I know that many decide to cold call to get extra business, or even just to start out. Personally I’ve found that a very disheartening way to do things but I know that some really do excel at this type of communication and successfully achieve their objectives.
So, if you’re considering using cold calling as a form of drumming up business, may I suggest you learn from the following?
I just had a phone call from a guy (whose accent was difficult to understand and he spoke way too fast) wanting to know if I had a website for my business? I suspect he’s trying to drum up business.
My response to him was ‘how did you find me?‘ as I know all forms of advertising I do always includes my web address.
He answered ‘the Yellow Pages‘.
I told him our website is listed in the Yellow Pages with our advert. I hope he could hear the smile in my voice.
He said he was sorry for bothering me and hung up very quickly. mmm, think he might have been a bit embarrassed.
I think if people are going to do cold calling for business they really need to think it through and do a little bit of research first, don’t they? Hopefully he’ll be more observant for the next person he calls 
Gary Barber says
Doubt it, sounds to me as if he was reading of a script, from a call centre, all he would have is the phone number (lifted from the yellow pages).
Mind you the point is still valid. I would even do a bit more research on the potential client before ringing them. Ensuring I knew as much as a could before I rang them.
Kathie Thomas says
Thanks Gary, that’s possible, although he didn’t sound like the regular telemarketer I get calling. Same accent though, if you get my drift.
I hope if that is true he gives them feedback on my answer and/or his manager was listening in. It would be valuable for the company providing the list to actually qualify the list first.