thx this helped me out, now i know how to phrase a call for me. Since I am a student I usually say that Hi I am a student at the university and I may I please speak with boss, since you are a student people usually dont hang up.
@principe,
If you're a student, this "8 words" is surely going to be your friend. Followed by the "who should I speak with in regards to promoting your business online?"
By the time I asked this they were almost scrambling on the phone - I could hear them shuffling their papers and getting their pen.
Most times, I'd get a pause and they were like.. yeah, that would be me... That's when I'd make sure I got their name right.
Then I would use their name at least 3 times again during the conversation.
Once you introduced youself - don't give them all of the information on that first phone call.
You need to get their name first, they they will ask you - what are you offering? Or something in that regard.
When we organised the expo - I said:
"You're probably busy right now, how about I get your email address and I'll send you more info on it?"...
Then I would say:
"If you don't mind, i'll follow up with you in a couple of days (make sure you give an exact date) just to make sure you've received it ok and ask if you have any more questions.
They're normally very receptive about this.
The thing is, you don't want to bombard them on the first phone call. Your aim is to get their "direct" contact details - then build your relationship from there.
When I did this, yes the stats was like 1 in 6 or 7 but that's because the communication was progressive. Not all at once, when they could get confused and basically you could potentially ruin your initial established relationship.
You need to care for them at the start and treat them with respect. Then they will respect you back.
Hope this helps.
cheers,
wiseinvest
P.S. Always ask them if it's ok to do this... or to do that... you know like - "is it ok to follow up with you....." "is it ok if I call you (by name eg. George)... always ask for permission and they'll be willing to help you.