Cold calling is cold comfort

You can read all the reports and you can prepare yourself and psych yourself up as much as you want, but cold calling is the most disheartening of all the processes or activities that one is likely to involve oneself in, in operating a business.  From downright rudeness and indignation, to avoiding calls and not returning calls, it really is tough going, and I don’t for a second envy the life and times of sales people who make a living from this type of selling.

I had been trying this cold calling tactic for a while, and frankly I gave up on it, thinking there has to be a better way, and there is.  Plan B is that I now send a letter (or email) of introduction to Soileire Business Solutions Ltd and the sourcing and import services I can offer to the prospective customer.  Now I want to be clear here, and this is of the utmost importance, I don’t get involved in, nor do I condone spamming.  I direct my letters/emails to businesses that I know are already thinking about or are already actively involved in sourcing and importing from China.

To date, the responses are far more positive compared to cold calling.  The rudeness and indignation have certainly become less frequent which means that at least I’m being let down more gently!!

Looking at it from the prospective customer’s side, at least when a call comes through, he or she might be somewhat familiar with what my business offers, and can make a better decision about whether or not I can be of assistance or not, that obviously helps my cause when I make a follow-up call.  It doesn’t significantly increase my chances of winning new business, but creating an impression and getting brand awareness in the marketplace is very important for young small businesses.