7 Tips to Overcome Cold Callin Jitters

I have read many tips on cold calling where the advice ranges from "get over it and do it" to "it's not personal, so don't take it personally when you get a "no". Whilst these tips are true I am not sure , how useful they are on their own, so here are my 7 top tips to overcoming call reluctance:

1. Get into a Champion Mindset (goal clarity, plan and support). It surprises me how some consultants do not have a clear focus when they get on the phone. When I ask:"what do you want from the call"; they sometimes seem uncertain. Sometimes it's just to get their numbers. Clients can tell and it's of no good to them!( See previous article on 8 tips to acheive a Champion Mindset).
2. Visualise yourself getting the job order/client visit
3. Intersperse your cold calls with warm calls. Start with clients who you know just love your service to get into a positive mindset. Your voice wil show your confidence.
4. Think about your strengths and play to them. Whatever your strengths are; use them to service your clients. Hightlight if you are a recruiter extraordinnaire or a great temp manager.
5. Always come from a service point of view. Always think about asking questions to highlight where your client's pain might be. Be creative and solve their problem.
6. Do calls in batches; you will get on a roll. Either you can get back on the horse straight away or capitalise on your success. Let's be honest here. If you don't like calling, you might make a call here and there, but the truth is, it's much easier for you to do them in batches. Think about how you have to psych yourself up to pick up the phone. So much energy wasted if you only make one call. It's also easier because you find that conversations can lead on e.g. if you cre calling banks, they will be in the same boat. You can even be knowledgable without breaking confidences and say" Yes I know other banks are going thru a similar challenge. This is how we have solved it for them".
7. Celebrate every win, every time. Think of your self as a mountaineer. Look down and see how far you have come rather than up and how far you still have to go. This is about giving yourself pats on the back for work well done. It makes you feel good and you'll want to do more! Do not underestimate this step; people who celebrate show more appreciation and will get more.