In class we discussed the 4 key questions to improve connection rates. These four key questions are:
- Is there a better time of day to call
- Can you get past the gate keeper
- How are you using voicemail to build a pre-meeting relationship
- Are you using the proper voice
I appreciate this approach to sales. The traditional approach to sales was all about closing the deal. Little thought or consideration was put into how to approach the prospect in a way that is most favorable to them. It is encouraging to see that sales is becoming more about identifying pain and less about simply pushing a sale. Like we talked about in class, sales is about service. Providing a service to someone in need should be what drives sales in the startup. When approaching a prospect it is important to consider these four key questions. Make sure to take into account the prospect’s busy schedule and match them where they are – which might mean calling back at a later time, and that’s ok.
Cold Calling is certainly one of the harder parts of sales, thanks for the tips!
I agree that cold calling is not an easy task for salespeople. I personally am uncomfortable with cold calling, but I feel that knowing the right questions to ask will be very beneficial in connecting to the customer. This is definitely something that gets easier with practice.