Strategies for Effective Outbound Calls

It is imperative to have a plan devised when making outbound calls and is more important than mapping out how to handle a company’s inbound calls. When receiving inbound calls, the individual on the other side of the line is already interested in what it is that you have to offer.   Since they already have an interest, they are more likely to want to hear what it is you have to say. Building a rapport with the person who called is important. Since they took the time to call, it is safe to assume they want to talk about products or services.

However, there are times when there are prospective cold callers and you have to be the one who makes the initiative. There are some effective ways to handle these calls so that you can eliminate any challenges and have better results when conducting outbound calls.

Don’t sound like a robot with a script.

Mix up what you have to say and talk to them conversationally. Variation with callers is more effective or otherwise the unwanted call might end with a hang up. Avoid any possible calls where you start out by saying, “Hello, sir. I have called today in order to discuss any property needs that you have and would like to talk to you about the services we offer.” When you make outbound calls, change up your approach and use call to action phrases and see which works best for you.

You may want to offer something that is valuable to them and offer an appraisal for free. Offer to keep them updated about the specifics regarding their home and the area’s market. Another way that a caller can be won over is to actually ask them for assistance because this helps to empower them. This gives the person that you have called the assumption that they may be more knowledgeable than you are. This is a top notch trick that can help build a stronger relationship with them.

Keep the caller on the line and try to keep track of time.

While you just need to get the phone call going when making outbound calls, you need to make sure that you engage the caller which helps them to also strengthen the foundation. When you are more personable and are genuinely interested in providing them with services, this can help stabilise the relationship for conducting business. Aim for a goal of keeping the caller on the line for at least three minutes. The more you talk and stay engaged, the more likely the conversation will continue and you can then mention what it is you’re offering.

Get rid of any anxieties.

Making outbound calls can make you fearful of rejection. They could get angry and tell you that your call is unwanted. Eliminate those fears and the chance that you could get hung up on. That is the only bad thing that can happen. For every person that tells you no, there are others who will be interested. Consider each call that you make a method of learning. Reflect on the call and see what you could have done better and the message that you want to convey. You will find ways that help you build a rapport sooner and keep the caller on the line to listen to what you have to say.

Just like everything else that may go wrong, any bad experience can be utilised as a learning experience. You can change up your approach and have much better results the next time. Do not let these thoughts, fears, and anxieties hinder you. Escape your comfort zone. There’s no need to assume that a call could go wrong and even if it does, acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on.

Try to have an engaging opener.

First impressions can count even on the phone. You need to be creative and compelling in your approach but still professional. Some people get tired of the same old phone calls that sound just alike. One thing you should note is to be professional in your mannerism on the phone and still call them Mr. or Ms. By using this tip, you are initially demonstrating that you are respectful and are polite and it is a compliment to the person on the other end. You can try different techniques and change up how you start your phone call off. Gauge how this works for you and how the person on the phone reacts to your greeting.

Acknowledge that their time is valuable but so is your call.

Express to the caller that you intend to be brief. Do not necessarily lead the person on the phone to think that you are not wanting to take up their valuable time because the conversation you are having is important to you. You want to make it seem as though your time is equally valuable. You made an effort to call and you want them to listen.

After your opening line, say something similar to, “I appreciate you for taking my call and I will be brief but I would like to discuss with you…”and then carry on with the main message of your conversation and what points and benefits you made the call about in the first place.

Have a goal for each call you make.

Always ask a person if they are interested in hearing what you have to say or maybe even ask them after you have given them a brief rundown of your key points. If the person says no, then so be it. However, the key to successful outbound calls is to have an itinerary planned out of the key objectives you wish to achieve on phone call. Actually write down each item that you wish to discuss.

When you make a call, let the person know who you are and what you do. Tell them your key point message and all of the important things you have listed. Let them know what you know about the market and any services you are offering. Keep in mind that the end goal here that will help make this a successful outbound call is obtaining an email address. If you get their email, you will be able to send them updates about homes, the market and other information.

For every call, think about what your goals could be.

• Getting their email address
• Getting them to subscribe to the company mailing list
• To discuss all of the services that you have to offer
• To provide an appraisal for free
• To start your search for a home

These are just a few main strategies that have been proven effective for making outbound calls. They are a way to get a caller’s attention and start networking and laying a foundation for a relationship in hopes that they will become a potential customer. This also helps you to build the company brand but also helps you to enter other parts of the market that you haven’t otherwise been able to. You want to stand out from other agents who are also in the same market and the key of doing that is to building that relationship.