How do you network cold calls?
Cold calling is still the most effective way for people in any industry to make new contacts, build relationships with other professionals in their field, and learn about future business prospects and clients. Whether it's your job or not, it's important to keep up to date with all of these tactics so that you can stay ahead of everyone else who wants to get in touch with you.
But when you're trying to connect with as many different people as possible, the last thing you want to find yourself doing is spending hours every week listening to annoying voicemails from telemarketers! So, how do you network a cold? How do you avoid being sucked into this vortex of unwanted messages?
To answer those questions, let us take a look at exactly what we mean by "cold" networking. Then, we'll show you some great ways to handle both incoming and outgoing cold emails. You might even end up using them as part of your regular routine if you see them as having real value.
How do you network a cold?
First off, you need to know what constitutes a cold call - one that doesn't come from a warm source. This usually means that it comes from an unknown person rather than somebody you already know. It also means that there was no prior relationship between you before making contact.
In order to avoid getting spammed with random junk mail, you should always check the sender name against a database of known companies (or individuals) before opening anything. If you don't recognize the name, then you've got a problem. Don't open it.
If you haven't received any unsolicited emails recently, chances are good that you won't receive any more either. However, if you do happen to receive something like this, here's why you shouldn't delete it immediately...
What is cold networking?
The definition of a cold call has changed over time, but basically it refers to contacting someone without first establishing a connection. The term originally came from the idea that the caller didn't feel comfortable enough to pick up the receiver until he'd established rapport. Nowadays, however, it simply means that they aren't familiar with you and therefore couldn't possibly trust you yet.
So, while there will undoubtedly be times where you must go through this process, try to resist the temptation to jump straight into the deep-end. Instead, start slowly and gradually build a relationship. There are plenty of ways to do this online, such as commenting on social media pages, asking questions in forums, joining groups etc., but the best option really depends on your situation.
How do I send a cold network email?
Once you've decided whether or not to accept the call, you may decide that you'd prefer to use a professional network instead. In which case, you'll probably want to create a list of potential connections based around common interests and experience levels.
For example, if you work within IT security, you could join LinkedIn Groups related to information assurance, cloud computing, cybercrime, malware detection etc., and search for people whose profiles fit similar keywords to yours. Once you've found one or two suitable candidates, you can follow each of them back and start building a conversation.
When sending your initial message, remember that you only have 15 seconds to grab attention. Focus on things other than just the obvious selling points, such as mentioning recent achievements, personal goals and aspirations, or interesting projects you've worked on recently. Also, don't forget to include links to relevant articles and websites.
There are lots of great resources available to help you craft a killer introduction, including templates provided by Hubspot and others. But ultimately, the key factor here is to focus on providing genuine value to whoever you're speaking to. They may well give you valuable advice or guidance, allowing you to move forward together towards mutual success.
How do you network via email?
Now that you've got the basics down, you can apply everything you've learned to reaching out to existing colleagues and friends too. For instance, if you're working in the same company as another colleague, you can ask him/her directly what his/her experiences were of working with the organization. Or, if you're looking for inspiration, consider sharing stories about previous successes and failures you've had along similar lines.
You could also seek advice from experts in areas outside of your own domain, especially if you think you might share a passion for something specific. For example, if you enjoy playing guitar, you might approach a musician friend for tips on improving your technique. Even if your friend isn't currently interested in pursuing music professionally, she might appreciate knowing how to improve her skills anyway.
Also, be sure to read our article on how to write an email to someone you met once, because you never know when the next opportunity might arise. And finally, if you're feeling adventurous, you could turn your cold emails into a form of guerrilla marketing and attempt to promote yourself in exchange for free stuff. Just remember to be honest and transparent about your intentions.
These days, you can easily set up multiple email accounts across various providers and services. One account per service allows you to customize your inbox settings accordingly, ensuring that you don't accidentally wind up receiving spam. Of course, if you choose to use Gmail, you can also opt for advanced features such as the ability to filter out certain types of mail altogether.
Remember though, the goal here is to remain focused on developing long-term relationships, and if it becomes necessary to occasionally reject requests from strangers, then so be it. After all, it's far easier to say 'no' now than it is later on when you actually need to implement the strategy.
And there you have it - three easy steps to keeping your inbox clear and your mind focused on the task at hand!
Cold calling
The word "cold" has two meanings here. It means that you're trying to reach out to someone without knowing them personally, but also that you don't want to talk directly about yourself.
If this sounds like what you're doing right now, then great! You've already got some practice under your belt. But if you had no idea how to go about making those initial phone calls, then let me show you just how easy it really is. And once you know how to do this, you'll find that it becomes much easier than you might think.
Let's start by talking about how we define success when we're speaking about cold calling. What exactly makes a successful call? First off, there's nothing magic about the number 10. Just because you call ten times doesn't mean that you'll necessarily get a response from anyone.
You need to understand why each person answers his/her phone differently - and whether he/she will answer yours at all. If you ask five questions per minute, and average one question for every three minutes that you talk, then you should expect to speak to around eight different people during a 20-minute conversation.
In order to maximize your chances of getting into contact with multiple people, try switching between topics as often as possible. Think about things that you know about the person you're contacting (whether you actually know anything about him/her) and use them to move onto something else. This keeps the conversation flowing naturally, and helps ensure that you don't run out of interesting ways to connect.
(Note: Don't forget that while you're talking, you're building rapport. People respond very positively to friendly conversations.)
It's no secret that the world has become more interconnected than ever before. With this in mind, it makes sense for people who want to grow their business or sell products online to learn new ways of reaching potential customers. One way to expand your customer base is by using the Internet as a medium through which to market yourself and your product.
If you’re looking at marketing strategies while trying to find a balance between spending too much time and not enough, then one method worth considering is cold calling. If done correctly, cold calling can help increase leads, build relationships with prospects, and even generate some revenue streams for those interested.
Cold calling can come across as intimidating if you don't know where to begin. There was a recent article written by Matt Haigman about how he made his first cold call and found success. So, I decided to talk to him about how we went from there and what tips we learned along the way.
How do I set up cold calling?
First off, let me say that cold calling isn't something that everyone can pull off well. It takes practice, persistence, and a lot of patience. You might think, "Well, why wouldn't anyone just take my number?" But, when you're starting out, most people aren't used to selling themselves over the telephone. They also may feel like you're asking them to commit to things without knowing anything else about them.
But here's the thing - the only person who really knows whether or not you'll succeed is you! And if you keep practicing, you will eventually get comfortable talking to strangers and building rapport.
To ensure that you're ready to go, try taking these steps:
1) Create a good list of contacts -- Make sure you've got all of your contact information handy so you don't forget any important details (name, title, company name, address, etc.). This will allow you to quickly access their information later.
2) Practice speaking confidently -- The best way to develop confidence is to practice saying exactly what you need to say in order to convince the prospect that you're right for each other. Try recording yourself and listening back to see if you sound natural and confident.
3) Prepare questions ahead of time -- Before you pick up the phone, jot down a few key points to ask during your conversation. What do you want to hear from them? How long are you going to stay on the phone? Do you have references available? Is there another point where you could refer them back to you again? These are great places to put your focus because they give you a specific goal to work toward.
4) Have fun -- While being successful at cold calling requires hard work, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice having fun. When you're feeling nervous, remind yourself that you are doing something positive for both parties involved. Remember, it's easier said than done, but you'll soon realize that this is actually quite enjoyable.
5) Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you must immediately close the deal -- A lot of times, people will tell you that you shouldn't waste their time unless you're 100% certain that you can convert them into a paying client. However, as mentioned above, this kind of approach can lead to disappointment and frustration. Instead, wait until you have gotten to know the person and built trust before offering your services.
6) Keep track of your progress -- After every call, record everything that happened and note how far you've gone. For example, did you leave a voicemail message? Did they respond? Were they impressed by your follow-up emails? By tracking your progress, you can determine areas that you need to improve upon and ultimately achieve greater results.
How do you start a cold call?
In general, there are two methods you can use to start a cold call:
1) Phone directory/database searches -- Most major cities now provide free search tools that allow users to look up companies' names based on location. Some directories show basic contact info such as website links and phone numbers. Others will include additional data including social media profiles and physical addresses.
2) Personal referrals -- To supplement your database research, consider finding personal introductions to individuals within the industry instead. Look for friends in common who can introduce you to others. Or, perhaps you already know someone who works somewhere similar to you.
Once you decide whom you'd like to target, it's time to craft your pitch. Here are some examples of different types of pitches that you may encounter:
1) Salesperson pitch -- This type of pitch usually comes directly after someone introduces himself or herself. You'll likely notice phrases like "Hi, my name is..." followed by an introduction to who you are and what you do. Then, you'll finish with a question like, "So, what are you looking for today?"
2) Company pitch -- Sometimes, people will simply send you a link to a company site and ask you to sign up for updates via e-mail. In either case, you'll receive a brief outline of the company and its benefits. Once you click the link, you'll often be asked to complete a form that includes your name, position, and maybe an attached picture. From there, you'll probably receive several messages containing useful resources.
3) Referral pitch -- Similar to the second option, referral pitches will typically require you to fill out a simple form that asks for your name, position, and sometimes a bit more detail regarding what you're seeking. Your next step will depend on the format of the referral program. Some programs may require you to select multiple options for preferred communication methods such as text messaging or voice mail. Other programs may ask you to choose from prewritten scripts. Regardless, you'll end up receiving a series of automated emails that contain helpful content designed specifically for you.
How do small businesses make cold calls?
Smaller businesses tend to rely heavily on word-of-mouth advertising rather than traditional forms of marketing. Therefore, it can be difficult to attract new clients or partners. Fortunately, cold calling offers a unique opportunity to spread awareness about your brand and connect with prospective buyers.
When setting up a cold call campaign, remember to always treat it as if it were a real meeting. Focus on creating value for your audience and avoid coming across as pushy. Also, never pressure people into buying or referring you. Rather, present yourself as a resource and invite them to explore further.
Finally, keep in mind that you won't necessarily meet with immediate interest. Be patient and persistent. It may take months before you meet with a single buyer. As you continue working with prospects, you may discover that you share interests outside of work.
What should I prepare before making cold calls?
Before heading out to make your first cold call, take a moment to reflect on what you hope to gain from the experience. Are you hoping to land a job? Maybe you're aiming to launch a side hustle. Whatever your goals are, it's important to understand what you stand to lose if you fail.
Here are five crucial elements to preparing for your cold call:
1) Contact Information -- Ensure that you have updated all pertinent contact information. Whether you prefer to use a mobile device app or prefer paper copies, make sure you have accurate contact information readily accessible.
2) Scripts -- Even though you may not speak fluently, you still want to communicate effectively throughout the entire process. Use templates provided by reputable sources to create the perfect script for your needs.
3) Follow Up -- Always schedule regular follow ups with your targets to maintain momentum.
4) Schedule Time Off Work -- Although you may love your current gig, chances are you're going to run into obstacles along the way. Having ample downtime allows you to catch up on sleep and recharge.
5) Stay Positive & Confident -- You're bound to have setbacks along the road to success. Never let doubt creep into your mind. Just remember that mistakes happen. You can recover from almost anything if you remain calm and focused.
After you've honed your skills, you'll soon realize that cold calling isn't nearly as scary as it seems. Plus, it can open doors to incredible opportunities that you never thought possible.
You've heard the phrase "cold networking." It's when one person reaches out to another in order to connect with them about their business or professional endeavors. While this type of communication may seem like it takes more effort than simply sending an email, there are several benefits to networking through cold emails, including getting face-to-face meetings with people who might otherwise not be interested in your services.
But before we dive into specific ways to make cold emails work, let's take a look at why these types of contacts are so important to our businesses.
How do you get leads for cold calling?
The first thing most people think of when they hear the term "networking" is going to networking events. These kinds of gatherings allow us to meet new people and learn from others in our industry. But if you want to improve your chances of meeting potential clients, then it's best to find different ways to connect with people outside those traditional settings.
For example, if you're looking to build relationships with other professionals, consider reaching out to them via social media. You'll quickly understand whether or not someone has an interest in working together, but don't expect to start building any long-term friendships by just engaging with them online. Instead, try asking questions about their personal life -- things that will help you see beyond their professional persona and get to know them as human beings rather than just another contact.
Similarly, cold calling allows you to get past the standard small talk. When someone gets on the phone with you, they already know that you could potentially provide value to their lives and/or business. This means that instead of trying to sell them something right off the bat, you'll need to prove yourself worthy of their attention. If you show genuine enthusiasm for whatever project they're currently working on (whether that's helping them create a website or finding a new client), they should feel inclined to give you some information about themselves. From there, you can ask follow-up questions and move forward with the conversation. Don't hesitate to tell them that you'd love to keep talking because you believe that both parties will benefit greatly from each other.
How do I setup a network call?
There are dozens of tools available today that make setting up conference calls incredibly easy. For example, Zoom lets users host video chats with up to 50 members at the same time. There's also Google Hangouts Meet, which offers similar features like being able to share documents, record audio, and even add notes during the chat.
If you prefer using text over audio, Skype is still widely used among individuals and companies alike due to its ease of use. The main difference between the two platforms is that while Zoom gives you access to all the participants' screens simultaneously, Skype only shows the user whose microphone was activated last. However, if you choose to use either platform, the key is making sure everyone uses their camera. Otherwise, nobody will ever see your screen and you won't be able to interact with anyone else.
Another option worth considering is Slack. Though originally designed for teams, it now works well with individual accounts too. Using the app's messaging feature, you can send messages to multiple recipients without having to worry about creating yet another account. And thanks to the integration with Microsoft Teams, you can also easily search for teammates within the application itself.
While setting up a call sounds simple enough, it doesn't hurt to practice beforehand. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, make sure to schedule around the times where you're least likely to encounter interruptions. Also, it never hurts to double check if you have the correct number listed under the name field. Depending on your company culture, you might want to be mindful of how you introduce yourself since doing so incorrectly could cause confusion later down the road.
How can I use network call?
In addition to connecting with strangers, network calls can also be useful for establishing connections with peers. After all, if you're willing to put forth the extra effort, people will often welcome your advances. As mentioned above, make sure to ask open-ended questions during the call. Questions such as "What do you enjoy most about your job?" or "Tell me about some challenges that you faced recently" will help you discover commonalities and areas of mutual interest.
When interacting with colleagues, avoid sounding overly aggressive by starting conversations with statements like, "Hey guys," or "Good morning!" Doing so might come across as desperate and could turn people away from wanting to speak with you further. Instead, go straight to the point by stating exactly what you're hoping to accomplish. Something along the lines of, "We really enjoyed speaking with you earlier this week. We were wondering if you had any recommendations regarding...." By taking this approach, you can demonstrate confidence and professionalism without coming off as pushy.
Finally, remember to treat every interaction like a chance to gather valuable insight. Even though it might be tempting, resist the urge to immediately jump into selling products or services. Rather than pushing your agenda, focus on learning about the other party's needs and interests. Once you gain their trust, it will become much easier to convince them to buy from you.
How do you set up a network?
Once you've reached out to someone, it's crucial that you maintain good communications moving forward. Here are some tips for staying connected after the initial introduction:
Schedule regular meetings. Whether you decide to meet in person or via video chat, it's imperative that you hold frequent appointments to stay on top of things. Regular meetings can also serve as great icebreakers since you'll always have something to discuss.
Don't forget to include non-work related topics. Just because you're focused on work doesn't mean you shouldn't stop to smell the roses occasionally. Take advantage of free time to catch up with friends or family members. Or perhaps even visit local attractions that aren't directly associated with work. Whatever you end up choosing, just make sure that you stick to the plan!
Keep track of accomplishments. Throughout the day, jot down anything noteworthy that happened. Then review your list periodically to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks. Noticing positive developments will boost your self-confidence, allowing you to continue to improve upon your skills.
Be transparent. Letting people know when you're struggling or feeling overwhelmed can encourage them to lend support. Likewise, letting them know when you're excited about something will inspire them to join in. Plus, sharing success stories helps reinforce your credibility.
Share insights. In addition to keeping tabs on your own progress, regularly share helpful resources and advice with other team members. Sharing knowledge will make you stand apart from other employees and earn respect throughout the organization.
It's essential that you remain consistent and committed to growing your career. Your efforts alone will pay dividends, so be sure to invest in your future by following these steps.