Yesterday, in my Success Circle Coaching Call, we had a spirited discussion about the value of making cold calls.

I’ll be upfront and say that I believe cold calls are the least effective way to get new promotional products business.  In my opinion, here are some of the reasons why:
 
  • Voice mail and caller ID make it easy to screen all calls.
  • Gatekeepers are efficient at getting rid of salespeople.
  • Cold calls close at a much lower rate than almost all other marketing methods.
  • We live in a permission-based era where people are reluctant to speak to strangers.
  • The know, like and trust factor is missing.

However, one of the participants on the Success Circle Coaching Call, a woman named Maureen, had a different opinion. She said cold calls have worked very well for her and she’s received a great deal of promotional products business that way.

What’s her method? She doesn’t just call to introduce herself; she mentions a triggering event like a trade show and then launches in to how she can help her prospect boost their business at that specific event.

She takes the time to go to the web sites of the businesses she’s calling on so she can have knowledge of their challenges and be aware of their upcoming events. The result: she has a much higher success rate when she cold calls these prospects.

The bottom line: If it works, keep doing it. If it doesn’t, try something new.

There are tons of ways to market your business. Focus on what you enjoy and what works for you. And keep track of the results. The important thing is that you are persistent and consistent with your marketing.

What’s your opinion? Have cold calls worked for you? Which marketing methods have worked best for your business? I’d love to hear your opinion. Please post in the comments box below! 

One more thing…

When you get on The FAST TRACK, I won’t leave you without support. You’ll get 3 live teleconferences with me, an ongoing email support forum, and hundreds of dollars in discounts from top suppliers. Why struggle when you can model a program that works?

Get all the details here.

© 2009 – 2013 Rosalie Marcus

Want expert help growing your promotional products business?  Click the link to preview the programs and products created to quickly and easily grow your promotional products sales. 

Not sure which program or product is right for you? Contact Rosalie for a brief, no obligation, personal consultation. Reach her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com

Rosalie Marcus, The Promo Biz Coach ™ is a promotional products business expert, coach and speaker. Combining her skills and years of experience in promotional sales, she helps her clients sell more at higher profit margins and dramatically increase their incomes! Get a FREE special report: 10 Big Mistakes Promotional Professionals Make and How to Avoid Them and a FREE Skyrocket Your Sales audio download at http://www.promobizcoach.com

Reach her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com or 215-572-6766.

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