BREAKING THE VOICE MAIL BARRIER

Written by C.J.Hayden, MCC


Continued from page 1
Whenever you leave a message, include some incentive forrepparttar person you are calling to have a live conversation. "I would like to introduce myself" is not a reason for prospects to talk to you. Why should they care? Tell them what it is you think you can do for them in their own unique situation. And do it in 30 seconds -- no one likes long voice mails from strangers, andrepparttar 120572 delete key is at their fingertips. Look for some connection between you andrepparttar 120573 person you are calling that you could put in your message. A mutual acquaintance, membership inrepparttar 120574 same association, or having attendedrepparttar 120575 same event are all worth mentioning. If you have seen them speak, or read about them inrepparttar 120576 news, compliment them on it. Be warm, friendly and upbeat, so your message is a pleasure to listen to. If you have called, left messages, and still can't get through torepparttar 120577 person you want, send an e-mail. Many people will quickly respond to e-mail because it is easy. If you can interest them in what you have to offer (without revealing allrepparttar 120578 details), they may be willing to set up a phone appointment with you to find out more. When you don't haverepparttar 120579 person's e-mail address, try finding it onrepparttar 120580 company's web site or askingrepparttar 120581 receptionist. Should you ever stop calling? That depends onrepparttar 120582 value ofrepparttar 120583 potential sale. A $1000 sale might only be worth two or three calls to you, but a $10,000 sale would certainly pay for many more. Every salesperson has a story about a customer who finally said yes afterrepparttar 120584 17th phone call, so if it seems worth it, don't quit!

C.J. Hayden is the author of Get Clients NOW! Since 1992, C.J. has been teaching business owners and salespeople to make more money with less effort. She is a Master Certified Coach and leads workshops internationally. Read more of her articles or subscribe to her free newsletter at http://www.getclientsnow.com


How to Use Public Speaking to Attract Clients

Written by Steven Van Yoder


Continued from page 1
Speaking gives prospects a taste of what you offer in a non-threatening environment. When they are in a room full of people, they feel comfortable. There's safety in numbers. They do not feelrepparttar sales pressure of a one-on-one meeting. It's also low risk, as chances are, they didn't pay as much to hear you speak as it would cost to hire you. Get On The Program You don't have to be a seasoned speaker to put speaking to work for your business. If you're willing to speak for free, you'll find that there are more outlets available than you'll know what to do with. "If you can get up there and do a decent job you will immediately position yourself as an expert inrepparttar 120571 minds of an audience," says business coach, author and professional speaker Caterina Rando. "You only have to be 'decent' to make an impact. Even though speaking can be scary at first, anybody can find groups to speak to and masterrepparttar 120572 basics of giving a good speech." Chooserepparttar 120573 right topics Before you contact an organization about speaking, create sample talk descriptions with catchy titles. For example, a financial planner could avoid generic descriptions like "Planning Your Retirement," and use a more snappy title like "Enjoying Your Gold Years On A Champagne Budget". Targeting speaking opportunities Once you are clear about your topic and its benefit torepparttar 120574 audience, make some calls and offer yourself as a speaker. Here are ideas of where to look for a free podium. Many of these groups need speakers allrepparttar 120575 time. · Chambers of Commerce · Service Clubs · Industry Specific Associations · University Extensions · Professional Associations Gettingrepparttar 120576 most out of your speech The promotional value of your talks goes beyond your time onrepparttar 120577 podium. Often, when you speak to a group,repparttar 120578 group publicizesrepparttar 120579 event. Many people who do not attendrepparttar 120580 event will still readrepparttar 120581 information, or will hear about you from other attendees, and may give you a call. Consistency isrepparttar 120582 big thing. Getting out there and speaking on a regular basis keeps your pipeline full of prospects. When you're done, put a follow up mechanism in place, even if it's a simple mailing or newsletter. If you keep in contact with people who've heard you speak, you get more long-term leverage from your efforts.

Steven Van Yoder is the author of Get Slightly Famous (tm.). He teaches small business owners how to attract more business with less effort by becoming a mini-celebrity in your field. Visit www.getslightlyfamous.com to claim your FREE Slightly Famous Marketing Plan Workbook.


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