Virtual Assistant Forums - Information and Resources for Professional VAs

#1 (**permalink**) 06-29-2012

Does anyone find cold calling/cold emailing an effective way to market to new or potential clients?

#2 (**permalink**) 06-29-2012

I personally hate cold calling. Some do not mind it, but I feel it puts me in league with telemarketers hawking security systems and insurance. I prefer to send a nice letter and specifically state that I will be following up with a call or email. People are more receptive to your call or email that way.

#3 (**permalink**) 06-29-2012

I am not a fan of the cold calling myself. I am curious to see responses from those who have used the cold-calling method and what their experiences were.

#4 (**permalink**) 06-30-2012

I think it's more courteous to send a letter or a card, and followup with a phone call or email. It's not so much in the potential client's face, as cold calling from a stranger, which may come off as an imposition.

#5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2012

Yes I would be interested in knowing what people who do cold call have experienced as well.

#6 (**permalink**) 06-30-2012

I have tried cold calling and I've had some success with it. I'm not a fan of telemarketers myself but it all depends on your approach. I target a specific market, I'm not pushy and to date I've not had a negative response to my calls even if the person doesn't wish to go forward with anything.

I follow up the call with an email detailing my services and points from the phone conversation and I have obtained positive results and some business using this method so it is something I will continue to pursue.

#7 (**permalink**) 07-01-2012

So if cold calling/emailing isn't the way to go. Should the best idea be to maybe show up at the business and introduce yourself that way?

#8 (**permalink**) 07-02-2012

This is a very touchy subject for me as I've been an active participant of the telemarketing world since the 90's. It seems to be the perfect part-time job for me.

One thing to remember is your DELIVERANCE. Your deliverance makes all the difference as to whether the call is going to go somewhere positive or straight down the drain.

Telemarketing for your own business can be a great experience and a fabulous way to really exercise how you present yourself, company and your services.

It's not an easy job I will say and it's very challenging. You have to learn to catch the caller at the very beginning of the call (probably within the first 20 seconds or so) and never be pushy. If you should happened to catch someone at a bad time, don't take it as a brush off, end the call with something like, "OK, we'll be in touch at a later date" or if you can get them to set a date and a time that's even better, at that point you'll follow up accordingly. (Just a little advice, just in case you decide to try it).

I believe you'll be amazed at the results you'll get.

For my offline marketing this is going to be my very first approach to a PC, and if I have no luck here, then I will spend money and follow up with a letter etc.

P.S. Telemarketing is not for everyone, you have to be really thick skinned and learn not to take insults and disturbing comments personally. For every rejection I feel there are two acceptances ...... and my goal is to find them.

Hope this helps a little.

#9 (**permalink**) 07-02-2012

To be honest,

I have been a bit afraid to take this approach, but it has always been on my mind. With that said, how would you approach a pontential client on the phone? How do you introduce yourself/company and your services? What would be your lines?

Karla,