Maximizing Business Growth: Overcoming Awkwardness in Cold Call Conversations

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores participants' experiences and thoughts on making cold calls to potential customers, particularly using old contact information. The conversation highlights the challenges of initiating these calls and the various strategies participants consider for overcoming awkwardness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about calling contacts from 2006, questioning the effectiveness of reaching out to people who may not remember engaging with Pampered Chef.
  • Another participant shares a suggested script for initiating a call, emphasizing the importance of mentioning the consultant who referred them.
  • One participant discusses their personal struggle with phone calls and the pressure to build their business, indicating a desire for support.
  • Another participant suggests sending a mini-catalog with an introduction before making a follow-up call, as a way to ease into the conversation.
  • One participant recounts a positive experience with an unexpected call, encouraging others to be confident and prepared for answering machines.
  • Another participant mentions the value of collecting email addresses for easier communication and follow-up after initial calls.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether to call contacts from 2006, with some participants expressing hesitation while others encourage taking the initiative. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach to these calls.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies related to cold calling, reflecting a range of comfort levels and business needs.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants looking for insights on cold calling and ways to engage potential customers.

chefHLM
chefHLM
Messages
100
I wasn't sure where to put this...hopefully I'm in the right area LOL. Anyways...I have a new HD (my director is over 6 hrs away) and she is trying to help me grow my business, she gave me some drawing slips with names of people to call. The only thing is that I have no clue on what to say when I call them! I don't know how to actually start the call without it being awkward on either end. AND most of these drawing slips are from 2006! I don't know if she's ever even got a hold of any of them for shows, etc. and she's out of town on vacation right now so I can't even call to ask. Any ideas on what to say when I call? I'm at a loss here. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
 
I personally wouldn't call people from slips from 2006 - especially those you've never met. I don't know what I would say to that. They probably won't remember having filled them out as well (especially if it was from a booth). JMO.
 
well... If you are desperate and want to call I would say something like... "Hi this is (you name) with the Pampered Chef. Suzy consultant gave me your name. She felt badly that she never followed up with you and is working with me to help build my business. I wanted to let you know I am here to help with any PC needs you might have."

go from there...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
I've been debating on if I should actually call them or not. I'm horrible on the phone as it is and the awkwardness of not knowing who is on the other line doesn't help. But at the same time I need to build up my business and meet new people. I've been struggling these last few months and need all the help I can get right now. According to my director and my HD I've been doing all the right things but am still having no luck. You know it's bad when I ask for and am willing to accept help.
 
Do you have addresses? I would send a mini-catalog along with a bried introduction and the follow up with a call.
 
Oh, if she doesn't mind, I'd call them. I like the one sample call here. You can always ask them if they are pleased with the product they bought. I did an out of the blue call last week and she raved about her rice cooker. She didn't need anything but was happy to talk to me so I would encourage you to try. Be positive and confident.

I tend to get a LOT of answering machines so be prepared for that as well. Make sure to include something like, "I'll try you next week to see if there's anything you need."

I also like to get people's email address for cheap communication. After they've said they don't want to host a show, then simply say "can I add you to my email list for monthly specials and recipes. I promise it's never more than once a month and you'll also have my info if you need anything."
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective strategies to overcome awkwardness during cold calls?

To overcome awkwardness during cold calls, start by preparing a script that outlines key points you want to cover. Practice your delivery to sound natural and confident. Additionally, focus on building rapport by asking open-ended questions and actively listening to the prospect's responses. Remember to maintain a positive attitude and embrace the possibility of rejection as part of the process.

How can I build confidence before making cold calls?

Building confidence for cold calls can be achieved through practice and preparation. Role-playing with a colleague or friend can help simulate the conversation and reduce anxiety. Familiarize yourself with your product and its benefits, so you can speak knowledgeably. Setting small, achievable goals for each call can also boost your confidence as you experience success.

What should I do if I encounter resistance during a cold call?

If you encounter resistance during a cold call, stay calm and composed. Acknowledge the prospect's concerns and ask clarifying questions to understand their objections better. Use this opportunity to provide additional information or address their concerns directly. If they are not interested, thank them for their time and ask if you can follow up in the future.

How can I make my cold calls feel less scripted?

To make your cold calls feel less scripted, focus on having a genuine conversation rather than just reading from a script. Use bullet points instead of full sentences to guide your discussion, allowing for a more natural flow. Incorporate personal anecdotes or relevant stories to engage the prospect. Additionally, adapt your tone and language to match the prospect's style, making the conversation feel more personalized.

What role does follow-up play in cold calling success?

Follow-up is crucial in cold calling success as it demonstrates your persistence and commitment. Many prospects may not be ready to engage during the initial call, so a follow-up can keep the conversation alive. Use follow-up calls or emails to provide additional information, answer questions, or remind them of your previous conversation. This can significantly increase your chances of converting leads into customers.

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