Ever notice how difficult it is to start a project? Then once you start it, it easily becomes a creature of habit. Take for example an exercise program. We keep putting it off but once we start, we ask ourselves, “why didn’t do this earlier?” We seem to have the same mindset with proactive prospecting. We continue to find excuses not to prospect even though we know how productive and the positive results that will come from it. So why is it that we will make every excuse in the world not to do it?
We need to have a starting point. Begin by blocking out one or two hours per day to prospect. Yes, we have put it off long enough. Start by using your sphere of influence to prospect. Prospecting, like anything will require commitment and discipline. This time is yours and you are important. Once you start you will feel more important and this will be a positive projection of your attitude when you talk with your sphere of influence.
Know ahead of time exactly what you are going to say or discuss when you call someone. It is good to have a specific message. Most people are very interested in market conditions for example. Maybe they have misunderstood something in the news or need further explaining. This is where you can become the “expert”, and provide them with a more accurate image of the situation.
Sales have always been a “numbers” game. You want to touch as many people as possible. Defining your target market and being organized will help you obtain your goals.
I would highly suggest having a database of at least one month’s supply of names. The time allocated for prospecting should not be wasted looking up names or deciding at that moment who you are going to talk to next. Be prepared and watch how much more productive you will become.
Work in a private and quiet area so there are no disruptions. Do not answer calls from other clients or colleagues. Believe me, they will wait an hour or two for you to call them back. Remember, this is your time and will put you on the path to success. Get in the habit of doing this daily or at least every other day. As time progresses and with each call, your expertise will increase. The more we practice anything, the better we become.
Consider prospecting during off peak hours when conventional prospecting times don’t work. Some of your best work will be done between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, and between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Vary your call times. We are all creatures of habit. So are your prospects. In all likelihood, they are attending the same meeting each Monday at 10:00 AM (or whatever time you can’t seem to connect with them). If you cannot get through at this time, call this particular person in your sphere of influence at other times during the day or on other days.
Don’t stop. Persistence is one of the key virtues in selling success. Most sales/valuable contacts are made after the fifth call, and most sales people quit after the first.
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