Cold Calling, advice needed!

[Paint-Shield]

Hello all,

My company (Paint Shield Auto Detailing) is starting a "Cold Calling" campaign, we have decided to do a quick survey (4 questions, under 2 minutes preferably) with no sales pitch. Our call is going to be strictly an informational call, with no proposal involved.

We are going to offer those who finish the survey a $25 off gift certificate to our shop (no strings attached). We are trying to expand on our local exposure and direct traffic to our website, shop, etc.

We feel our prices when compared with our competition will assist in the final sale, and the $25 off coupon should help to entice the buyer to act now.

The only sticking point we have is how to approach the person answering the phone. We have read all the threads, and know that people greatly dislike being patronized, being called by their first name when no previous relationship is established, or being talked at. I feel that we have suitable people for this position, we have an "outside of the box" approach and are willing to adapt on the fly (No script, just a few bullet points, and some good old fashion charm.).

But how do I make sure I have the proper person on the phone? I have no previous relationship with the people I am calling, thus I have no first names. Should I ask for the "man or woman of the house"?

(Example)

Good Morning,

My Name is Codi, and I'm Calling from Paint Shield Auto Detailing in the West End of Edmonton. This is an unsolicited call, and I assure you I am not trying to sell anything, is it alright for me to continue?

(Receive a "yes")
Thank you

(Receive a "no")
Thank you for your time. Have a good day. (End of Call)
__________________________________________________ __________

This is where we have a sticking point, how can I assure that I have the right person on the phone? I realize that almost every residence we call is going to have a vehicle, and all vehicle's need some type of aesthetic maintenance (whether done by the owner, or a professional like our company) so my target market is always in front of me, but how do I approach the prospect on the phone and make sure they are the right person to be speaking to (and not just a 14 year old kid)?

Any help, opinions or otherwise would be greatly appreciated.

Codi Noakes
Paint Shield Auto Detailing
780.451.3660

[davezzr]

cold calling never has a good reception wether by phone or door knocking.people like to be informed but also like to be left to make an informed choice.
im not up to speed on the average unsolicited calls people get but im sure its far to many and im also sure these calls are treated with contempt
there must be a less intrusive way to get your word out and still using the $25 as a coupon this will bring you more well informed custom
leaflet drop,community mag,local paper etc

[telemax]

Hi there

I always say I've never spoken to you before, is that ok?

It usually gets a laugh, or the person on the other end says " Depends What it's about "

Then, We're looking for car owners, I'm assuming thats you? they may or may not answer Yes,

I'll make it quick I promise but I just want to ask 4 questions to help us with our business, I'm sure you'll stop me now if your not interested.

90% will say something like" ohh go on then"

It's all in the way you say things, It's the same in the UK as it is in Canada, I have customers in both countries. If you need any pointers on it PM me and I'll drop you my number and take you through it on the phone, remember we are 7 hours ahead in the UK

[maxine]

I like Jonathans approach :)

I would not ask a question early on that gives them a chance to say no without saying properly and very briefly what the call is about and neither would I ask for "the man or woman of the house" as otherwise people's brains just go "uh-oh, sales call" but getting in early and saying it is a promotional call or something along those lines can work well.

I also think it would be useful to use the "local" word in your opening sentence somewhere, perhaps in Jonathans example just before you say business

Good luck
:)

[patientlady]

Hi Codi

Just wondered if you are aware of the

guidelines re the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003. The rules allow companies to follow a practice already allowed to individuals by positively listing their telephone number with the Direct Marketing Association. Once the telephone number has been
entered, any cold caller who calls the listed number will be liable to a fine of up to £5,000. these came into force in June 2004...

[Paint-Shield]

I would like to thank everyone for there feedback. All of the information given has been very helpful. We are currently looking into the regulations for the DNCL in Canada and are looking into mentoring from Telemax, everyone's suggestions are being taken into consideration.

Matt Eyben
paint-shield.ca

[patientlady]

I would like to thank everyone for there feedback. All of the information given has been very helpful. We are currently looking into the regulations for the DNCL in Canada and are looking into mentoring from Telemax, everyone's suggestions are being taken into consideration.

Matt Eyben
paint-shield.ca
Sorry Matt
Didnt pick up up on name or location whoops ! a big mistake on my part...

[Shaun_Pearce]

Matt,

Consider taking up the mentoring offer from Jonathan. I'm confident that you will learn a lot from him.

I've been using UKBF for a little while now and I've always been interested to read what Jonathan has to say on my chosen profession. I took a small bit of advice from Jonathan when I was at a stage where I was finding it hard to come to work. It changed my way of thinking and now I'm back on top providing 3-5 appointments a day in an industry where 3-5 appointments are very valuable.

If you would like any material or support from me then just let me know. However you are in safe hands.

Tip of the day - Practice and remain natural but professional.

Good luck