Telemarketing has been around for decades. Although many of us are annoyed by the calls, some of us are patient and listen. Getting consumers to fall into the latter category as opposed to the former takes skill on the part of the telemarketer. Making contact with potential consumers and selling them something over the phone relies not only on what you say, but how you say it. Here are a few tips to help you hook your potential customers and reel them in.
Learning the Sales Pitch
Telemarketers work from a sales script, or pitch, written by the company. The companies put a lot of research into writing the script, choosing the approach they believe, through testing, is most efficient in snagging customers. Many companies expect telemarketers to read the script they're given word for word, so it's a good idea to memorize the script, whether you feel it's natural or not. Read it until you can say it in your sleep. It should sound as natural as if you'd written the words yourself.
Understanding the Product or Service
Understanding the product or service you're trying to sell is an important part of effectively communicating with potential customers. First, there's no quicker way to lose a sale than to be at a loss for an answer when a customer asks a question. The faster you come back with an answer, and the more confident and thorough that answer is, the more likely you will be to make a successful sale.
Mastering Vocal pitch and Inflection
How you make your pitch is important when working over the phone. Some companies have training sessions to teach employees speak clearly, with confidence, and in a tone that is not too soft or too loud. A firm, enthusiastic voice without dialect is the type of voice that is successful in the phone sales business. Practicing in front of a mirror or recording your pitch and playing it back are two effective ways of keeping your voice on cue.
Handling Rejection
Rejection is a huge part of the telemarketing business. It happens to everyone at one point or another. Don't take rejection personally. If you do, it will show in the next call you make, and eventually your mood will snowball and you will be counterproductive. Approach every call you make as if it were the first, with the promise of a new start.
