[This post is part of our special Freelancing Friday!]
Here are five cold-calling tips for freelancing success:
- Have a positive attitude about cold calling. Don’t think of it as being a nuisance or a tiresome task. Think of it as being an opportunity to educate your prospects about your services and to learn more about their companies’ needs.
- Prepare adequately before calling. Know the name of the person you want to talk to. Know what the company does and how they might use your services.
- Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not in hopes that if II get you in the door. Just be yourself, even though you’re using a script.
- Don’t take rejection personally. Be persistent. If you get rejected, move on. Call the next person on your list.
- Listen to people and ask the right questions. Show interest in the company and their needs.
Remember that cold calls count as some of the contacts you need to have with a customer before he or she does business with you. Some clients never will work with you for various reasons that have nothing to do with you. Others might call you after your first contact with them. But if you keep in mind that it typically takes several contacts with a potential client before you work with them, it’ll keep you from being disheartened and giving up too soon.
Cold calls are a part of your overall marketing strategy. Perhaps you can start with a cold call to make sure the company might use your services, and then follow up by sending them a brochure. After that, send them a postcard announcing a specific aspect of your business, and then perhaps call them again to see if you can come to their offices and make a presentation.
By trying several different strategies, you’ll soon find what works best for you in your market. When you’re thinking of ways to promote yourself and your business, don’t be afraid to be creative and have fun with your marketing efforts!
These same strategies can also be applied to emailing, too.
What might you add to this list?
Joanna says
Another thing is actually follow through on anything you say you will do or send during the call. At work I end up on the receiving end of a lot of cold calls. Often I get them while I’m busy so ask the person to email or mail info about what they have to offer so I can consider it when I have the time. It is amazing how many of these people I never receive the info from.
Eric Dye says
True!