

posts: 154

Jan 05, 2008 5:50 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

Gonink,

Don`t over-think this.

You have the link to the article on my website.

None of us enjoy receiving unsolicited sales calls; why on earth would we think this is a smart way to market our own services?

One of the teleconferences I did for my Private Clients Mentor Group was, "Getting to the Buyer: How to turn cold calls into warm opportunities."

It is available from the online store of my website.

Rgds,

Ric

cdbartwork

posts: 210

Jan 05, 2008 8:47 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

Since we are all not trained as actors, therefore reading a script..it is, in my opinion, better to go the route of being passionate about your product, know your product inside and out and therefore being able to communicate off the cuff in a very persuasive manner.

-------------------------

Colleen Dougherty Bronstein Designs
Sun Safe Designer Clothing
http://www.sunsafedesignerclothing.com
http://www.bronsteinartwork.com

RicWillmot

posts: 154

Jan 05, 2008 8:56 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

You cannot persuade someone who has no need for your product or service; no matter how good you are or the product/service is.

You need to have a conversation with prospects, asking intelligent questions to establish what their objectives are and how you might be able to help them reach those objectives.

If I am not the least bit thirsty, you cannot sell me a Coke.

If I want to improve the value of my home, you have a good chance of having a conversation with me about drought resistent landscaping because I live in a "minimal rainfall" location.

Page of 6 Next »

Post Reply

Keep the Community Clean!

StartupNation forums should be used as a platform to learn, educate others, share stories, tips & tricks and to provide constructive feedback.
Please do not use the Forums for advertising & blatant self-promotion.
Please be respectful to other members and refrain from personal attacks and vulgar language.
StartupNation reserves the right to delete any message, reply, and/or member who violates our terms of use.

Read full terms of use

StartupNation Small Business and Entrepreneur Forums

Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Cold Calling Script

Keep the Community Clean!