Outsourcing Cold-Calling

I am looking to finally just do it, hire a cold caller or a team of cold callers (call center). I don't know a damn thing about it. I am hoping people can give tips and pointers in here, which would help others like me out.

Some example questions I have are, whats the difference in hiring a call center vs. just a few cold-callers. Or telemarketers?

What exactly should I provide and what should they be able to do or provide?
( Such as Should I provide a database of leads, or should they. )

Should I make sure the equipment they use is good (should they use "dialers" or is skype fine?) They pay for their own minutes? Does it matter what telephone number the calls come from? (dont want local companies seeing an overseas number). But not sure how that would work.

How do you pay? By appts set, hourly, etc

A bunch of questions, either people can answer here which would help out others, or I am also looking for someone to give me some pointers one on one via skype or something. Maybe point us to a pdf/blog guide that can help.

Thanks for helping out bhw!

Well, I've been looking for someone to do this as well for me. I've put out about 20-40 Job ads out here. and maybe 2 call backs.

I thought about outsourcing it. and I don't know if you are looking to do what i'm looking to do but i'd need someone that would be able to speak perfect English and have no background noise etc. Right now I have about 5-6 PH workers and every time i've talked to them on Skype it sounded like there was a war going on in the background

In the US. I've found that noone will work without a base pay. and I won't hire anyone remote with a base pay. I've already been screwed over by that once and learned my lesson quickly. So, doing commission only based on appt or lead etc. You'll have a hard time finding anyone in us to do that.

for me personally, I'm noticing that my only option is to get an office and than hire someone with a small base pay and do bonus's based on appointments set.

I dunno maybe you'd have better luck in FL?

Im looking to OC overseas like the phillippeans as well.
I am going to try odesk, since it is more reliable than finding a random person you know nothing about. on odesk I can see they have a LOT of past cold calling experience and good reviews etc.

Apart from odesk, freelancer.com is also a good option to find cold callers.

I hire telemarketers via odesk and have used both call centers and individual telemarketers. My experience regarding your questions are below:

A call center will be pretty aggressive regarding the number of hours they require to work for you each week, so don't expect much flexibility. If you know you can keep them busy, then it's the easiest process because they have the equipment and well-trained staff. You would simply give them the leads and the script. They will also cost more.

In regards to individual telemarketers, I ask everyone that applies for my job if they are applying for themselves or on behalf of someone else. A lot of call center managers respond to telemarketing ads and you won't know unless you ask. This is important to me because I speak to each person that wants to make calls for me via skype.

One issue with individual telemarketers is they will often expect you to provide the dialer or pay for skype credits. I don't pay for either and I tell them that they must set their contract bid to cover their expenses. I always ask up front how they make phone calls to the U.S. Some use skype and others use magic jack.

What I like about odesk is you can look at the applicants' work history as well as what they have been paid for similar work. You can see how many other projects they are working. You don't want someone juggling several jobs for this type of work. You can also see how often they've worked as a telemarketer and can use that leverage with you make an offer. Of course the reviews are critical as well.

I've never had an issue regarding the phone number that shows up. The key is that your telemarketer has a good voice. If I like how they sound, the next step is to send them a brief video explaining the project. In this video I tell them to be considered they must call five test leads within 24 hours of accepting this requirement. It's another way to weed folks out because you get a lot of applicants for this type of job. I also get free confirmed leads for my offer and it allows me to see if there's an issue with their equipment. I want folks "hungry" to work for me which is why I use this process. By the way, both call center staff and individual telemarketers have completed these steps.

I pay hourly for telemarketers and I check their work diary regularly to ensure they are doing what's expected. I immediately send a message if I see an issue.

Hope that helps!

mandude said:

I am looking to finally just do it, hire a cold caller or a team of cold callers (call center). I don't know a damn thing about it. I am hoping people can give tips and pointers in here, which would help others like me out.

Some example questions I have are, whats the difference in hiring a call center vs. just a few cold-callers. Or telemarketers?

What exactly should I provide and what should they be able to do or provide?
( Such as Should I provide a database of leads, or should they. )

Should I make sure the equipment they use is good (should they use "dialers" or is skype fine?) They pay for their own minutes? Does it matter what telephone number the calls come from? (dont want local companies seeing an overseas number). But not sure how that would work.

How do you pay? By appts set, hourly, etc

A bunch of questions, either people can answer here which would help out others, or I am also looking for someone to give me some pointers one on one via skype or something. Maybe point us to a pdf/blog guide that can help.

Thanks for helping out bhw!

Click to expand...

Filipinos, from what I have heard, are a good source to start.

Hey buddy,

I've used various telemarketing services, from individuals to full on companies. It really depends on your budget and your needs. Some of these telemarketing companies are great at obtaining leads and them weeding them out so that they're HIGH QUALITY leads so you don't waste your time.

Others, such as the individuals, may require you to actually provide the script..the leads..etc.

Whatever route you go..just make sure you interview plenty of individuals/companies and see which fits you best!

I'm in tampa too and I already have some overseas call centers working with me now to do my home security promotion on the east coast. PM me I might be able to refer 1 or 2 your way on trade or something

I had very bad luck finding qualified people offline.

Out of maybe a dozen or so CVs, only 3 or 4 might show up for an actual interview.Lots of people don't treat it as a job offer, and I see really glaring grammatical mistakes.

Good luck in your endaevors.

I had very bad luck finding qualified people offline.

Out of maybe a dozen or so CVs, only 3 or 4 might show up for an actual interview.Lots of people don't treat it as a job offer, and I see really glaring grammatical mistakes or hear outright attitude on the phone.

Good luck in your endaevors.