The first time you pick up the phone to make a cold call your stomach will likely feel uneasy. Don’t worry, you are not alone – this is quite natural. After all, you are getting involved with something that you are not familiar with. On top of this, the act of cold calling has received a bad reputation over the years.
Although you may have butterflies in your stomach, you can calm your nerves by following these three tips:
1. Have a script in front of you. This alone can go a long way in helping you feel better about the journey you are about to embark on. When you know what to say and when to say it, you will feel more comfortable moving forward.
2. Realize one thing: you are dealing with people, just like yourself. There is nothing to be worried about. Sure, you may get a rude response but if that is the worse thing that happens you will be just fine.
3. Have a “no worry” attitude. In other words, you should not let a negative response affect you for an extended period of time. Instead, let bad experiences roll off your back as you move onto your next call. You have to fight through the bad calls to get to the ones that have potential.
When the butterflies are swarming around and you don’t know what to do next, rely on the three tips above. Soon enough, your nerves will settle down and you will be in position to move forward.
These are helpful tips, Chris – especially #2 and #3. A script keeps you from loosing focus on a call (usually due to nerves) and the no worry attitude reminds you that when someone say’s “no” it’s nothing personal – you just keep it moving to the next call.
Thank you for the reminder! I find using a script is great to keep on track. I tend to forget what I want to say as soon as someone answers.
I would suggest having a few notes on hand of what to say in response to potential objections that may be raised, such as the following objections:
-Already working with someone else.
-No need for or interest in this type of service.
-Too busy.
-Send us some info.
-No money.
Great tips!
I agree with Stacey. Have a few notes in case the ‘potential client’ is working with another freelancer or is too busy to chat.
This may sound a bit ‘woo-woo,’ but you may want to meditate before you begin cold calling. It’s a good way to calm your nerves and invite the “divine” (if you believe in a higher power) to be with you when you make your calls. I do this before I speak with a client to ensure I have a smooth conversation. It works.
BTW: I have yet to cold call, but I do ‘cold’ email. Perhaps, I’ll give cold calling a try.