Cold Calling: Dead or Alive?

I find it fascinating how many people (including sales experts and trainers) claim that cold calling is dead, that it is a waste of time and that it is the least effective way to generate new sales leads.

 I know that cold calling is tough. And that it is extremely challenging to connect with busy decision makers. And that many companies don't even accept cold calls from sales people.

 However, that doesn't mean cold calling is dead.

 But, there is no magic cure. No "if you do this you will win" approach. No magic pill. And no single strategy that will product results every time.

 It takes hard work, effort, and discipline. 

 I recently spoke to a veteran sales guy who admits to looking for an easier way to capture more deals even though he knows it takes hard work to capture any sale worth in excess of $25,000.

 On the converse side, I know someone who consistently calls more than 100 people everyday. Not surprisingly, this individual connects with more people than the veteran.

 Cold calling still works.

 But need to make a lot of dials. You need to target the right companies. You need a compelling opening. You need to ask lots of questions. And, you need to speak with the right people.

 Is cold calling the most effective way to generate leads? Perhaps not.

But I don't believe that it is any less effective than any other single strategy.

 Networking requires a tremendous amount of personal time, effort and energy. So does building a business strictly on referrals. Other forms of pull marketing such as blogging, tweeting, working LinkedIn, mailing, etc., also require time, effort and energy.

 Contrary to popular belief-and some so-called sales experts-cold calling is NOT dead.

Have a productive and profitable week!

How To Really Enjoy Your Job

I recently read an article by Chris Brogan about how he would do things if he had to start a new business from scratch. As an entrepreneur (and regular day dreamer) I really enjoyed reading that and it made me think about how we sometimes get stuck in a rut in day to day life. Follow the jump and find some tips on how to enjoy your job and life more!

You are blessed if you have a job, make the most of it and take the next few tips to heart:

Start each new day as just that

Don’t let the past influence you negatively. Unfortunately it’s human nature to let past experiences influence you. It’s actually what makes good business people good, but don’t let negative experiences prevent you from taking a positive attitude and making something great of yourself.

No business challenge will kill you

No matter how big the problem, it won’t kill you, you will still be here tomorrow. Break that problem into smaller tasks and take the first step in addressing it – NOW. In fact, it’s never really a problem, it’s a challenge.

In India especially, we do come across those challenges, but we are known for our entrepreneurial spirit.

Show it…

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you’re stuck, ask for help. Do it sooner than later, because there are actually people that are a lot smarter than you who will give you different perspectives on a challenge. Some dumb people are also pretty smart sometimes… don’t write anyone off! 

Remember those that helped you get there

A little gratitude goes a long way. If you become successful, don’t forget those that helped you get there, because one day the wheel will turn, and your roles might be reversed.

Build the right team

For entrepreneurs that are starting out – make sure you build the right team. Your team can make or break you. I am grateful for having an excellent team around me. Even if your team is two strong, two minds are still better than one and you’ll have a sounding board for your ideas.

Get a business mentor (or life coach)

Someone is bound to have gone through what you’re experiencing, whether you start a new business or you’re stuck in a dead-end job. Talk to a parent, talk to someone in business you have respect for, and ask them to be your mentor or coach. Buy them lunch occasionally… You will save a lot of time in learning from an experienced mentor.

Sweat the small stuff

Don’t put off small tasks that you have to get to, whether personal or in business. Our subconscious minds are excellent at remembering all those little things and piling them up on a subconscious to-do list that keeps on growing. One evening when you’re wondering why you’re not sleeping, start writing them down and get to it!

Enjoy what you do

Ultimately, if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, and it’s not for a short period to get to something better, get out and do something that you really find fulfillment in. Your life will change dramatically. Also remember to smile now and then. Life is not that serious, no matter what situation you are in.

Here’s wishing you a wonderful and looking forward to have an excellent day!