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FirstCalling Methodology

Dilbert’s Cold Call Strategy

Scott Adams Dilbert™ Comic Strip from December 6th reminded me of several of the sales managers and executives I have had the privilege of working with over these many years. This gem should bring a smile and a pucker to most everyone that considers themselves a salesmaker. Despite many pronouncements that the Cold-Call is dead, I am sad to report that it is alive and well. In spite of all the new and wonderful tools that I write and speak about, cold-calls are being made each day in every industry. You may be in Dilbert’s position yourself, having been handed a script with an offer not too unlike the one above. For that I am truly sorry.

In the long term, get me invited to speak with your sales and company leadership and I will do my best to convince them that there is a better way. In the short term, share your pain with the rest of us by providing your “cold-calling script” in the comments area below. At least we can share in each other’s misery.

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Preparation-How And Where To Find Company Information

Key sources of information on the companies that you would like to have as a customer. The ability to conduct productive and relevant research on your selected prospect has never been as easy and as detailed as it is today. The web has turned company strategy, tactical plans, employees, locations and some amazing detail inside out. What had been available only to a select few insiders, is now obtainable by most anyone with an interest and a browser.

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Defining Purpose Is First Step In FirstCalling

Purpose. If you do not first define your purpose in making the call, you will not achieve a positive outcome. I have found an ideal way to approach this exercise is to begin with a blank notepad in front of me, and if possible, in a room with others that are involved in the same sales/marketing effort. Write down your individual answers to the following questions on your notepad:

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Turning Cold Calls into FirstCalls

I have never met anyone that truly enjoys making cold calls. They are rarely productive, typically between 2 to 4% successful. Contrast that to what I refer to as FirstCalls, which have the following characteristics: 1) Comfortable to make. 2)Outcome is predictable. 3)Preparation is required. 4)Results are more positive. 5)They are repeatable

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How To Find Accurate Customer Contact Data

For many of you the toughest part of customer acquisition is obtaining current contact information. The number one question I get asked is:

“How can I get accurate email addresses and direct dial phone numbers or extensions for the prospects that I want to reach? Email, phone, title, that is what I need. Is there somewhere to get this information?”

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