How to ace your next cold call

a lady in a call center setting

You’ve probably heard that cold calling is a waste of time.

And while there’s some truth to that statement, it’s not always the case. Cold calling can be an extremely effective way to reach new customers and land unexplored business deals. But only if you do it right. If you don’t know how to cold call, you’re going to struggle and probably end up wasting a lot of time and energy in the process.

In this article, we will share how to ace your next cold call and give you tips on preparing for your call, making a good impression, and closing the deal.

The cold call mindset

It’s no secret that making cold calls can be a daunting task. You’re putting yourself out there, asking for something that you may not always get. But the key to success is to think of it as an opportunity, not a burden.

When you go into a cold call with the right mindset, you’re already one step ahead of the competition. You need to be confident and prepared, and most notably, you need to be genuinely interested in what the other person has to say. If you can manage to keep all of that in mind, cold calling becomes a lot less scary.

The perfect cold call script
cold calling with a script

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You know the feeling. You’ve just worked up the courage to make a cold call, and then you get tongue-tied as soon as you start speaking. It’s the worst. But don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The key is to have a solid script going in. That’s why we’ve put together this section on how to ace your next cold call.

First, let’s start with the basics. What should your opening sentence be? Well, a good way to start is by introducing yourself and then addressing the person you’re speaking to by name. This shows that you’re interested in building a relationship with them.

From there, it’s all about finding common ground and identifying needs. You want to make sure that you’re doing a fair share of listening and talking, and that you’re offering solutions, not just selling your product or service. Cold calling can be intimidating, but if you follow these fundamental tips, you will be able to increase your chances of making a sale.

How to sound like a human

You’ve likely heard that the most promising way to ace your next cold call is to be prepared. But what does that mean, exactly?

It means having a plan. Know what you’re going to say before you even pick up the phone. And more importantly, be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The person on the other end of the line can hear it in your voice, and they will pick up on it.

Instead, be genuine and honest. Talk to them like you would talk to a friend. Pretend you’re just having a conversation over coffee. It will make the call feel less scripted and more natural. And that’s something the person on the other end will appreciate.

How to overcome rejections
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We are sure you know the rejections that people always throw at you during a cold call: “I’m not interested,” “I’m not the right person,” and “I don’t have time right now.”

Don’t let them get you down. Instead, use them to your advantage. Anticipate the rejections that people are going to throw at you and have a response ready. Not only will this make you sound prepared and confident, but it will also show that you’re serious about making this deal.

Another way to overcome rejections is to ask questions. Get the person to talk about their needs. Ask them what their concerns are and go on to explain how you can address them. Ultimately, remember that not everyone is going to be interested in what you have to offer. Don’t take it personally. Move on to the next prospect and don’t dwell on the ones who said no repeatedly.

How to follow up after a cold call

Now that you’ve made the cold call, it’s time to follow up. You want to make sure that you stay top of mind, so the wisest way to do that is to send a quick text or email. Be sure to personalize it and reference something from your conversation.

For example, “Hi Jen, it was great to speak with you today about the upcoming project you’re looking to roll out next month. I’m looking forward to working with you.” This little touch will make you stand out from the competition and show that you’re invested in developing a lasting relationship with the customer.

So you’ve been tasked with making cold calls? You might be terrified, or you might be excited. But one thing is for sure: you want to make the most of this opportunity. In this post, we have shared with you almost everything you need to know about acing your next cold call. By following the abovementioned tips, you will be able to set yourself up for success and make the most of this chance. So now, go forth and do your thing!

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How to radiate confidence at work even when you don’t feel it

a lady presenting confidently in front of her colleagues

You’ve been working hard at your job for years, but you still don’t feel like you’re good enough. 

You compare yourself to your colleagues and feel like you always come up short. You’re always worried that you’re going to be fired or that you’re not doing a good job.

It’s time to stop this destructive way of thinking. You can be a more confident person at work, even if you don’t feel it right now. It starts with believing in yourself and accepting that you are worthy of success.

Allows us to share some tips on how to become more confident at work, so you can start shining brightly and be the most promising employee you can be.

Evaluate your body language

Are you slouching? Are your eyes wandering? If so, you’re sending the wrong message.

Your body language is a huge part of how you come across to others, and if you’re not confident, it will show. So take a few minutes to evaluate your body language and make some adjustments.

Stand up straight, fix your gaze, and smile. Projecting positive energy is key to radiating confidence. And remember, it’s okay to be a little nervous—just don’t give it all away via your body language.

Be aware of your tone of voice

When you’re feeling confident, it shows in your tone of voice. You sound like you know what you’re talking about, and people are more likely to take you seriously.

But when you’re not feeling so confident, it’s easy to let your voice give you away. You might sound hesitant or uncertain, and that’s going to make people think you don’t know what you’re doing.

So how can you make sure your tone of voice is confident? It’s all about practice. Start by rehearsing what you’re going to say in your head. Picture yourself giving a presentation or having a conversation with a coworker if you’re not in a good situation to verbalize it.

Then, when the time comes, try to match the tone of voice in your head. It might take a little bit of practice, but eventually, it will come naturally.

Give yourself a pre-game pep talk
a man looking into the mirror

Image Credits: medium.com

So you’re heading into a meeting with your boss, and you’re feeling a little bit intimidated. You know he’s going to ask you about that project you’re working on, and you’re not sure you have the answers.

What do you do? First, give yourself a pep talk. Remind yourself that you know what you’re doing and that you have prepared well enough to handle this meeting. And then, take a few deep breaths.

When you walk into that meeting, tread with purpose. Make eye contact with your boss, and smile. Project confidence, even if you don’t feel it inside. Remember, it’s all in your head. If you conduct yourself like a confident person, someday you will start to feel that way too.

Surround yourself with people who make you feel good

You need to start surrounding yourself with people who make you feel good. People who make you feel inspired, motivated, and optimistic. When you’re around these types of people, you will start to feel more confident in yourself.

And it’s not just about being around people who are always positive and bubbly. It’s about being around people who will challenge you and help you grow. People who make you want to be a better person.

So start paying attention to the people you spend your time with. Are they helping you become the best version of yourself? If not, it might be time to make some new connections.

In addition to the points mentioned above, you can start to feel more confident at work by implementing some simple changes to your routine. Dress for success by wearing clothes that make you feel good and comfy. Try to stay upbeat, even when things get tough. Remember that a positive attitude is infectious and can help to boost the morale of not just yourself but of your entire team. You can do it!

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Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness

colleagues at work

When it comes to asking for help at work, many people feel like they’re putting themselves on the line. They worry that they will appear incompetent if they admit they need help.

But in reality, asking for help is a sign of strength. It shows that you’re willing to put yourself out there and admit that you don’t have all the answers. It demonstrates your commitment to doing whatever it takes to get the job done.

So don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You will be surprised at how much easier your job will be when you have someone to lean on.

The benefits of asking for help

When you’re struggling at work, it can be tough to muster up the courage to ask for help. You might be worried that you will be seen as someone who can’t handle the problem on their own.

But when you ask for help, you’re opening yourself up to new ideas and perspectives. You never know what someone else might bring to the table, and that could be the difference between solving the problem and scratching your head repeatedly in frustration.

How, who, and when to ask for help
woman having discussion with her colleagues

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Let’s say you’re working on a project and you’re stuck. You’ve tried everything, but you just can’t seem to get over the hump. It’s at this point that you should ask for help. Now, who should you ask for help?

Ideally, you should ask someone who has more experience than you do in the area where you need help. And when should you ask for help? As soon as you realize that you need it. It can be tough to ask for help, but remember that it’s okay to be vulnerable and see the request as part of the learning process.

Asking for help can make you an efficient worker

It can be tempting to try to force your way through your struggles on your own. But more often than not, this is a sign of pride. It reveals that you’re hesitant to appear weak in front of others, and it’s likely to end up costing you more time and energy in the long run.

The wisest thing to do in this situation is to ask for advice. There are plenty of people who are more than glad to offer their assistance, and by doing so, you’re allowing yourself to be a more efficient worker. You’re also building relationships with your colleagues, which can lead to better connections in the future.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed at work and don’t know where to turn, it can be tough to summon the courage to ask for help. You may feel like you’re putting your career in jeopardy by acknowledging that you need assistance. But honestly, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It demonstrates that you’re ready to do what it takes to finish your work tasks and that you’re willing to recognize your flaws. It’s a sign that you’re a team player and a go-getter, and those are qualities that any boss will appreciate.

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How disagreeing more can benefit your career

in a discussion

You may not feel comfortable disagreeing with your boss or colleagues, but there are some real benefits to doing so.

When you hold back from expressing your opinion, you can quickly become seen as someone who’s not invested in the company or its success. In contrast, when you disagree respectfully, you demonstrate that you care about the company’s future. Your team will also more likely come up with better ideas when there are different perspectives.

Whenever you feel like you should keep your mouth shut, think again. Disagreeing more can benefit your career.

Get ahead

To move up the ladder, you need to be vocal and express your ideas—even if they’re not similar to everyone else’s. That’s how you can prove you’re capable of thinking and making decisions of your own. Of course, there’s a right and wrong way to disagree.

You want to be polite, but you also need to make sure your point is heard. So be assertive, but not aggressive. And above all, stay calm. If you can master the art of disagreeing more, you will be well on your way to advancing your career.

You will learn more

You see, when you have a dialogue that includes disagreements, you’re forced to listen to what the other person is saying. You’re not just trying to formulate a response; you’re taking in their point of view and trying to understand it.

And that’s a good thing because when you comprehend where the other person is coming from, you can find common ground. And from there, you can work together to come up with a solution that’s better for everyone involved.

Disagreeing shows you’re engaged
meeting in an open-plan office

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The next time you feel like you want to disagree with someone at work, go ahead and do it. But be prepared for the consequences. It can be a scary thing to put yourself out there, but it shows that you’re active and interested in the back-and-forth.

Disagreeing also shows that you’re not afraid to stand up for your beliefs, and that can be a very powerful thing. It can also help you build relationships with your coworkers, as they will see that you’re willing to engage in healthy debates.

Disagreeing can make you look good

Have you heard of the saying, “there’s safety in numbers”? Well, that’s true when it comes to agreeing with everyone at work. But what if you disagree? What if you offer a dissimilar perspective because you’re different from the rest?

Well, it sets you apart from your other yes-man colleagues. You’re seen as someone willing to think for yourself, and that’s a valuable trait in the workplace. Plus, it shows that you’re not afraid to stand up for your convictions, even if they’re distinct from the norm.

So next time you feel like disagreeing with someone at work, go for it! You might be surprised at how well it can work in your favor. Just make sure that you disagree respectfully. No one likes a know-it-all, so be open to other people’s points of view, even if you don’t agree with them immediately.

When it comes to our careers, we’re often told that to get ahead, we need to be accommodating and agreeable. While this may be true to a certain extent, it’s also important to be able to disagree constructively and confidently. Disagreeing more can benefit your career. It can help you stand out from the competition and showcase your unique skills and abilities. Whenever you feel like you shouldn’t speak up or offer your opinion, remember that disagreeing can be a good thing when done wisely.

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Why quitting your stable but stagnant job might be the best thing for you

happy resignation

You’re stuck in a job you don’t love, but it’s stable. And that’s the problem.

You want to make a change, but you’re afraid of leaving your current position. You might be worried about the unknown or what others will think. But what if quitting is the best thing for you? What if it opens up new opportunities that you never would have had otherwise?

In this post, we will explore why quitting your stable but stagnant job might be the best thing for you. We will also provide tips for making the transition easier.

Let’s start with the fear

You go to work, do the same thing day in and day out, and come home feeling unfulfilled. You know you need a change, but you’re scared to leap.

We get it. Quitting your stable job can feel like a huge risk, especially if you’re not sure what you will do next. But here’s the thing: staying in a job that’s no longer right for you is even riskier. You’re not growing, you’re not learning, and you’re not happy.

Think about it this way: by quitting your stable but stagnant job, you’re opening yourself up to new possibilities. You might find a position that’s a better fit for you, or maybe you can work towards starting your own business. The world is your oyster!

Dealing with the fear of quitting
unhappy with work

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Lately, you’ve been feeling like you’re in a rut. You know you’re capable of more, but you’re afraid of leaving your stable job position. Here are some practical tips for dealing with the fear of quitting:

  • Do some research on the industry you’re interested in
  • Talk to people who have made the switch to a new career
  • Practice speaking about your career goals with confidence
  • Make a list of your skills, ambitions, and accomplishments
Why quitting your stable but stagnant job can be sensible

It can be tough to decide to leave a stable job position, especially if you’ve been at the same job for a while and can navigate through your routine work tasks with your eyes half-closed.

However, if you’re not learning or growing anymore, then what’s the point of dragging yourself to work every day to go through the motion? Folks who find themselves not pleased, fulfilled, and challenged enough at their jobs should reconsider their career status. The fear of quitting might be daunting, but remember that you’re not alone in this journey. And the payoff could be well worth it in the end.

It can be hard to leave a stable job position, but if you’re feeling stagnant or unhappy in your current role, it might be time to take the plunge. Folks who are feeling hesitant about quitting their stable job position can start by brainstorming ways they can make the switch less risky. For example, start by applying for jobs that are in the same industry but offer a more challenging and exciting work environment. And most notably, remember that it’s normal to be intimidated – but it’s also brave to take the leap and chase after a better tomorrow.

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