Finally Got on the Phone:) - It Worked

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and challenges with making phone calls as part of their business practices. Many discuss their feelings about reaching out to customers, booking shows, and the anxiety that can accompany phone calls.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their success in booking shows after returning from a cruise, highlighting the motivation of paying off holiday debt.
  • Another participant expresses that making phone calls is a significant barrier for them, recounting a negative experience that has impacted their willingness to call further.
  • Several users mention that they find it helpful to approach calls as customer check-ins rather than sales pitches, with one participant detailing their method of starting conversations about product satisfaction.
  • One participant discusses their strategy of calling past hosts and how personalizing the conversation can lead to positive outcomes.
  • Another participant notes their discomfort with calling unfamiliar contacts and seeks advice on how to initiate those conversations.
  • Some participants share specific scripts or phrases they use when making calls, aiming to ease the process and make it feel more natural.
  • One participant inquires about the timing for following up with potential hosts who expressed interest but did not commit, seeking input on best practices for outreach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to making calls and the timing for follow-ups, with no clear consensus emerging on specific strategies or methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies related to phone calls in their business, reflecting a range of comfort levels and approaches to customer engagement.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights into overcoming phone call anxiety and strategies for engaging with customers may find the shared experiences valuable.

pampchefrhondab
pampchefrhondab
Messages
2,759
Hi Everyone,

I'm finally getting back in the groove after my cruise and the holidays:thumbup:

I got on the phone for about an hour tonight and booked 2 cooking shows and 2 catalog shows. I also left about 6 messages.;)

It feels so good to finally get back into it! I need to pay off that Chirstmas debt! That is a good incentive for me:)
 
Who hoo!! Good for you!
 
The phone is my biggest barrier of my business. When I finally got the courage to get on the phone I stopped after 3 calls!!! The last call that I made I was almost cussed out by the woman! That scared me into making any additional calls. I also am not secure with with to say. Any suggestions on how to makes calls and what to say for the newbies and the chicken??
 
I find I do best when I approach it as just checking on my customers. As a general rule, I don't try to talk someone into having a show or placing an order. I just introduce myself and ask if they're loving the products they purchased.This month, if they go on about how much they love PC, I mention the 20% off stoneware.That's it.If the conversation goes there, I'll talk about hosting and/or ordering, but most of my calls really are just checking on my customers.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
The phone is always scary for me still, but it's getting better - and I was a secretary for many years and spend most of my day job on the phone (LOL)!! I always think they are going to think I am bothering them. I always ask up front do you have just a couple of minutes. That way they know it's not going to be a long call.

The best attitude to have is that you are calling for them. You really need to convey this. Like Rae said, she just does it as a courtesy call of how they are liking their products. I have not been good with customer care calls. The calls I usually make are the ones where people have told me, "I don't want a party now, but call me the first of the year, next month, etc."

I'm going to start calling all of may past hosts this weekend (I'm trying to book Februrary full). I'm going to look up what they purchased and then start the call with, "Hi 'host', this is Rhonda with the PC." I was just using my 'rectangular stone' and was thinking about you." Are you enjoying yours? This really starts the call on a good note. They are impressed that you thought of them. Then as the conversation goes on tell them that the January/February special is the best you have seen since you started with the PC. Explain that even if they don't want to have an in-home party they can still get the specials w/a catalog show.

I just called a past host from Aug. She wasn't interested in another show until late this year, but I knew she wanted some additional cookware so I called her and said, "I know you weren't interested in a show until late this year, but I thought I should let you know about our February special." She was thrilled I called her and is going to put together a catalog show. I of course started the conversation w/how were your holidays, etc.

I can't take credit for these calling ideas. I got them from the best training CD's for phone calling from Lyn Conway of "A Fresh Perspective." I like her "Ring Up Rewards." See if anyone in your cluster has her training CD's. I try to re-listen to her CD when I'm getting ready to make my calls.

The worst thing for me is the answering machine. It seems nobody ever calls you back even though you leave a msg. I just hate the caller ID because if you don't leave a msg. they will know you called anyway. So I do what Rae does and tell them I will try them again if I don't hear back from them. I have had people tell me their husband deleted my msg. and they didn't get my phone no., etc. So it's always worth trying again. I do usually stop after the third call.

I'm not sure what I would do if someone swore at me. I probably would have stopped calling for the night as well. I'm glad you shared your story w/us though, because now I can be prepared if that happens to me. I think I would just say, I'm sorry to have bothered you. I will take you off of my list.

Good luck and get back on that phone. You can do it!
 
I have trouble with calling people that I don't know or are not past host customers. For example, I carry the Merrill Ribbon tote and on a few occassions I was asked about PC. I gave the person asking a mini catalog and my business card. I also got their information. Problem~ I can't bring myself to call these people becuase I don't know what to say. Any advice? :chef:
 
I would say something like this:

Hi, this is Becky, with TPC, I met you at the grocery store yesterday.....I was just calling to see if you had any questions I could answer for you, or if you needed help with anything? (take care of the answer to this, and then...)

I also wanted to let you know that we have some great host and guest specials coming up - would you be interested in hearing about these?

and then take it from there.....
 
Thanks, I appreciate it. :chef:
 
Great advice everyone but my question is. . . I did a show on friday and I am looking over the guest cards and some people said "maybe" about have a catalog or home show how long would you wait to call these people? I just started in Oct. and have yet to make any calls but I would love to FILL my calender. Any suggestion who to call and what to say Thanks
 
Call them right away. When you do, ask what they meant by maybe. If they want to wait a couple of months, agree on a window of time to call them back (early March, mid-April, etc.).
 
When someone checks maybe on having a show, I call them back and say: "Hi this is Laurie with TPC and I was calling to schedule your show that you were interested in having." I assume that they are going to have it. It the time isn't good for them, then I ask them when they would be interested in having their show and I will call them back when I am scheduling that month.

Before I hang up I ask them if there is anything I can do to help them? Do they need a recipe, have questions about products.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Finally Got on the Phone:) - It Worked" refer to in the context of direct sales?

"Finally Got on the Phone:) - It Worked" typically refers to the successful experience of reaching out to potential customers or team members via phone calls. In direct sales, personal communication can significantly enhance relationships and lead to successful sales or recruitment.

How can I effectively use phone calls in my Pampered Chef business?

To effectively use phone calls in your Pampered Chef business, prepare a script that highlights key products and promotions, practice active listening, and be ready to answer questions. Building rapport and showing genuine interest in the customer's needs can lead to more successful interactions.

What are some tips for overcoming phone call anxiety in direct sales?

To overcome phone call anxiety, practice your pitch with friends or family, start with low-pressure calls, and remind yourself of your goals. Focusing on the value you provide and viewing calls as opportunities rather than challenges can also help reduce anxiety.

How do I follow up after a successful phone call?

After a successful phone call, send a thank-you message or email summarizing the key points discussed, reiterating any commitments made, and providing additional resources or links to products. This reinforces your professionalism and keeps the conversation going.

What should I do if a phone call doesn't go as planned?

If a phone call doesn't go as planned, don't be discouraged. Reflect on what went wrong, learn from the experience, and consider reaching out again later. It's important to maintain a positive attitude and remember that not every interaction will lead to a sale or recruitment.

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