Before I share the discussion, as a quick review, cold calling is one method that can be used to uncover sales opportunities.
The reason cold calling doesn't work for companies and professionals is they are banging the phones; no plan, no strategy, just sitting in misery and fear. Of course the results are poor.
With that said, let's change the paradigm and create results through cold calling.
A big question that most people have about cold calling is "Should I leave a message or not."
Live conversations are the goal. However, in cold calling, live conversations can be rare, depending on the buyer persona of the niche you're working with.
When I have to leave a message I follow a 6-touch call, email, call process.
Call 1: I leave a well-crafted, 30-second, "value to the client" message, with a call to action at the end.
Then I email similar information in written form with a repeat of the call to action at the end of the email.
Call 2: In a few days (as promised in the phone message and email) call again and leave another message. Send a "Did You Get This" email (on top of the first email) after leaving the second message.
Call again in a few days (call 3) and make that a final message (take away). And email the take away message.
Often, on that 3rd call, the prospect will call either to set a time or say no interest.
Either way works for me. No is as good as yes because it's final.
Maybe is what's costing businesses tons of revenue every year because it creates a weak sales pipeline.
If no call back after call 3, move to content marketing.
Drip value driven articles and blog posts that are relevant and personal to the niche you are calling. Send this content a couple of times per month.
Repeat the 3-step, 6-marketing touch process (as described above) again in 90 days.
Leaving messages is a marketing touch in my world.
Messages that deliver value, done in a strategic sequence with email or other written follow up gets results all year long.
Images Courtesy: T-Koni
