Cold calling is not an enjoyable task. Most people dislike having to call up new prospects because you never know how the person on the other end will react. Rejection is a hard thing to take. There are ways to make your cold calling tasks easier and a little more effective.

Research and Target Your Prospects
You'll want to know which businesses can use your service or product. Once you have a list of target prospects, do your homework and research each business. You don't want to go into your call not knowing anything about the company. The more you know, the easier it will be to ask questions and make conversation. You want to differentiate yourself from the usual telemarketers that they get bombarded with on a daily basis.

Choose a Good Time to Call
Not only do you want to be in a good mood before you make your calls but you want to call at a time during the day where your prospects are available. If they don't begin their business until after 10 a.m., there is no point calling earlier. Don't call too late in the evening either, as most people are ready to leave work and enjoy their family or free time. I also feel that Monday calls are worse than say a Friday call. Friday means the weekend is near and people tend to be in a better mood.

Have a Script Handy
Having what you want to say written down on paper as a guide will help. You don't want to read your script verbatim, but rather have it available to keep the flow of the conversation going in the right direction. Practice over and over how you will make your pitch and practice on a friend so that they can throw rebuttals at you. The better you get at handling rebuttals, the better prepared you will be for any question a prospect throws your way.

Be Nice to the Receptionists
They are the gatekeepers and being rude to them will get you no where fast. It's a good idea to learn their names and be very cordial. The nicer you are to them, the better your chances of speaking to the ones who make the buying decisions.

Cold calling is never easy, that is unless you have the gift of gab and feel comfortable talking to anyone. Just remember to believe in your service or product and that you are providing something that can help. The more you practice the better you will become!

Article Source, GOARTICLES.COM

Eartha Haines is the author for www.selfemployedblog.com and www.homebasedbusinessbliss.com. Both are web sites which share ideas, services, products, and opportunities that may help others move closer to their dream of working for themselves.