Hi, I just thought Id share a few things that help me when it comes to cold calls and making contact with prospects. Despite that every one has an opinion on cold calling, I believe that most of us (esp people new to sales and IM) wind up picking up the phone at some point. Here is just a few things that help me. Its not meant to be the end all be all of helpful hints but heres a few.
1. Research, know your target, their industry, specifics of their business(as best you can), and try to get names of the decision makers you want to contact.
2. Prepare your pitch and rehearse, rehearse rehearse. Be familiar with common rebuttals so you know how to counter them.
3. Keep in mind at all times that it is a numbers game. If you think you will be an exception to that, think again and put your ego in check. Every "no", brings you closer to a "yes". It's a numbers game.
(For those who get nervous about cold calling, do what works for you to muster up some confidence. Jog in place, do push ups, say affirmations, get the blood flowing and remember that forcing ourselves to do whats uncomfortable, promotes growth. whether thats growing a bigger bank account or confidence or even just bigger knowledge/skill base).
4. **KNOW that you have, or are offering what they need and its you helping them. With this mindset it helps with confidence in your speech and actions.** - That shift in mindset helped my confidence.
5. Get comfortable when you make calls. Some people sit, some stand, I often lay down when making calls.
- Pretend that you are calling a friend or are talking to someone you've met through a friend and are just informing them about your services etc.
- I also recommend a headset (its more comfortable when making tons of calls)
6. Just do it! Go big or go broke! After a few calls you will find it easier to do. Maybe make your first few calls to "lower tier" prospects to work up to calling bigger fish. Which leads me to this-
Now some may have an opinion and or disagree but what I've found out (I even read it in a book i dont remember the title or author of, but from what experience I have so far, I found pretty true),what Ive found out is that it takes just as much time and effort to pursue and sign up higher profile/paying prospects as it does to rope in the client that has the least amount to spend in their budget. Of course we often court prospects we feel we can help the most, so whether its a big insurance company or the local landscaper, whether the budget is 500 or 5000, making some money is better then making no money.

So thats it. Those are just a few things that have helped me. Its nothing new, sorry I dont have magic words or some secret methodology. Whether you think cold calling is dead or a necessity, you will find what works for you. Just do it. Good luck.

Wow this really halped me alot thank you for the great advice!

Glad you got something from it. You may read the same info from many resources(Im sure you have) but someone might phrase something in such a way that it clicks for you. Keep reading, keep learning and keep trying.

"Keep on keeping on" - J.Dirt

The tips are a great help for newbies around.Thanks.

thanks