Help Me Get Over This Phone Call Road Block

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and feelings regarding the challenges of making phone calls to potential clients. Many express a sense of anxiety or hesitation, particularly when the contacts are acquaintances or have weak social connections.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant discusses reorganizing their leads and feeling awkward about calling acquaintances, fearing they may feel obligated to respond.
  • Another participant suggests dialing the number quickly to avoid overthinking and mentions using mini-catalogs as a reason to call.
  • One participant shares a metaphor about being a business owner, emphasizing the importance of making calls to unlock potential sales.
  • Another participant mentions using phone scripts to ease anxiety and notes that rejection is a normal part of the process, comparing it to a waitress asking about dessert.
  • One participant shares a motivational phrase about making money versus making excuses, highlighting the need to take action.
  • Another participant echoes the metaphor about unlocking the door to customers, expressing a desire to keep it visible as a reminder.
  • Several participants emphasize the connection between making calls and achieving sales, stating that without calls, there will be no shows or commissions.
  • One participant humorously notes needing motivation from a cluster-mate to stay focused on making calls.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best strategies to overcome phone call anxiety, with some participants sharing motivational insights while others focus on practical tips. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and motivational phrases that have helped them address their fears about making phone calls in their consulting business.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who struggle with making phone calls to potential clients may find the shared experiences and motivational insights relevant to their own challenges.

D
dwyerkim
Messages
546
I have been reorganizing my leads (had them in a binder which wasn't all that useful, now I have them all in a 4x6 plastic snap top box with divider cards for the months and days... better system). Now it is time for me to start calling people like crazy to let them know about the fall specials and get shows set up. But I find some of the names I come across, I just can't bring myself to call. For instance, I just did a catalog show for an old high school friend. We've stayed mildly in touch (holiday cards, the very occasional email). So her mom, her sister, and another former HS friend who I have no connection with anymore all bought. I sent extra SBs for her mom and sister. Regardless, I feel awkward calling all these people b/c there is a social connection but it is a weak social connection and I hate that they may feel obligated. I also have a longer list of people who live close to my mom and sisters who bought when I did shows for them last winter... I'm headed out that way in a few weeks and would love to do a show out there but that phone weighs 3000 pounds when I make those calls.

So how do I get over the fear of calling the non-stranger?
 
Dial the phone number before you have a chance to talk yourself out of it! Also, if you have the mini-catalogs, you can always offer to send them one if they say no to hosting a show. It's almost like an "excuse" for calling.
 
I recently heard this and hope it helps.

You are a business owner with a store.
Not everyone that walks in will purchase at that time. Some will purchase now, some will purchase later or some not at all.
However, if you never unlock the door there will be no customers...
Your phone is your key.
Unlock the door so customers may come in!
 
Do a search on here for phone scripts, and find one you feel comfortable with. Have that out, and decide which one is appropriate for who you are calling, then use it when they answer. I have been doing this for the last couple weeks, and my phone phobia is now gone. It may sound forced the first few times, but it will become more natural.

Something else I heard once. There is no reason to fall apart at the fear of hearing no. How many times when you are at the resteraunt does the waitress ask you if you want to see the dessert menu. When you say, no thank you, does she fall apart in a crying mess, and fall to the floor? No, she says, ok, and goes on to her next customer. You saying no has no affect on the waitress. Same with our customers, when they say no, it is just that they chose not to have a show right now, or place an order right now, it really does not have anything to do with you.
 
Last edited:
Since we're sharing great things we've heard to inspire us to get on the phone.. I'll add my favorite one: WE CAN MAKE MONEY OR WE CAN MAKE EXCUSES. CAN'T DO BOTH.
 
baychef said:
I recently heard this and hope it helps.

You are a business owner with a store.
Not everyone that walks in will purchase at that time. Some will purchase now, some will purchase later or some not at all.
However, if you never unlock the door there will be no customers...
Your phone is your key.
Unlock the door so customers may come in!
Click to expand...

I like that one! I may have to print it out and tape it on the cupboard over the phone!
 
No calls = No shows = No sales = No commission

That should be enough motivation!! MAKE THOSE CALLS!!!
 
ljeffries said:
No calls = No shows = No sales = No commission

That should be enough motivation!! MAKE THOSE CALLS!!!
Click to expand...

Wow! I think that says it all.
 
I have a cluster-mate who has to kick my bootie from time to time when I get lazy - I borrowed that from her. She scares me into submission.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common fears associated with making phone calls in direct sales?

Many people fear rejection, feeling unprepared, or worrying about bothering the person on the other end of the line. It's also common to feel anxious about not knowing how to respond to objections or questions that may arise during the call.

How can I build confidence before making a sales call?

Preparation is key. Familiarize yourself with your product, rehearse your pitch, and anticipate common questions or objections. Practicing with a friend or colleague can also help you feel more comfortable. Additionally, remind yourself of past successes to boost your confidence.

What should I do if I get nervous during a call?

If you start to feel nervous, take a deep breath and pause for a moment. It's okay to take a brief moment to collect your thoughts. You can also use positive affirmations or visualize a successful outcome to help calm your nerves.

How can I overcome the fear of rejection when making calls?

Understand that rejection is a natural part of sales and not a reflection of your worth or abilities. Try to view each call as an opportunity to learn and improve. Focus on the positives, such as the connections you make and the experience you gain, rather than the outcome of each individual call.

What techniques can I use to make my calls more effective?

Start with a friendly introduction and establish rapport with the person on the other end. Use open-ended questions to engage them in conversation and listen actively to their responses. Tailor your pitch to address their specific needs and concerns, and always follow up with a summary of the key points discussed.

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