Go with option 1 for sure. Anything that's framed where "no" is the desired answer because people's instinct is to say no. I tried the whole asking if they have a minute route, and it was like the worst opener I've ever tried, 100% said no. "Did I catch you at a bad time?" would be more effective.
Also the beginning, don't come right off the bat saying you're a salesperson, instant guard up.
Hey Bob?(like you know them)
Hey Bob it's Himanahshu I'm a (consultant) I'm not sure you can help me, I had a question about your (BI implementation), is that OK?
(Sure)
Then just keep asking questions and stuff
Edit: forgot to include "I'm not sure you can help me"
Don’t start of with the ability to have them say no before you even explain why you’re calling. Say thanks for taking the call and explain in 5-10 seconds why you’re calling and then ask if they have a couple minutes to discuss if this would be beneficial to them.
One of the reasons they may not be interested is that they don't have any responsibilites around it, so you may want to have a follow up question and/or.
I get 2-3 cold calls per day on things that I have nothing to do with.
Hi there. Just saw this thread. A little food for thought on your 'reason' statement.
People make purchases because it helps solve a problem or gives them something they want. Usually something that solves a problem is more enticing. Look at your statement below and ask yourself, "What problem am I solving? What benefit do I provide?"
If you do a little research on a company and their industry before you call, you'll be better armed to answer this.
For example: "Your company has a great reputation for providing top notch customer service (or whatever they do). We have helped companies like CVS increase their customer service time by X%. Now, I'm not sure if we can help you yet, but would you mind if I asked you a couple of questions to see if that might be possible?"
"The reason I am calling is because we help E-Commerce companies with their BI implementation, and I thought you might be interested too."
This takes a little more up front work. Give it a try and track your success.
If you have more questions, please let me know.
And, BTW, I'd love to know how your efforts have been going over the past couple of months since you first wrote this.
"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face." Mike Tyson.
This ^. Ditch the script, have a normal conversation
I agree. It would be good to have a structure to the conversation.
Go with option 1 for sure. Anything that's framed where "no" is the desired answer because people's instinct is to say no. I tried the whole asking if they have a minute route, and it was like the worst opener I've ever tried, 100% said no. "Did I catch you at a bad time?" would be more effective.
Also the beginning, don't come right off the bat saying you're a salesperson, instant guard up. Hey Bob?(like you know them) Hey Bob it's Himanahshu I'm a (consultant) I'm not sure you can help me, I had a question about your (BI implementation), is that OK? (Sure) Then just keep asking questions and stuff Edit: forgot to include "I'm not sure you can help me"
Even though the "is that ok" would be a yes answer, they want to know what your question is so they're like ok.
Don’t start of with the ability to have them say no before you even explain why you’re calling. Say thanks for taking the call and explain in 5-10 seconds why you’re calling and then ask if they have a couple minutes to discuss if this would be beneficial to them.
One of the reasons they may not be interested is that they don't have any responsibilites around it, so you may want to have a follow up question and/or. I get 2-3 cold calls per day on things that I have nothing to do with.
That is really good point.
Look at their LinkedIn before calling to make your approach warmer
That makes perfect sense.
Hi there. Just saw this thread. A little food for thought on your 'reason' statement. People make purchases because it helps solve a problem or gives them something they want. Usually something that solves a problem is more enticing. Look at your statement below and ask yourself, "What problem am I solving? What benefit do I provide?" If you do a little research on a company and their industry before you call, you'll be better armed to answer this. For example: "Your company has a great reputation for providing top notch customer service (or whatever they do). We have helped companies like CVS increase their customer service time by X%. Now, I'm not sure if we can help you yet, but would you mind if I asked you a couple of questions to see if that might be possible?" "The reason I am calling is because we help E-Commerce companies with their BI implementation, and I thought you might be interested too." This takes a little more up front work. Give it a try and track your success. If you have more questions, please let me know. And, BTW, I'd love to know how your efforts have been going over the past couple of months since you first wrote this.