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Cold Calling Script

 
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stonesledge

posts: 1093

Jan 17, 2008 12:55 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Interesting Topic.
I find that folks will purchase from another for a few reasons. One is if it will benefit them, two if it will benefit others, Three if there is a future need, Four to make a Change from a current provider.
 
I myself approach someone without a script because I not only believe in my products or services but know that I will give them a fair deal and I am completely knowledgeable about our offerings. I always make a polite greeting, state who i am what we do and I ask them a few questions. I then ask for a meeting or if I may send literature and make a later date to discuss. In both second approaches I am prepared to explain how we can provide a solution based on the feedback I received from the questions I asked.I also will always give another providers solution if I feel that their needs may be serviced or a better fit with another company. I will also either give them the other companies information or set up a meeting for them and the other company to meet. For us it is a win/win, either we gain them as a client then or we have the opportunity to gain not only them later but the companies that we refer to clients. The client is happy, the other company is happy (we only refer companies that do great work) and we have put out good will and it always returns.
 
As for beginning agents or reps. We do provide them with a basic point card to help them when first starting out. We explain fully and have them involved in what we do, so they are excited and believe in our products/services. This always translates into confidence when speaking or meeting with a prospective client. We want to be as genuine as we can and only approach folks who we have researched and we feel can benefit from our service.
 
Erin


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Founder Girls with Goals
Jan 17, 2008 2:42 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hey all, I agree on the scripting. Use a great script wisely as a baseline. As you master it (and measure its effectiveness) either tweak it, or stay with what works. Your outcome is to simply move the call forward (NOT to sell them something on the spot). Moving a call forward means that they will accept a face to face meeting, or will get on a call with you for 30 minutes.
 
what is most important in this process:
1) Identify your IDEAL client
   ie: someone who most likely has a want for your product/service
2) have an interesting introduction (not the same as EVERYONE else)
3) Practice "mind reading" ie: what are most of your target audiences primary PAIN, as well as their wants and needs (example: "I am sure that you`ve heard the statistics that say 95% of all small business fail within the first 5 years, and 1/2 of them fail within the first year?"  that typically captures the attention of a small busines owner! Then say, "What we do is help.... xyz"
4) be able to effectively articulate YOUR unique selling proposition (what makes you different?)
5) always work to sell either a) an appointment with them (prefer face to face first, phone appoinment second) or gain their interest to receive information from you. You will then follow up at a pre-determined date.
6) have something (preferable electronic to keep costs down) to send them that provides value (ie: specific information, a great article, a recorded call, or any great facts about their industry products, or services) this will induce the law of reciprocity
7) follow up follow up follow up
 
Just my 2 cents on what has worked well
 
Wishing you all the BEST!
 
Gene McNaughton
Partner, OneCoach, Inc
 
 
Proteus

posts: 2

Jan 21, 2008 10:02 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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My particular experience is in Hi-Tech BtoB sales of minimum 6 figures.  The people I manage or train need to engage with a fairly senior executives of Global 1000 companies.  If you get to talk to one of these folks you need to grab their interest within the first 30 seconds or less.  A script, at least bulleted, is a good mnemonic to keep you on track.  I’m sure you have a compelling value proposition.  Notwithstanding, it will not be a value to everyone.  I am opposed to the “Spray and Prey” approach.  That is where you launch into a pitch on what it is you do or the features of your product or service.  Since time is a sales reps only productive resource it is essential that they not waste it on bad or going-nowhere sales opportunities.  Probe for a pain that you can solve (salve).  If you can’t find one get out and move on to the next suspect.  My experience is that nearly nobody reads literature until they believe it has some value (which most glossy collateral does not).  So, close for the meeting.  Try to be a resource that can provide value.  Try a line like:  You know whenever I talk to a (title) in a company like yours they always tell me they are trying to achieve solution 1, solution 2, or solution 3.  Is that true in your case as well?  You just might give the impression that you know what keeps this guy awake at night.  You might give the impression of someone worthwhile talking to.  Howeve, if you can’t find a problem you can solve, move on.

RicWillmot

posts: 154

Jan 21, 2008 10:09 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Okay, because this has gone on for so long; I have added a post to my blog, which is brief and simple.
In the "Best Practices" category.
 ... "Cold Calls for Business"
 
 
And the article on my website entitled "Cold Call Letter or Email" is still available.
It is on the "Tips & Techniques" page; the navigation button is on the left hand side of the home page.
 
 
Rgds,
Ric
RicWillmot3/13/2008 6:01 PM


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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
SkipAnderson

posts: 16

Feb 12, 2008 10:11 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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A script is a great place to start, because it forces one to decide what approach to take. As skills increase, and quick-thinking increases, it`s excellent to be more conversational, but an experienced person cold-calling (without quick-thinking skills) or cold calling experience almost requires a script as a starting point, in my opinion.

As far as the concern about a script being too "scripted," it`s important to practice the delivery of the script so it doesn`t sound scripted, just like a stage actor who is in the middle of his 126th performance of his play. If actors can do it, sales professionals can do it!



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Skip Anderson
Sales Trainer
Founder and President,
Selling to Consumers | Sales Training to Sell More
rustymuffler

posts: 22

Mar 13, 2008 10:20 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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 Great post, cold calling is tough, practice and knowing your product...with that said I am no expert, I do know what my product is and I  know what my clients needs are but my problem is who to call...how do I find out who purchases advertising for a company or who holds their PR account, or for that matter writes the checks on these campaigns, can anyone address this, thanks 
rustymuffler3/13/2008 11:57 AM


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RicWillmot

posts: 154

Mar 13, 2008 5:17 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Corroded Exhaust System,
You have posed three questions:
  1. Who purchases corporate advertising?
  2. Who holds the corporate PR account?
  3. Who writes the checks?
A1: It will be different for every corporation/organization. Sometimes there will be a marketing manager who has the authority to sign a purchase order, in other instances it may be the CEO or owner who has ultimate authority, while the marketing manager can only make recommendations.

A2: Marketing Department

A3: Same answer as for A1.

Understand that you are not selling to corporations/organizations or departments, you are selling to the people working in those structures. And, behind every corporate objective is a personal objective. Learn the personal objectives of those people and articulate solutions to their objectives through the use of your offerings. But you must stand out from the crowd, if you are no different to anyone else, then why would they choose the angst of having to change?

I recommend you read a PowerPoint presentation from my website, "5 Steps to Win Sales in a Tough Market."

Rgds,
Ric
RicWillmot3/13/2008 6:41 PM


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

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
rustymuffler

posts: 22

Mar 15, 2008 10:12 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Thanks, I did read 5 Steps...also read a few other things. I`ll put your advice to work.
 


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ZILLISmedia
BAD ASS CARS
SidewalkNerd

posts: 14

Apr 22, 2008 12:54 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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The script is just a framework for the conversation.  It serves to remind you of the important points, but you`re not going to follow it word for word - at least I don`t.  It should be adapted to each situation, but is a good tool to keep you on track.
SidewalkNerd4/22/2008 12:57 PM
Kwicherbichen

posts: 8

Apr 22, 2008 1:20 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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I used scripts in real estate sales, loan sales, and foreclosure assistance. They do work very well but you have to rehearsh them so they don`t sound like scripts. Once you believe what your saying your potential customer will also.

Additionally, scripts help you overcome common objections. Instead of replying with, "Well....uh.......ummmm" you`ll be firing off your answer and sounding professional. Remember, it doesn`t matter what your selling because you`re really selling yourself. If people interested in your product believe in you they will believe in the product in many cases.
 
Just my .02


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Brian
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