Overcoming Fear of Making Business Calls: Tips from Experienced Entrepreneurs

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges and strategies associated with making business calls, particularly for Pampered Chef consultants reaching out to potential customers who did not make a purchase at events. Participants share their experiences and suggestions for initiating conversations with these contacts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses difficulty in making calls to strangers and seeks advice on conversation starters.
  • Another participant suggests starting the conversation by mentioning where they met and asking about products they purchased.
  • One user mentions the benefit of online training courses for learning what to say during calls.
  • Several participants discuss strategies for initiating conversations with individuals who did not purchase anything, such as reminding them of their visit to the booth or offering a free cooking show.
  • One participant shares their approach of thanking individuals for attending a show and asking about their experience.
  • Another user suggests role-playing with a director to practice making calls.
  • One participant describes a creative approach involving sending a flyer with coupons before following up with a call.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best ways to initiate conversations with potential customers who did not make a purchase, with no clear consensus emerging on a single effective method.

Contextual Notes

The discussion centers around personal experiences and strategies for overcoming the fear of making business calls, particularly in the context of Pampered Chef events.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for ideas on how to approach potential customers and improve their calling techniques may find this discussion relevant.

elizabethfox
elizabethfox
Gold Member
Messages
857
I just started with PC in Oct, and I haven't quite become accustomed to making calls to book shows. That is the one thing, that I just can't seem to make myself do:( . No because I am afraid, but because I just don't know what to say. I am FINE with friends and family, but I don't know what to say to strangers whose names I got at shows. I know I need to start doing the 3-2-1 every day, because I want to do well with my business this year!!

Can anyone give me some ideas on what to say when I call someone I don't know, or even give me a "sample" of what you say to people you don't know when you call them??:confused:

Thanks,
Elizabeth :chef:
 
You could start by telling them where you met them and asking about the products they purchased. If you remember somthing about them it's always nice and an ice breaker.
 
Hi Elizabeth,

Have you taken any of the online training course on CC? They helped me tremendously!! They will really help you know what to say.

Angie
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
I am talking about like people you meet at shows ( vendor, bridal, etc.) who don't buy anything, but you get their names from like a drawing or something. Since they didn't buy anything, and they didn't check any of the boxes on the drawing slip....how do you start a conversation with them?? KWIM?
 
elizabethfox said:
I am talking about like people you meet at shows ( vendor, bridal, etc.) who don't buy anything, but you get their names from like a drawing or something. Since they didn't buy anything, and they didn't check any of the boxes on the drawing slip....how do you start a conversation with them?? KWIM?
Click to expand...
I would start by reminding them that they stopped at your booth and filled out your drawing slip and ask what it was about the booth or PC that made them stop. If you want you can tell them they won a free cooking show (you bring the ingredients for a recipe of your choosing).
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
angmillar said:
Hi Elizabeth,

Have you taken any of the online training course on CC? They helped me tremendously!! They will really help you know what to say.

Angie
Click to expand...

Yes I have. But it still is hard to think of what to say to them, without sounding like a recording. I have gotten a lot of great ideas and learned quite a bit from the training courses, but the phone calling to those who don't buy anything, but whose names you got from a drawing you held at a show, is still stumping me. I just don't know how to start a conversation with them! It is not like I can start off saying, "I was calling to see how you are enjoying your new PC items...", because they didn't BUY anything yet!!
 
I have not attacked these types of calls yet, but I do have a few I should make. How about thanking them for coming to "Jane's" show, and asking them if they enjoyed themselves and the recipe. Do they have any Pampered Chef products? And then add in something like, " Jane received over $100 (or whatever the free product value was) in free products that night for having her friends and family over. Does the thought of going on a shopping spree like that sound appealing to you?
 
Ask your director and see if he/she will do a role play with you.
 
elizabethfox said:
but the phone calling to those who don't buy anything, but whose names you got from a drawing you held at a show, is still stumping me. I just don't know how to start a conversation with them! It is not like I can start off saying, "I was calling to see how you are enjoying your new PC items...", because they didn't BUY anything yet!!
Click to expand...

How about: Introduce yourself, remind them that they stopped by your booth; yes, they won a free party.

If they do not want it, ask if they would like to be on your notification list for when we change products, or recipe of the month, or to learn what the monthly specials are.

If none of this appeals to her, ask if you may keep her info and contact her in another year (6 mos, new season) and see if anything has changed.

IF you do not want to call, one of my team members made a flier that he sent to his "non grand prize winners" that had several coupons on it: Free party, free delivery w/i a 25 mile radius of the city the event was in, free spice with a $25 order. A week after he mailed these, he called each person to follow up.

Hope this helped.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common fears associated with making business calls?

Many entrepreneurs fear rejection, sounding unprofessional, or not knowing how to respond to questions. Others may worry about interrupting someone or feeling anxious about the conversation's outcome. These fears can create a mental barrier to making calls.

How can I prepare for making business calls to reduce anxiety?

Preparation is key to overcoming fear. Create a script or outline of what you want to say, practice your pitch, and anticipate possible questions. Familiarize yourself with the product or service you’re discussing, and have answers ready for common objections. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel.

What techniques can help me stay calm during a business call?

To stay calm, try deep breathing exercises before the call to center yourself. Visualize a positive outcome and remind yourself that the person on the other end is just another human being. Additionally, consider using a comfortable setting for your calls, and keep a glass of water nearby to help ease any tension.

How can I turn rejection into a positive experience?

Rejection is a natural part of sales. Instead of viewing it as a failure, see it as an opportunity to learn. Ask for feedback if appropriate, and analyze what you could improve for next time. Remember that each call is a step toward building your skills and resilience.

What role does practice play in overcoming the fear of making calls?

Practice is essential in building confidence. The more you make calls, the more comfortable you will become. Consider role-playing with a friend or mentor to simulate real conversations. Over time, you will develop a natural flow and become less anxious about the process.

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