How can I overcome my phone phobia and make successful CC calls for booking?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses personal experiences and strategies related to making customer care calls for booking in the context of Pampered Chef. Participants share their challenges with phone anxiety and offer insights into how they approach these calls to engage potential hosts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses a strong fear of making calls and seeks advice on how to speak naturally without relying on scripts.
  • Another participant shares their experience of reviewing a script beforehand to organize thoughts, which helps them speak more naturally during the call.
  • One participant describes their approach of asking specific questions to engage the customer and facilitate scheduling a show, emphasizing persistence until they receive a clear answer.
  • Several users mention that 'maybe' responses often indicate a potential yes, suggesting that follow-up calls can lead to bookings later on.
  • Another participant notes the importance of asking questions to understand what might be holding potential hosts back, reinforcing the idea that timing can be crucial.
  • One participant highlights the need to maintain a conversational tone to avoid filler words, which helps them feel more confident during calls.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the use of scripts, with some participants preferring to speak naturally while others find value in having a script as a guide. Overall, there is no clear consensus on the best approach to making these calls.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their individual experiences and techniques, reflecting a range of comfort levels with phone calls and varying strategies for engaging potential hosts.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who struggle with making customer care calls or those looking for different approaches to engage potential hosts may find the shared experiences helpful.

heat123
heat123
Silver Member
Messages
6,922
Hi to those of you who do well with CC calling for booking-
I know I have read and pulled about two general scripts and printed them out for CC Calls from this site but I was just wanting input and help on what you say that comes naturally to your verbage (not reading a script) when you are making your CC calls for those who have expressed interest-maybe in booking.

I know I really need to get on the phone and start making CC calls a regular habit on a daily or weekly basis to better my business but I have Phone Phobia (big time) and was wanting to know what you say that has worked well for those "maybe" guests and have booked right after talking to you on the phone!?

thanks in advance!
 
I am not great at customer care calls either, but what I like to do is read the script before I call a few times and get what I want to say in my head. Put the script away, then call. This way you have your thoughts organized, but your thoughts/words come out naturally. If I check the script ahead of time I don't forget to say something I was supposed to say either. I suck on the phone too, but it is essential to biulding your business.
 
I call and ask 1) Is this a good time. 2) How are your products are working out? 3) Any questions about any of them? I have their order on PP up when I call. Then I say "I was just going through my paperwork and noticed that you were maybe interested in hosting a show. I would love to do a show for you! Are there any questions I can answer? Can I help you schedule it? Which month x or x? And what day of the week is usually best for you?" If they say it doesn't matter I will ask a weekend or weeknight and then go from there. I keep calling until I get a yes or no. I will make an appointment to follow up. If its not a good time, I ALWAYS ask: When do YOU want ME to call back? Sometimes I am surprised and they'll say "Oh, next week." When I would have waited longer. Hope this helps!
 
I have found that those 'maybes' really mean yes, just not right now! I never use scripts, I just like to say whatever comes naturally. I like to call those maybes, and see what's holding them back. Usually within a month or so is what I've found they are ready to host. Once you explain that as long as their show is held within 6 mos to count for the host, they'll usually book!
 
lacychef said:
I have found that those 'maybes' really mean yes, just not right now! I never use scripts, I just like to say whatever comes naturally. I like to call those maybes, and see what's holding them back. Usually within a month or so is what I've found they are ready to host. Once you explain that as long as their show is held within 6 mos to count for the host, they'll usually book!
Click to expand...
I also agree with Lacy. And you know, "no" might just mean now isn't a good time. Just ask questions to qualify how you can best help them. That's why you're calling, right?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
AJPratt said:
I call and ask 1) Is this a good time. 2) How are your products are working out? 3) Any questions about any of them? I have their order on PP up when I call. Then I say "I was just going through my paperwork and noticed that you were maybe interested in hosting a show. I would love to do a show for you! Are there any questions I can answer? Can I help you schedule it? Which month x or x? And what day of the week is usually best for you?" If they say it doesn't matter I will ask a weekend or weeknight and then go from there. I keep calling until I get a yes or no. I will make an appointment to follow up. If its not a good time, I ALWAYS ask: When do YOU want ME to call back? Sometimes I am surprised and they'll say "Oh, next week." When I would have waited longer. Hope this helps!
Click to expand...

Thanks everyone! Esp. Aj's response, I like it! It sounds natural yet direct enough to get an anser from them! I will try it!:)
 
You are very welcome. I try to go with the conversation but it just suits me more to try and stick with the above. If I don't I use a lot of "umms" and "uhs" so I feel more confident with that.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some strategies to overcome phone phobia when making booking calls?

To overcome phone phobia, start by practicing your script and role-playing with a friend or family member. Familiarize yourself with common objections and prepare responses. Gradually increase your comfort level by making low-stakes calls, such as to friends or family, before reaching out to potential clients.

How can I build confidence before making booking calls?

Building confidence can be achieved through preparation. Write down key points you want to cover during the call and rehearse them. Additionally, remind yourself of your successes in the past and visualize positive outcomes. Setting small, achievable goals for each call can also help boost your confidence.

What should I do if I feel anxious during a call?

If you start to feel anxious during a call, take a deep breath and pause for a moment. It's okay to take a brief moment to collect your thoughts. You can also keep a glass of water nearby to sip on if you feel nervous. Remember that it's normal to feel anxious, and the more you practice, the easier it will become.

How can I make my calls feel more conversational and less intimidating?

To make your calls feel more conversational, focus on building rapport with the person on the other end. Start with small talk or ask open-ended questions to engage them in a dialogue. Listen actively and respond to their needs, which can help shift the focus away from your anxiety and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

What resources or tools can help me improve my phone skills for booking calls?

Consider using resources such as training videos, webinars, or books focused on sales techniques and communication skills. Joining a support group or finding a mentor within your direct sales team can also provide valuable insights and encouragement. Additionally, recording your practice calls can help you identify areas for improvement.

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