Advocating Cold Calling!

In today’s day and age, when so much technology is available, most sales personnel strongly feel that Cold Calling (here by cold calling I mean physically going out in the field) is now an outdated art of sales. It has become redundant and lost its purpose and use. Since most Cold Calling usually turns out to be mainly data collection and leaving behind your business card with the hope that you get a call back for work (although you leave wondering if your card will even reach the concerned authority or will be left ignored in some corner…), you feel the same can be easily accomplished by connecting over phone, emailing, messaging, etc. Right?......Wrong.

 Given, that today we have many websites with data about most corporates and their Departmental Heads. These websites divulge information such as official email IDs and mobile numbers as well. Selling should then have become so much easier. Right?..Wrong.

Time holds testimony that being physically present at the right place at the right time can make all the difference between ‘A Sale’ and ‘No Sale’. My own personal experience has proven time and again that the more you are out there, the more you are visible, the more you connect face to face, the more you sell. You are respected for your effort, for your hard work. People appreciate that you are moving from place to place seeking work. They understand. It’s not demeaning, its respectful.

Yes, of course you must look presentable all the time. Must carry a friendly demeanour and smell great. Add to that an affable personality and you are an asset, but you still got to go out there!!!(Yes, but don’t forget, be completely prepared with product knowledge as well!!!!!! ?? )

Your senior management might know many people across many corporates or industries, but they cannot be physically present everywhere, they cannot call up and connect with everyone every day. It is not their job. Salesmen and women are the ones who are supposed to constantly keep their company’s name visible and in the memory of their target world, regularly reminding them that they are still out there, still seeking work and their company would sincerely appreciate an opportunity.

Cold calling is not easy. It is physically draining. Sometimes you are even treated indifferently. Most times you have no choice but to eat in your car or on road sides. You might have to sit at odd places to send emails. You are facing various inconveniences and maybe terrible weather conditions. Nevertheless, Cold Calling is still your best bet if you want to make a successful career in sales.

Combine Cold Calling with smart Networking and you are on a roll! As long as you are out there, as long as you are visible, as long as you are meeting people, you are going to be successful.

The reward that comes with honest sweat and steely determination is priceless! It not only enhances your self-respect, builds your self-esteem and raises your confidence, it also brings you much deserved recognition for all your efforts.

At the end of the day it is all in the attitude, why not think of it as a mini adventure every day? So, grab your laptop and don’t think twice! Just enjoy the ride to success…Go Cold Calling! ??????