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Don’t Ask That. Ask This.

Bill Farquharson

Bill Farquharson

"Is now a good time to talk?" is one of the worst ways to open a cold call. Yet, it is the go-to for most sales reps. Bill Farquharson has a better idea and recalls an actual call from a telemarketer to make his point.

Cold Caller: “Good morning. Can I speak to Mr. Far…um…Far-cue-har-son?”

Me: “This is he.”

Cold Caller: “Hi, my name is Bob and I am calling from Awesome Print Company. Is this a good time to talk?”

Me: “Don’t ask that.”

Cold Caller: “Excuse me?”

Me: “Don’t ask me if it’s a good time. Of course it isn’t. It never is. It never will be. You will always be interrupting.”

Cold Caller (laughing): “Okay, then what should I ask?”

Me: “Ask me if you have have 5 minutes. No more. Just 5.”

Cold Caller: “Why is that a better question?”

Me: “Because you are more likely to get a ‘yes.’ 5 minute is finite. It is a short commitment. Go ahead. Start again.”

Cold Caller: “Hi, my name is Bob and I am calling from Awesome Print Company. Could I get 5 minutes of your time? No more. Just five?”

Me: “Sure, Bob. What’s on your mind?”

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Learn sales best practices for cold calling inside The Sales Vault. Go to SalesVault.pro or call Bill Farquharson at 781-934-7036.

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