An Entrepreneur's Life - Small Business Marketing - Latest Comments in Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

mike — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:32:05 -0000

Just found this article via google.

The problem with B2B cold calling is when the salesperson calls someone based on nothing more than a weak lead, then pulls the "can you tell me who I should talk to" card.

No, I am NOT going to give out an internal phone number. I will shut you down immediately. I am not a switchboard operator, and I will not risk angering an executive by giving out private information. There will be no followup.

Cold calling may work from time to time, but it is a crass practice and reeks of amateurism. The proper way to land clients is to get your product in trade shows, online, fishing for RFPs through networking, etc.

Calling John Doe the Finance Manager and asking him who handles the company's point-of-sale technology is the height of stupidity.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Outdoor Advertising — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:38:11 -0000

To be an effective cold caller you must be friendly, outgoing, assertive, and helpful. There are too many people in the game now that think you can just read a script and be effective.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Trevor A Page — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:39:23 -0000

I had edited a few things and forgotten to replace them. I appologize for the incomplete thought.

So, when i say "If that is NOT what you are trying to convey - " I mean to say "If that is NOT what you are trying to convey - please explain further. Again...(continue as posted)"

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Trevor A Page — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:37:02 -0000

I see that you have a lot of opinions, and what I would like to see, personally, is a solid solution to the problems you are examining. I'm assuming this person walked away because you had offered him your opinion, hadn't really given a solution, and then compared him to something negative - if that is really how the situation occured, I would have done the same, envisioning you as arrogant and opinionated. So, what I've read is that cold calling is okay, but you need an automated marketing system (in a nutshell). Great, awesome, what kind of automated system? Why should I believe you? When I SEE the words automated marketing system, I actually HEAR e-mail blasts, snail mailing "marketing slicks," and online newsletters. Well, if that's what you are trying to suggest as more effective than cold calling - I'd like to (politely) disagree. If that is NOT what you are trying to convey - again I'd personally like to examine your theory.

I've read three of your blogs, and have started losing interest already. This is my personal feeling and interpretation, so I certainly don't speak for the masses.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Jennie — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:44:07 -0000

It’s absolutely necessary when getting started to spend lots of time cold calling. The trick is FOLLOW UP. No simply means not right now. Simply stay in touch over time and build a relationship. Numbers don’t lie and the numbers say that 80% of the sales are closed by 20% of the people out there ON THE 7TH OR 8TH TOUCH. Ideally, as clientele builds, the cold calling will reduce as the referrals, networking and the budget for other mediums ALL increase. I totally agree with the functional alcoholism analogy but only IF a salesperson never takes steps to free himself from dependency on cold-calling alone.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Jennie — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:43:35 -0000

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Jenn — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:25:21 -0000

I believe cold calling can definately have its advantages and disadvantages. But having been there and done that, it give you such low self-esteem. Its such a hard job to do, regardless of all the people that say its easy!

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Arthur — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:53:14 -0000

Lead this horse to the water. I have a new janitorial service with a limited budget. So what do I do. Yellow pages suck so do not even say to go there. I hate cold calling but what else do you do. Mail is expensive and just as crappy of results as cold calling except a lot cheaper. What should I do walk into the local doctors office and say… You know this place could use a good cleaning because it aint so clean. Even my own Dentist that charged me $1800 to fix one tooth said no and his office is dirty. That is dirty to me. It is fine for the average person and they would not notice the things I do.

So riddle me this Batman; what do you suggest.

Thank you so kindly.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:16:44 -0000

I agree with the comments that suggest that cold calling is a useful part of a sales strategy but not the be all end all of such a strategy.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:50:42 -0000

Hi there.

Ive started a company which generates leads and meetings for other companies. We are looking for staff to do some cold calling in many different areas. Some would say the company is a call centre, but its more of a company which brings other companies products to their interested buyers with the help of our own sales people. Any tips

Please contact by email as I may not see this site again.

Thanks, Jonathan

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:45:51 -0000

The company I used to work with opened a branch in my home town…I did strictly outbound cold calling and had zero clients to over 450 clients in 7 years….we did advertising and costly trade shows but failed miserably…it is more cost efficient and effective to go out and smile and dial!!

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:50:53 -0000

You guys should try going door to door. It is way more effective than cold calling.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:54:48 -0000

I think your analogy about him being a functional alcoholic is a bit harsh. Telling him to augment his sales strategy is fine but it’s hardly like he’s in a spiral of addiction.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:52:30 -0000

I agree with the comments that suggest that cold calling is a useful part of a sales strategy but not the be all end all of such a strategy.

Not only do most sales people start off by getting <a >telesales jobs</a> while at college etc, but you know that if you can cold call 8 hours a day you’re for sure cut out for a career in sales. It’s a real test of a person’s resiliance.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:46:47 -0000

thanks for info

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:31:37 -0000

Cold calling bought me a Rolls-Royce and just like the professional you spoke to, I love boasting about my achievements. In fact, I still truly believe that cold calling can be successful but I totally agree with you that in order to “get there” you need to adopt a non-conformist attitude towards marketing!

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:36:35 -0000

Thanks for this efficient information! Continue to associate us in your information!

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:54:17 -0000

I think its important to have many different strategies…as they say, you don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket…

Cold calling can be effective (I have worked in that area) and even direct marketing, such as house to house

However, as with everything there has to be good practice…unfortunately, too many companies are going about using some of these strategies the wrong way - to the point where we are becoming less receptive to such marketing generally…

That makes it harder!

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:28:08 -0000

I am also aginst cold calling. If you been in sales for quite a while or you are new to sales than you know that cold calling is a waste of time. Many people call cold calling telesales but whatever you call it if you’re spending your time cold calling your not maximizing your time.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:55:42 -0000

im a Sales and Marketing executive of a small software company, i do a lot of cold callings as a lot of ppl are still not aware of the product we deal in.

Cold calling is effective when u know whom u r calling. And by convicing them how the product will help them do their job efficiently, i have had prospective clients wanting to know more about the product.

Cold Calling is followed up by giving them brochures of the company and trail usage of the software.

Sooner or later, they get to know what the product actually is.

But i wanna improve my marketing strategy, i was wondering if anyone could suggest me if there is any alternative ways to cold calling.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:22:18 -0000

yeah, certainly both methods have there place.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:15:03 -0000

An intersting observation. But I do get lot of telemarketing calls during the day time where various different companies try to sell me something (or sometimes upsell calls from the companies i do business with). Its funny to see how those people talk reading the script. In order to be successfull selling over the phone, reading script is just not enough and one needs to identify the need

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 02:46:14 -0000

Our company uses cold calling as a means of generating new business. We by no means feel that B2B cold calling is dead. In fact our success proves otherwise. Cold calling will not be dead for a long time to come.

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:07:12 -0000

i am sales and marketing executive and my bosses think we should use cold calling as a marketing strategy. i think its pointless. large amounts of resources are put into calling random potential clients and results are so minimal, they are discouraging. unfortunately, not everyone believes this. in my experience, there are better ways of acquiring business without irritating people who could be future clients

Re: Being Good At B2B Cold Calling Is Like Being A Functional Drunk

Anonymous — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:01:54 -0000

IN my opinion cold calling is for every business. Their no way that soon or later every business will not have to do some type of cold calling to stay in business.

I believe that a company who refuses to have some type of cold calling system will soon or later be out of business.

Tony Snow

http://www.ambetenergy.com