Business Selling Process (Simple)
1. Determining the fair market value of the business
2. Set Preparing all books and records for prospective buyers
3. Putting the business on the market
4. Dealing with the potential buyer
5. Recieving an offer
6. Negociation - Price, Terms, and Condition
7. Accepting an offer
8. Provide all necessary books and records to the buyer
9. Work with the buyer to remove all contingencies of the contract
10. Signing the closing statement (1~3 days before the closing date at the escrow)
11. The night before the closing date
12. The closing date
Getting ahead selling online with help of freelance experts in digital marketing. Tips! https://news.store
Roger K. Olsson, Certified Federal Enmergency Management Coordinator is been based in London, UK, but live in Lapland, Sweden since 2009 and leads the metals and mining division of the commodity trading and management group. He has more than 20 years of experience as an industry executive and consultant to the global metals and mining industries. He works with leading companies in the areas of strategy, management and acquistitions, business intermediation and transformation. He is the founder of the Giuelith Investment Company and is a recognized specialist on mining issues and development. Board of Director at http://admarket.sale
Freelance Jobs for Digital Marketing
Get-Instant-Organic-Visitors-to-Your-Website
https://www.seoclerk.com/linkin/632794/Traffic/670336/Get-Instant-Organic-Visitors-to-Your-Website
Publish-Article-in-New-Cryptocurrency-News-Website
https://www.seoclerk.com/linkin/632794/content-writing/670331/Publish-Article-in-New-Cryptocurrency-News-Website
Article-Publishing-in-Famous-Forex-Market-News-Site
https://www.seoclerk.com/linkin/632794/Press-Release/670329/Article-Publishing-in-Famous-Forex-Market-News-Site
Article-Submission-with-Backlink-Content-Marketing-Service
https://www.seoclerk.com/linkin/632794/content-writing/670328/Article-Submission-with-Backlink-Content-Marketing-Service
Backlink-from-Articles-We-Submit-Your-Article-and-Site-Link
https://www.seoclerk.com/linkin/632794/Link-Building/670326/Backlink-from-Articles-We-Submit-Your-Article-and-Site-Link
Internet-Marketing-for-Real-Organic-Search-Engine-Webtraffic
https://www.seoclerk.com/linkin/632794/local-seo/670325/Internet-Marketing-for-Real-Organic-Search-Engine-Webtraffic
Link-building-with-guest-post-in-articles-with-backlink
https://www.seoclerk.com/linkin/632794/Guest-Posts/670323/Link-building-with-guest-post-in-articles-with-backlink
Guest-post-with-backlink-in-articles
https://www.seoclerk.com/linkin/632794/Link-Building/670322/Guest-post-with-backlink-in-articles
Showing posts with label business marketing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business marketing. Show all posts
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Monday, April 15, 2019
Your Secret Marketing Weapon
It seems paradoxical – the more you give away, the more people are willing to pay for your services – but it’s true. This exact approach has worked quickly and effectively for me for years. The key is that it’s got to be good and of high relevance to your target audience. This builds people’s confidence that you consistently know your stuff and that you can be counted on for long-term value. People soon realize that if you’re willing to give away such valuable expertise, think how great the solutions they pay for will be!
So how do you share your expertise with your target audience? Through writing and speaking. And it starts with being able to get your core ideas down on paper in a way that catches your audience’s attention and compels them to action.
If the idea of writing an article or giving a speech feels overwhelming, stay with me. I’m going to show you how easy it can be if you follow a basic formula that works every time.
Formula for Success
We’ve all stared at a blank page, at a loss for words or ideas…and wondered how in the world to write the article, proposal, report or presentation that’s due soon…with the deadline looming and no inspiration in sight. It’s the worst feeling and brings out the procrastinator in all of us.
Next time you’d rather clean out your desk than force yourself to sit down and write something, try this easy approach:
1) Brainstorm a short list of things that your clients struggle with. What problems drive them to you? Why are they willing to pay good money for your services. Remember, it’s not about you -- it’s about them, their pain, and their needs. This is now your list of topics for articles and talks.
2) Pick one topic and answer the following questions:
• What’s the problem?
• What’s the lost opportunity?
• Why is this important to address?
• What will happen if it’s ignored?
• What’s your solution?
• What tips do you have for implementing your solution?
• What example can you use to illustrate your point?
3) Write your answers to these questions and don’t worry about how it flows or even that you’re using good grammar. Just get your ideas on paper (or into the computer). Notice that by now, you have at least a page written. Pat yourself on the back and keep going.
4) Go back and clean up what you’ve written, add a catchy title and some headlines to break up the text, keep your paragraphs short, add some bullets or numbers to guide the eye. Maybe add references or a diagram. Step back and review what you’ve done. By now, you’ve got an article!
5) Ask a couple of trusted colleagues, clients or friends for feedback on your draft – really do this because it helps! Plus, it’s a great confidence booster and low-risk way to share your writing with a small audience first.
6) Put your new article on your website, offer to send it as follow up when networking, send it to current clients, use it as the basis for getting booked for talks (more on how to in a future newsletter)…whatever you do, don’t let it languish. USE it as a way of sharing your expertise.
For more tips on how to share your expertise through writing, keep reading...
Taking a page from Twyla Tharp’s new book, The Creative Habit, this prolific dancer and choreographer shares her tips for moving from procrastination to creativity, regularly and with ease. Apply these ideas to your writing and notice the difference…
1) Set up a creative environment that’s habit forming. Creativity doesn’t just happen, it’s a disciplined skill that can be learned. Creativity is not a mystical, elusive gift that’s only accessible to artists. Everyone can develop it. Set up the right conditions and it eventually kicks-in. For me, it’s the act of daily planning that clears my mind to make room for ideas to flow. For you, it might be puttering in your garden or going for a walk. Whatever it is, do it daily and be disciplined about it.
2) Use an organizational system for your ideas. Over the course of a month, I run into articles, quotes, websites, books, photos, experiences, and conversations…all of which inspire me for an upcoming article or talk. I capture them in folders, labeled by theme or big idea. When I’m ready to start writing, I draw on this collection of resources to inspire and guide my thinking. Twyla Tharp uses a box for each new project. You might find a binder the best catchall. Whatever works for you, the mere act of labeling and filling your container demonstrates your commitment to the idea.
3) Scratch. Scratching is about seeking inspiration to fill your container. I scratch when I flip through copies of Fast Company and Inc. Magazine or browsing in my favorite bookstore (where I found Tharp’s book!). I scratch while networking with other professionals and ask what they’re working on or stuck on in their business. This is about where you get your ideas…it’s kind of primal, and you never know what’ll inspire you.
4) Beware of these deadly mistakes: relying too much on others, waiting for or expecting perfection, overthinking, feeling obligated to finish what you’ve started, and working with the wrong materials. Any one of them will undermine your best efforts. If you’re stuck, look at each of these to see if they’re holding you back.
5) Find your spine. It’s your one strong idea, the toehold that gets you started. The spine of this e-newsletter, for example, is that writing is a core competency of effective marketing. Related to it is the inspiration I found in Twyla’s book.
6) Master your skill. You have to master the underlying skills of your creative domain, then build your creativity on the solid foundation of those skills. You can’t write or speak effectively about your chosen profession, if you haven’t mastered what you bring to the table to begin with.
7) Know the difference between a rut and a block. Writer’s block is when you’ve shut down and your tank is empty. In that case, you just need to do something – anything – to change the patterns in your brain (walk away, sing, get outdoors, do some yoga, cuddle with your pet…you get the idea). A rut is more like a false start. This happens when you’re using a bad idea, it’s bad timing, or you’re sticking with old methods that don’t work. Get out of a rut by questioning everything except your ability to get out of it.
8) Fail often privately. This includes drafts that get thrown away, early versions that you share with trusted colleagues, testing your message while networking (“what’s your impression of…?”). Then figure out why you’re failing (is it the idea? your timing? a matter of skill? judgement? nerve?) and address it before going public.
9) Believe in the long haul. Sharing your expertise through writing won’t be easy over night. It’ll take discipline to create a habit that eventually builds the skill. Believe me, it’s well worth it.
I’ve found that committing publicly (i.e., to subscribers of this e-newsletter, due out on the first Wednesday of each month) creates the right kind of pressure to motivate me into taking a disciplined approach to writing. Writing one good piece per month is doable and frequent enough that your audience won’t forget you. Before you know it, you’ll have a solid repertoire of articles and speeches to draw from in your marketing arsenal. http://giuelith.fund
So how do you share your expertise with your target audience? Through writing and speaking. And it starts with being able to get your core ideas down on paper in a way that catches your audience’s attention and compels them to action.
If the idea of writing an article or giving a speech feels overwhelming, stay with me. I’m going to show you how easy it can be if you follow a basic formula that works every time.
Formula for Success
We’ve all stared at a blank page, at a loss for words or ideas…and wondered how in the world to write the article, proposal, report or presentation that’s due soon…with the deadline looming and no inspiration in sight. It’s the worst feeling and brings out the procrastinator in all of us.
Next time you’d rather clean out your desk than force yourself to sit down and write something, try this easy approach:
1) Brainstorm a short list of things that your clients struggle with. What problems drive them to you? Why are they willing to pay good money for your services. Remember, it’s not about you -- it’s about them, their pain, and their needs. This is now your list of topics for articles and talks.
2) Pick one topic and answer the following questions:
• What’s the problem?
• What’s the lost opportunity?
• Why is this important to address?
• What will happen if it’s ignored?
• What’s your solution?
• What tips do you have for implementing your solution?
• What example can you use to illustrate your point?
3) Write your answers to these questions and don’t worry about how it flows or even that you’re using good grammar. Just get your ideas on paper (or into the computer). Notice that by now, you have at least a page written. Pat yourself on the back and keep going.
4) Go back and clean up what you’ve written, add a catchy title and some headlines to break up the text, keep your paragraphs short, add some bullets or numbers to guide the eye. Maybe add references or a diagram. Step back and review what you’ve done. By now, you’ve got an article!
5) Ask a couple of trusted colleagues, clients or friends for feedback on your draft – really do this because it helps! Plus, it’s a great confidence booster and low-risk way to share your writing with a small audience first.
6) Put your new article on your website, offer to send it as follow up when networking, send it to current clients, use it as the basis for getting booked for talks (more on how to in a future newsletter)…whatever you do, don’t let it languish. USE it as a way of sharing your expertise.
For more tips on how to share your expertise through writing, keep reading...
Taking a page from Twyla Tharp’s new book, The Creative Habit, this prolific dancer and choreographer shares her tips for moving from procrastination to creativity, regularly and with ease. Apply these ideas to your writing and notice the difference…
1) Set up a creative environment that’s habit forming. Creativity doesn’t just happen, it’s a disciplined skill that can be learned. Creativity is not a mystical, elusive gift that’s only accessible to artists. Everyone can develop it. Set up the right conditions and it eventually kicks-in. For me, it’s the act of daily planning that clears my mind to make room for ideas to flow. For you, it might be puttering in your garden or going for a walk. Whatever it is, do it daily and be disciplined about it.
2) Use an organizational system for your ideas. Over the course of a month, I run into articles, quotes, websites, books, photos, experiences, and conversations…all of which inspire me for an upcoming article or talk. I capture them in folders, labeled by theme or big idea. When I’m ready to start writing, I draw on this collection of resources to inspire and guide my thinking. Twyla Tharp uses a box for each new project. You might find a binder the best catchall. Whatever works for you, the mere act of labeling and filling your container demonstrates your commitment to the idea.
3) Scratch. Scratching is about seeking inspiration to fill your container. I scratch when I flip through copies of Fast Company and Inc. Magazine or browsing in my favorite bookstore (where I found Tharp’s book!). I scratch while networking with other professionals and ask what they’re working on or stuck on in their business. This is about where you get your ideas…it’s kind of primal, and you never know what’ll inspire you.
4) Beware of these deadly mistakes: relying too much on others, waiting for or expecting perfection, overthinking, feeling obligated to finish what you’ve started, and working with the wrong materials. Any one of them will undermine your best efforts. If you’re stuck, look at each of these to see if they’re holding you back.
5) Find your spine. It’s your one strong idea, the toehold that gets you started. The spine of this e-newsletter, for example, is that writing is a core competency of effective marketing. Related to it is the inspiration I found in Twyla’s book.
6) Master your skill. You have to master the underlying skills of your creative domain, then build your creativity on the solid foundation of those skills. You can’t write or speak effectively about your chosen profession, if you haven’t mastered what you bring to the table to begin with.
7) Know the difference between a rut and a block. Writer’s block is when you’ve shut down and your tank is empty. In that case, you just need to do something – anything – to change the patterns in your brain (walk away, sing, get outdoors, do some yoga, cuddle with your pet…you get the idea). A rut is more like a false start. This happens when you’re using a bad idea, it’s bad timing, or you’re sticking with old methods that don’t work. Get out of a rut by questioning everything except your ability to get out of it.
8) Fail often privately. This includes drafts that get thrown away, early versions that you share with trusted colleagues, testing your message while networking (“what’s your impression of…?”). Then figure out why you’re failing (is it the idea? your timing? a matter of skill? judgement? nerve?) and address it before going public.
9) Believe in the long haul. Sharing your expertise through writing won’t be easy over night. It’ll take discipline to create a habit that eventually builds the skill. Believe me, it’s well worth it.
I’ve found that committing publicly (i.e., to subscribers of this e-newsletter, due out on the first Wednesday of each month) creates the right kind of pressure to motivate me into taking a disciplined approach to writing. Writing one good piece per month is doable and frequent enough that your audience won’t forget you. Before you know it, you’ll have a solid repertoire of articles and speeches to draw from in your marketing arsenal. http://giuelith.fund
Friday, March 1, 2019
Advertising Pens – Fast And Easy To Apply
There’s not a question that promotional items can be an invaluable way to help market your company, product or service. However, it’s also safe to say that not all promotional items are of equal value or offer the same marketing power. The item given away should be wanted by the potential client, not just taken because it’s free, only to be discarded later. These should be items that people use, preferably on a consistent basis.
Very few promotional items can compete with the usability of advertising pens. You have probably used one recently yourself. Many people feel reluctant to use even the most commonly used items, such as shirts and hats, but pens have been accepted by the general public like none other.
This atmosphere of acceptance and usage presents you with an awesome opportunity to have your logo and company name visible over and over, using repetition to further your advertising goals. And think about how many times pens are passed between friends and colleagues; this is moving your advertising to further markets.
Another aspect of advertising pens that allows you to advertise the way that you want is the ability to promote your company using anything from incredibly inexpensive pens to fine luxury models for your important customers
Start using one of the most cost effective, as well as advertising effective, promotional items today and get your business the boast that can only come from advertising pens.
Very few promotional items can compete with the usability of advertising pens. You have probably used one recently yourself. Many people feel reluctant to use even the most commonly used items, such as shirts and hats, but pens have been accepted by the general public like none other.
This atmosphere of acceptance and usage presents you with an awesome opportunity to have your logo and company name visible over and over, using repetition to further your advertising goals. And think about how many times pens are passed between friends and colleagues; this is moving your advertising to further markets.
Another aspect of advertising pens that allows you to advertise the way that you want is the ability to promote your company using anything from incredibly inexpensive pens to fine luxury models for your important customers
Start using one of the most cost effective, as well as advertising effective, promotional items today and get your business the boast that can only come from advertising pens.
Advertising Internet Online Opportunities To Explore
The collapse of the online-advertising market in 2001 made marketing on the Internet seem even less compelling. Website usability, press releases, online media buys, podcasts, mobile marketing and more - there's an entire world of internet advertising opportunities to explore. We specialize in internet marketing strategy, online advertising, web marketing and conversion. Learn about the latest business trends in Internet marketing, search engine marketing, e-commerce marketing, online advertising, branding marketing and interactive media. We believe more and more online advertisers are turning to performance-based advertising to fulfill their Internet marketing objectives. Marketing on the internet requires that one be found using keyword searches or some form of online advertising.
Providing services for web site design, hosting, online shopping, databases, flash, streaming video, web site maintenance, search engine optimization, local internet advertising, and more. We specialize in internet marketing strategy, online advertising, web marketing and conversion. You want an internet advertising company to be aware of your business and the competitive nature of your market place whilst advertising online. The online advertising market is competitive enough to find a similar deal elsewhere for your internet advertiusing solutions.
The collapse of the online-advertising market in 2001 made marketing on the Internet seem even less compelling. Provider of online radio station services, e-mail, Internet advertising, business directory search, e-commerce services and Internet community services. Learn about the latest business trends in Internet marketing, search engine marketing, e-commerce marketing, online advertising, branding marketing and interactive media. Investigate the cost of your online internet advertising with the ready-reckoner, below.
Cost per click internet advertising comes in various forms online such as advertising with sponsored links, recommended links etc. casino gambling internet online uk Internet online result sea advertising gambling internet. Planning an effective Internet/online advertising strategy with an online advertising firm with professional experience will render the best results for any online business.
Website usability, press releases, online media buys, podcasts, mobile marketing and more - there's an entire world of internet advertising opportunities to explore. Paypopup.com is a four year old online advertising network which consists thousands of specialized websites in providing unique target internet traffic. Marketing on the internet requires that one be found using keyword searches or some form of online advertising. NON-COMPLIANCE The FTC periodically joins with other law enforcement agencies to monitor the Internet for potentially false or deceptive online advertising claims.
This foray into online internet advertising is an experiment, not my life work. We believe more and more online advertisers are turning to performance-based advertising to fulfill their Internet marketing objectives. Well, they all fall under the gamut of online internet advertising. Bargain for the internet advertising promotion or find other forms of advertising online for your website. This makes the Internet rather unique, because in most other mediums, advertising cannot be tracked like it is online. to drive quality, targeted candidates to their online job postings via Internet recruitment advertising campaigns. Advertising http://giuelith.fund
Providing services for web site design, hosting, online shopping, databases, flash, streaming video, web site maintenance, search engine optimization, local internet advertising, and more. We specialize in internet marketing strategy, online advertising, web marketing and conversion. You want an internet advertising company to be aware of your business and the competitive nature of your market place whilst advertising online. The online advertising market is competitive enough to find a similar deal elsewhere for your internet advertiusing solutions.
The collapse of the online-advertising market in 2001 made marketing on the Internet seem even less compelling. Provider of online radio station services, e-mail, Internet advertising, business directory search, e-commerce services and Internet community services. Learn about the latest business trends in Internet marketing, search engine marketing, e-commerce marketing, online advertising, branding marketing and interactive media. Investigate the cost of your online internet advertising with the ready-reckoner, below.
Cost per click internet advertising comes in various forms online such as advertising with sponsored links, recommended links etc. casino gambling internet online uk Internet online result sea advertising gambling internet. Planning an effective Internet/online advertising strategy with an online advertising firm with professional experience will render the best results for any online business.
Website usability, press releases, online media buys, podcasts, mobile marketing and more - there's an entire world of internet advertising opportunities to explore. Paypopup.com is a four year old online advertising network which consists thousands of specialized websites in providing unique target internet traffic. Marketing on the internet requires that one be found using keyword searches or some form of online advertising. NON-COMPLIANCE The FTC periodically joins with other law enforcement agencies to monitor the Internet for potentially false or deceptive online advertising claims.
This foray into online internet advertising is an experiment, not my life work. We believe more and more online advertisers are turning to performance-based advertising to fulfill their Internet marketing objectives. Well, they all fall under the gamut of online internet advertising. Bargain for the internet advertising promotion or find other forms of advertising online for your website. This makes the Internet rather unique, because in most other mediums, advertising cannot be tracked like it is online. to drive quality, targeted candidates to their online job postings via Internet recruitment advertising campaigns. Advertising http://giuelith.fund
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Advertising Ideas To Get Your Mind Bubbling
There are a couple of truths that seem to apply to many small businesses, especially ones that are also newly established. One of them is that budgets do not allow for all ideas to be implemented. Another is that advertising is necessary. A quick look over these two statements will result in a belief that they are contradictory factors of a business if they are both true. That is unfortunately a misconception held by many new business owners. As we all know the majority of new business to not make it past their second year in business.
One of the factors that can assist in the difficulties of establishing a new, small business is the belief that important money to sustain the business cannot be spent on advertising. The allocation of money to advertising usually has a very low priority in a small businesses budget. This is a mistake, advertising is necessary, but there are a number of ways that it can be done in a cost effective manner.
First on a businesses list should be the largest yellow pages ad they are able to afford. Although the phone book is an old form of advertising with the importance that the internet is taking on, this is still one of the first things potential clients do when looking for a business or product.
Other print advertising ideas can be done with newspaper advertising. Local papers can get your geographic region narrowed in on. This is especially important given that the majority of small business clients come from a 3 to 5 mile radius. Also, papers can be good because they frequently have specialized advertising sections, which will be read by just the people you want. Local business groups also create special advertising sections that can be a great advertising idea and cost effective too.
Other ideas might look into specialized magazine advertising, using vehicle graphics and using the billing and other mailing necessities you have to further promote upcoming events and specials. There are a lot of ways out there that offer advertising idea possibilities, but the one thing that must be adhered to is that you must do something.
Earn some extra cash with advertising
Spread the word about Worldcenter Advertising Network and earn money, we pay 10% for every campaign income that you generate! Publisher earn 50% of the advertising income generated. http://admarket.sale/?rid=4
One of the factors that can assist in the difficulties of establishing a new, small business is the belief that important money to sustain the business cannot be spent on advertising. The allocation of money to advertising usually has a very low priority in a small businesses budget. This is a mistake, advertising is necessary, but there are a number of ways that it can be done in a cost effective manner.
First on a businesses list should be the largest yellow pages ad they are able to afford. Although the phone book is an old form of advertising with the importance that the internet is taking on, this is still one of the first things potential clients do when looking for a business or product.
Other print advertising ideas can be done with newspaper advertising. Local papers can get your geographic region narrowed in on. This is especially important given that the majority of small business clients come from a 3 to 5 mile radius. Also, papers can be good because they frequently have specialized advertising sections, which will be read by just the people you want. Local business groups also create special advertising sections that can be a great advertising idea and cost effective too.
Other ideas might look into specialized magazine advertising, using vehicle graphics and using the billing and other mailing necessities you have to further promote upcoming events and specials. There are a lot of ways out there that offer advertising idea possibilities, but the one thing that must be adhered to is that you must do something.
Earn some extra cash with advertising
Spread the word about Worldcenter Advertising Network and earn money, we pay 10% for every campaign income that you generate! Publisher earn 50% of the advertising income generated. http://admarket.sale/?rid=4
Saturday, February 23, 2019
12 Handy Tips for Generating Leads through Cold-Calling
Cold calling can be a great way to generate quality leads. You get to speak to the gatekeepers and stakeholders, and you get a great insight into their requirements and influences.
But cold calling is an art-form. It can be daunting, it’s always a lot of work, and you always need to make a good impression. So you need to do it right. Following are some tips which will help you do just that.
1) Record everything
Always write down all details of every phone call. Write down any names and titles you learn. Not just the name of the person you’re trying to contact. The receptionist's name can be vital to remember as they're often gatekeepers. Write down when you called, and when you said you'd call back.
2) Use a database or spreadsheet to record everything
You’ll never manage by hand, and Excel spreadsheets aren’t user friendly in the long term. If you’re prepared to invest in a real CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool, that’s a great idea. If not, you there is a cheaper alternative. I created my own database using Microsoft Access. Visit http://www.divinewrite.com/downloads/contacts and jobs.mdb to download a 208KB working copy for FREE. You’ll need Microsoft Access 2000 to run it. I’m no database expert, so it’s not a work of art. It’ll certainly get you started though. (TIP: When using the database, press Ctrl + ; to enter today’s date.)
3) Always call back when you said you would
Don’t let them down. They may not even remember that you committed to calling back. But if they do, and you don’t meet your commitment, you’ll lose valuable credibility and respect. And wherever possible, work to their schedule. You're here to help them, not make things harder.
TIP FOR COPYWRITERS: If you’re an advertising copywriter or website copywriter, ask to speak to the Marketing Manager (or if the person who answers the phone says they don't have a marketing manager, ask for "the person who looks after your advertising & website" - all businesses have that person - it's generally one of the owners).
4) Always try to get on with the gatekeepers
Receptionists and personal assistants have great influence, and quite often do more of the real work and decision making than the person you’re trying to contact! Make friends with them and you’ve got a foot in the door. (But don’t waste their time or crawl – they get a lot of that!)
5) Keep it short ‘n sweet
When you do get to speak with someone, keep it short 'n sweet unless they want to talk a lot. The purpose of the phone call is to get their attention, let them know you're there, get their name and contact details, and assess whether they have any requirement for your services. (TIP FOR COPYWRITERS: If you’re an advertising copywriter or website copywriter, you might have called about brochure writing and then find out they need web writing.)
6) DON’T HARD SELL!!!
Don’t pressure people or make it hard for them to get off the phone. Tell them what you do and that you'd like to send them an email with a link to your website with samples and testimonials (or with an attachment containing samples), then leave them to it.
7) Follow up with an email
If you have permission, always send a follow-up email – and do so immediately. Be specific in your subject line. (TIP FOR COPYWRITERS: If you’re an advertising copywriter or website copywriter, use the words "advertising copywriting" or “website copywriting” in the subject. Most people don't get many emails with this in the subject line, so it'll be distinctive and probably won’t be snuffed by their spam filter if they have one.) Address the email to them (e.g. "Hi Joe"), keep the email short 'n sweet. Include only the essential info, make it easy to read and conversational, and bold the important words or phrases as they'll probably only skim it. Include a link to your website, reference the day and date you talked on the phone (and thank them for that time), mention any names you learnt (e.g. receptionist's name, especially if the receptionist gave you an email address but you didn't actually get to speak to the decision maker), tell them that you'd like to follow up in a few weeks (assuming the conversation indicated that this would be a good idea).
8) Follow up with another call
If the lead looks promising, make sure you follow up. And when you do, always mention the day and date of the original call, as well as the fact that you sent an email. Give a quick summary of who you are and what you do, and say that you're just calling to make sure they got the email. Most of the time, you’ll find the lead will talk to you about your services, if only to remind themselves of what you do!
9) Don’t expect to make too many calls
On a really good day, I've made 80 cold calls. Most days, though, you should be very pleased to average around 40. You’ll spend a lot of time playing telephone tag.
10) Don’t leave message
Unless you absolutely have to (or you’ve just about given up on the lead), don’t leave messages. Most people have trouble returning phone calls from people they know and like; returning phone calls from someone who’s trying to sell them something isn’t high on their list of priorities.
11) Don’t expect to qualify too many leads
Depending on your business, if you get one good lead a day, you're probably doing very well.
12) Don’t expect immediate conversion
Unfortunately, most leads take a long time to come to fruition (up to 2 years). So you have to be prepared to be patient.
Good luck and happy calling!
But cold calling is an art-form. It can be daunting, it’s always a lot of work, and you always need to make a good impression. So you need to do it right. Following are some tips which will help you do just that.
1) Record everything
Always write down all details of every phone call. Write down any names and titles you learn. Not just the name of the person you’re trying to contact. The receptionist's name can be vital to remember as they're often gatekeepers. Write down when you called, and when you said you'd call back.
2) Use a database or spreadsheet to record everything
You’ll never manage by hand, and Excel spreadsheets aren’t user friendly in the long term. If you’re prepared to invest in a real CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool, that’s a great idea. If not, you there is a cheaper alternative. I created my own database using Microsoft Access. Visit http://www.divinewrite.com/downloads/contacts and jobs.mdb to download a 208KB working copy for FREE. You’ll need Microsoft Access 2000 to run it. I’m no database expert, so it’s not a work of art. It’ll certainly get you started though. (TIP: When using the database, press Ctrl + ; to enter today’s date.)
3) Always call back when you said you would
Don’t let them down. They may not even remember that you committed to calling back. But if they do, and you don’t meet your commitment, you’ll lose valuable credibility and respect. And wherever possible, work to their schedule. You're here to help them, not make things harder.
TIP FOR COPYWRITERS: If you’re an advertising copywriter or website copywriter, ask to speak to the Marketing Manager (or if the person who answers the phone says they don't have a marketing manager, ask for "the person who looks after your advertising & website" - all businesses have that person - it's generally one of the owners).
4) Always try to get on with the gatekeepers
Receptionists and personal assistants have great influence, and quite often do more of the real work and decision making than the person you’re trying to contact! Make friends with them and you’ve got a foot in the door. (But don’t waste their time or crawl – they get a lot of that!)
5) Keep it short ‘n sweet
When you do get to speak with someone, keep it short 'n sweet unless they want to talk a lot. The purpose of the phone call is to get their attention, let them know you're there, get their name and contact details, and assess whether they have any requirement for your services. (TIP FOR COPYWRITERS: If you’re an advertising copywriter or website copywriter, you might have called about brochure writing and then find out they need web writing.)
6) DON’T HARD SELL!!!
Don’t pressure people or make it hard for them to get off the phone. Tell them what you do and that you'd like to send them an email with a link to your website with samples and testimonials (or with an attachment containing samples), then leave them to it.
7) Follow up with an email
If you have permission, always send a follow-up email – and do so immediately. Be specific in your subject line. (TIP FOR COPYWRITERS: If you’re an advertising copywriter or website copywriter, use the words "advertising copywriting" or “website copywriting” in the subject. Most people don't get many emails with this in the subject line, so it'll be distinctive and probably won’t be snuffed by their spam filter if they have one.) Address the email to them (e.g. "Hi Joe"), keep the email short 'n sweet. Include only the essential info, make it easy to read and conversational, and bold the important words or phrases as they'll probably only skim it. Include a link to your website, reference the day and date you talked on the phone (and thank them for that time), mention any names you learnt (e.g. receptionist's name, especially if the receptionist gave you an email address but you didn't actually get to speak to the decision maker), tell them that you'd like to follow up in a few weeks (assuming the conversation indicated that this would be a good idea).
8) Follow up with another call
If the lead looks promising, make sure you follow up. And when you do, always mention the day and date of the original call, as well as the fact that you sent an email. Give a quick summary of who you are and what you do, and say that you're just calling to make sure they got the email. Most of the time, you’ll find the lead will talk to you about your services, if only to remind themselves of what you do!
9) Don’t expect to make too many calls
On a really good day, I've made 80 cold calls. Most days, though, you should be very pleased to average around 40. You’ll spend a lot of time playing telephone tag.
10) Don’t leave message
Unless you absolutely have to (or you’ve just about given up on the lead), don’t leave messages. Most people have trouble returning phone calls from people they know and like; returning phone calls from someone who’s trying to sell them something isn’t high on their list of priorities.
11) Don’t expect to qualify too many leads
Depending on your business, if you get one good lead a day, you're probably doing very well.
12) Don’t expect immediate conversion
Unfortunately, most leads take a long time to come to fruition (up to 2 years). So you have to be prepared to be patient.
Good luck and happy calling!
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