Sales
Cold Calling is NOT Dead!
by Tori Hawthorne | 9 Comments »
Over the past few years 'Cold-Calling' had become a favored activity of choice to generate Sales as it is believed you can contact large numbers of 'prospects' in a short space of time. BUT, I heard that 'Cold-Calling' is dead... I have to disagree and here's why;
I was recently at a Seminar when one of the business owners at my table said "cold-calling is dead". I asked what had replaced it, he had no answer, but to tell me it was a useless waste of time as "you make no sales, pointless exercise, time can be better spent"...
General definition of "Cold-Calling"; contacting prospective customers or clients, typically by phone, when the contacted was not expecting the call... This can be viewed as a low risk option [to the business selling] for a business to try to generate sales of goods or service.
What I think it is;
Cold-Calling; A process by which to introduce yourself or your Business to another business or customer with the intent to share relevant information and gain permission to contact again. No selling there!
I have never viewed cold calling as being part of my job description and I have been in Sales for nearly 15 years... So what do I do?
Contacts
Research lists/build databases relevant to the project in hand. Get the appropriate contacts with-in the companies you want to break into. There have been posts where people will tell you Social Media is great for that. Yes, it will give you a name, but it wasn't given to you. Use mutual connections to get introduced properly, I'm dreadfully old fashioned, you can bulldozer your way in, but all that does is knock things over and ruffle feathers. Ask for introductions, it shows you care enough to 'ask', this also allows your connection to talk about you to the person you need to talk to..
Prepare the Prospect
Send email or letter information, general marketing information, a precise explanation of the business and what you offer, information on an offer that may be on at this time. Have a reason to contact this prospect/business. A blind "we sell x y z, would you like to buy x y z" just wont work... Remember this isn't "cold calling" as you know it...
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Marketing
Finding Your Niche In Email Marketing: What Marketing Emails Are Best For You?
by Tara Hornor | 2 Comments »
In order to remain relevant in the business world, companies must take steps to relate to their potential clientele and loyal customers in a clear and effective manner, or in other words, find out exactly what your clients want to see in your email exchanges. Some types of email that works for other companies may not work for you and your audience.
In this article we discuss several keys to finding your niche in email marketing.
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Marketing
Beware The Promoted Tweet: Hashtags Gone Wrong!
by Sarah Ryan | 4 Comments »
The use of hashtags is a great idea because Twitter users can make them their own and generate conversation (and content) around them, connecting with not only the brand but also each other. However, be warned, promoted hashtags should be approached with care, specifically because Twitter uses can make them their own …
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Marketing
Time Management Tips for Working From Home
by lornasixsmith | 13 Comments »
With more and more start up businesses trying to keep costs down, many people are working from home whether it is turning a bedroom into a home office or using the kitchen table. However, keeping your productivity and focus high while working at home can be a challenge for many of us as working from home can hold many distractions. As someone who has worked from home for the last four years, I'd like to share some tips that I find work for me.
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Management
5 Ways To Improve Your Attitude And Commitment
by warrenrutherford | 4 Comments »
When you realize you are having that bad day does your enthusiasm for continuing your work day wane a bit? Do you question whether it is worth it to continue on? Do you realize that your attitude is affecting your commitment? Is it worth adjusting that attitude?
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