Overcoming Fear: My First Cold Call Success Story

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around personal experiences related to making cold calls and overcoming the associated fears. Participants share their own challenges and successes in reaching out to potential hosts and customers, highlighting the emotional aspects of these interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their experience of making a cold call after a period of inactivity, expressing nervousness but also excitement about the interaction.
  • Another participant expresses their own nervousness about calling people, indicating a shared feeling among some members.
  • Several users offer encouragement and praise for the original poster's efforts, emphasizing the importance of taking action despite fears.
  • One participant recounts a separate experience of giving a catalog to high school students during a car wash, suggesting it as a potential fundraising opportunity.
  • Another participant reflects on the growth that comes from stepping out of comfort zones, reinforcing the theme of personal development through challenges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is a general agreement among participants about the challenges of making cold calls and the importance of supporting one another in overcoming these fears. No clear consensus emerges on specific strategies or outcomes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a supportive community atmosphere where participants share personal stories and encourage each other in their business practices.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be useful for consultants who experience anxiety around making cold calls and are looking for relatable experiences and encouragement from peers.

GourmetGirl
GourmetGirl
Silver Member
Messages
2,299
So I had a garage sale about 6 weeks ago, 1 person took a catalog, show benefits flyer and I got her info. Well long story short, I had a bit of a drop of the face of the earth period and am now picking myself back up. So tonight, I called her. It wasn't a good time to talk, but she did mention she wasn't completely sure about hosting a party, her husband wasn't so sure on the idea. I told her I have been doing some outdoor parties where you don't even have to clean the house and I would love to call her one day this week and chat with her about some of my ideas. She was really receptive to the call and actually sounded excited. So while nothing has come of this, I just had to share because it is the first time I have ever called someone who I didn't know from a party. (and trust me, until this week even host coaching over the phone has been a big thing for me and has had me in tears getting the courage up to call)

I am actually shaking a little bit right now. I have decided that I am going to have a full schedule for when I get back from conference and as Rae always says I am just going to pull up my big girl panties and do it! So I spent about 20 minutes on the phone, had a brief chat with one host (am calling her back in 2 hours, she wasn't as ready for me as she thought she was), left a message for another and finally called this lead whose information has been sitting in my living room for 6 weeks now!

Thanks for listening to me, and I hope that anyone else out there who is in the same situation as me can use this as you are not alone and it can be done!
 
Great Job!! I'm nervous about calling people too so you aren't alone :)
 
Good for you Allison! It can be a challenge sometimes but just doing it is the best!
I am proud of you!
 
you will get the hang of it. congrats on overccoming it. i hope you get a show from her
 
I'm so excited for you! And neither of us will be able to "drop off the face of the earth" again because someone will always be watching!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
katie0128 said:
I'm so excited for you! And neither of us will be able to "drop off the face of the earth" again because someone will always be watching!
Click to expand...

Yep! Thanks Katie! and thanks everyone for your words of kindness. Sometimes you just need others to remind you that people are not going to think poorly of you if you call and ask.
 
talk about going out on a limb I was in the drive up line at the bsnk and across the street high school kids where doin a car wash and alos asking for donations , so when I pulled out and handed her a dollar for the donatn pale I also gave her a catalog and said they can make alot more if they fo a fundraiser . so dhe is going to pass it on to her teacher. Will see what happens . I can always call the high school in the fall
 
I really get nervous about calling people too!!!! I don't know what it is but I need to work on it!!!
 
Great job, Alison! How did the rest of your evening go?
 
chef131doreen said:
talk about going out on a limb I was in the drive up line at the bsnk and across the street high school kids where doin a car wash and alos asking for donations , so when I pulled out and handed her a dollar for the donatn pale I also gave her a catalog and said they can make alot more if they fo a fundraiser . so dhe is going to pass it on to her teacher. Will see what happens . I can always call the high school in the fall
Click to expand...

Congrats to you!!! Of course, they are going to LOVE the idea and do a FR in the fall. But in the very odd chance that they don't, at least you got some practice and found out that limb you climbed on didn't break!
 
I'm so proud of you, Alison! Whenever we step out and do something we're scared of, we grow a bit. Congratulations, and I hope you head out to NC with a packed calendar awaiting your return!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cold call and why is it important in direct sales?

A cold call is an unsolicited call made to a potential customer with the aim of selling a product or service. In direct sales, cold calling is important because it allows sales representatives to reach new customers, expand their network, and generate leads that can lead to sales. It can be a crucial skill for building a successful business.

How can I overcome my fear of making cold calls?

Overcoming the fear of cold calling often starts with preparation. Familiarize yourself with your product, practice your pitch, and develop a script to guide your conversation. Additionally, setting small, achievable goals and gradually increasing the number of calls you make can help build your confidence. Remember, rejection is a part of the process, and each call is an opportunity to learn and improve.

What strategies can I use to make my first cold call successful?

To make your first cold call successful, start by researching your potential customer to tailor your approach. Use a friendly and confident tone, and be clear about the value your product offers. Ask open-ended questions to engage the customer and listen actively to their responses. Finally, be prepared to handle objections and have a follow-up plan in place.

Can you share a success story from your first cold call experience?

Absolutely! During my first cold call, I was nervous but focused on my preparation. I called a potential customer who had shown interest in kitchen products. I introduced myself, shared a brief story about how Pampered Chef products had helped me in my cooking, and asked about their cooking habits. By the end of the call, I had not only scheduled a follow-up meeting but also gained a new customer who appreciated my genuine approach.

What should I do if I face rejection during cold calls?

Facing rejection is a common experience in cold calling. It's important to remember that rejection is not personal; it often reflects timing or the customer's current needs. Use rejection as a learning opportunity—ask for feedback if appropriate, and analyze what you could improve. Keep a positive mindset, and don't let a few no's discourage you from continuing to reach out to potential customers.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Overcoming Fear: A Phone Call Success Story
  • kcmckay
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
5
Views
2K
TheNewMrsRue
Overcoming Fear: Taking the Steps to Pamper My Business
  • MrsNetNut404
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
4
Views
2K
MrsNetNut404
Overcoming Fear: How Conference Helped Push Me
  • Bill Faber
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
19
Views
3K
raebates
Taking the Fear Out of Show Bookings: My Success Story
  • deanna_g
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
12
Views
2K
twinkie10
Struggling with Overcoming Fear of Making Phone Calls in My Business?
  • Humble Beginnings
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
6
Views
2K
Humble Beginnings
Overcoming Phone Fear: How to Tackle Sales Calls with Confidence
  • kcmckay
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
22
Views
4K
Dutchess
The Unexpected Pampered Chef Show: A School Nurse's Story
  • Dawn4
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
12
Views
2K
Becca_in_MD
Booking a Summer Cooking Show: A Strange Phone Call Experience
  • ChefBeckyD
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
5
Views
2K
Krista Burson
Two Bookings & a Bridal Shower - My CCC Success Story!
  • ChefJoyJ
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
4
Views
1K
PChefPEI
Overcoming Phone Fear: My PC Journey and Success Story
  • lisatx04
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
9
Views
2K
Paige Dixon
Back
Top