Boosting Bookings: Overcoming Phone Shyness and Training New Recruits

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around the challenges of overcoming phone shyness and effectively training new recruits within the context of a direct sales business. Participants share personal experiences and insights related to building confidence in making phone calls and leading new team members.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses difficulty in making phone calls due to phone shyness and seeks advice on how to improve.
  • Another participant suggests using business guides and scripts to ease the process of making calls.
  • Several users mention the importance of building confidence and mindset as key factors in overcoming phone shyness.
  • One participant shares that listening to training materials can help regain confidence and provide useful strategies for engaging with recruits.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need to shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance when approaching potential customers.
  • One participant shares a motivational poem to illustrate the importance of overcoming fear through love for the business.
  • Multiple participants express gratitude for the encouragement and insights shared by another participant, Scott, highlighting the positive impact of his words.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best methods to overcome phone shyness, with some participants focusing on mindset changes while others emphasize practical tools like scripts and training materials. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a supportive community environment where participants share personal challenges and encouragement related to direct sales practices.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for strategies to improve their phone communication skills and those seeking to support new recruits may find the shared experiences and insights beneficial.

KCPChef
Messages
205
Hi Everyone! I haven't been on here in a while- I need some advice! I currently have 1 recruit who is FABULOUS! And I actually have 5 more people that I am curretnly working with that want to join by the end of the summer! YAY! But my dilemma is that I had surgery, so I had to take a month off, and now that I need to gear back up- I am having trouble getting bookings. I have people to call, but I am so phone shy! Does anyone recommend anything that might help? I want to be a good leader and become a director, but I feel as though I cannot train these new women well if I can't even make a good phone call... any ideas to help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #2
Does anyone have anything that might help me? Thanks
 
Are you wanting help on making phone calls or training? The post was unclear.If you want help making phone calls, the best advice is to just relax, whip out your business guide and follow the scripts -- they're good. Also, go to CC and listen to "Let's Talk Promotions" (find it in the download center). They'll give you words to say.
 
Yes, you have to learn confidence in your ability to be successful before you can convey that energy on to your recruits. ;)Go back through the training videos on Consultants Corner and the audio tapes and do what you need to do to get YOUR business back up & running. As you are learning things that work for you, you'll want to pass those suggestions along to your recruits.You can also order the "Guide to Supporting New Consultants" off the supply order for additional tips. ;)
 
The biggest thing that will help is - a change in mindset. That you have people to call but you are so phone-shy, is the place to begin. If you have people to call, they are future business. [If you don't provide them the business, they will get it from another consultant!] These folks have either an interest in a "customer care checkup" call or a "which of my two available dates works better for you" call. If you are too shy to ask for what you know you need, get over yourself already...you are a direct sales professional. You need to be direct, you need to direct yourself. Phone-shy is a mindset of scarcity, a mindset of they're too busy doing something important, a mindset of your inability and your insecurity. It's Not About YOU! Providing good customer service is the model Doris Christopher displayed - go get motivated by checking out one of her books from the library.

Here's a Dr. Seuss poem I read and re-read to my children that applies:
(from I had trouble in getting to Solla Solleu)
...I learned there are troubles of more than one kind
...Some come from ahead and some come from behind
...But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready, you see?
...Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me.

Here is a "bat" for you: the remedy for fear is not courage - the remedy for fear is LOVE. Do you love what you do? Pick up the phone! Do you love saving people money? Call them and tell them! Do you love this business? Tell everyone you see!

Probably you would benefit from some good scripts. They give you confidence, particularly knowing they are the words that have worked for others. Here are some I've used, but there are tens of them under FILES.

Good luck; God bless!
 

Attachments

Scott, as always you are inspiring! These words are so helpful to me, i am sure they will be to others that read it too!

It was great meeting you in person at conference!

Have a great weekend!

Cary
wpb, fl
 
Wow, Scott, Thanks....I so needed that as well.
 
OMG, Thank you Scott. I just seem to flounder once someone answers and all my thoughts of what I would say fly out of my head.
 
Scott, you are an amazing writer!! I'm sure behind that is a fantastic speaker as well!! Thanks for that kick in the pants when I wasn't even looking for one!!
 
Scott, I really enjoy your spirit and your willingness to help. You are mixed in my business and it is because of people like you and Rae that I feel like I am doing the right things. Thank you both for your postings and encouragements. You really don't know how much that means to me tonight.

~Connie
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective strategies for overcoming phone shyness in direct sales?

To overcome phone shyness, start by practicing your pitch with friends or family to build confidence. Create a script that outlines key points you want to cover during calls, and rehearse it until you feel comfortable. Additionally, set small, achievable goals for making calls, such as reaching out to one person a day, to gradually increase your comfort level. Remember to focus on the value you provide rather than the fear of rejection.

How can I encourage my new recruits to make phone calls for bookings?

Encourage new recruits by providing them with training sessions that focus on role-playing phone calls. Share success stories from other team members to inspire them and highlight the benefits of making calls. Offer incentives for booking parties or reaching out to potential hosts, and create a supportive environment where they can share their experiences and challenges. Regular check-ins can also help keep them motivated.

What should I include in a training session for new recruits on making phone calls?

A training session for new recruits should include an overview of the booking process, tips for effective communication, and strategies for handling objections. Incorporate role-playing exercises to practice real-life scenarios, and provide them with a list of potential questions to ask during calls. Additionally, share resources such as scripts and FAQs to help them feel prepared and confident when reaching out to potential hosts.

How can I help my team members track their booking efforts effectively?

Encourage your team members to use a simple tracking system, such as a spreadsheet or a dedicated app, to log their calls and bookings. This should include columns for the date of the call, the person's name, the outcome, and any follow-up actions needed. Regularly review their progress during team meetings to celebrate successes and identify areas for improvement, fostering a sense of accountability and motivation.

What are some common objections new recruits might face when making calls, and how can they handle them?

Common objections include lack of time, uncertainty about hosting, or concerns about the product. New recruits can handle these objections by actively listening and empathizing with the potential host's concerns. They should prepare responses that address these objections, such as offering flexible party options or highlighting the benefits of hosting. Encouraging recruits to remain positive and persistent can also help them navigate these challenges effectively.

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