Maximizing Business Growth: Overcoming Awkwardness in Cold Call Conversations

[chefHLM]

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!

 

[Gina M]

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.

 

[etteluap70PC]

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...

 

[chefHLM]

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.

 

[pcsharon1]

Do you have addresses? I would send a mini-catalog along with a bried introduction and the follow up with a call.

 

[beepampered]

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."