A funny thing happened to me last week. I received three call backs from companies I cold called in late July. While this happens from time to time, getting three call backs in one week was a unique situation. Of course, I am not complaining.
Why did they call back? All three companies wanted more information on what I could do for them. Fortunately, I was able to quickly email some samples and my resume. Shortly after, I reconnected with all three and ended up landing a project from each one.
This is one of the main benefits of cold calling. While you may not land a new client on the first call, once your name is out there you are in position to land a project should one become available. Just make sure you leave your contact information with the person you speak with. This includes both your phone number and email address.
I will be the first one to admit that receiving this type of call can be confusing. After all, you aren’t expecting it. Once the person on the other line refreshes your memory, though, you will be ready to pick up where you left off.
The more cold calls you make the better chance there is that somebody will call you back in the future. I have received call backs many months after my initial contact. Continue to get your name out there through cold calls, and you will eventually land a project as a direct result.
Thanks for the post. I used to send out two queries every Monday. I’ve gotten away from that now that I’m working on a book. I can’t imagine that I can’t do both.
Great reminder…. Have a good day.
I hate the telephone — if I could get away with not having one, I would. As it is, I only check messages 2x/day and return calls, because when I’m working, the phone is OFF.
So, instead of cold calling, I do direct mail, which I guess is the non-telephone equivalent. I get between a 1-3% positive response from the initial direct mail, but it’s the follow-up postcards I send every month that usually get a 25% positive response — I get a lot of new clients through sending the initial letter and brochure, then following up 3 months later with a “hey, how are you? Need a writer?” postcard.
For me, I find it totally worth the time and postage. Hey, someone has to keep the USPS in business, right? 😉
But your overall point is very important — get out and contact people with whom you’d like to work. Make them take (positive) notice.
Thanks!
Oh yes, I am very, very familiar with the cold call. I will never “love” them but I know now the secret to getting through them: focus on making the call instead of the results of the call. You’re right about the law of averages being your friend. All you have to do is make enough calls. So whether your goal is 10 or 100, just get through the calls and you’ve brought yourself closer to a yes.
And I’ve gotten a callbacks over a year later. After the project was done, I asked him what took him so long. He said he was just waiting for the right moment. lol