I recently overcame my fear of cold calling and earned quite a bit of money in the process. Long story short, I decided to take the plunge and get some 'real' entrepreneurial experience.
I was thinking of something along the lines of 'Sales As A Service'. I got the idea because a lot of people asked me to do sales for them. And since I'm just starting out, I'd like to focus on what I already know: selling websites on the upper end of the spectrum through cold calling.
I'm aware that cold calling isn't the most efficient way of going about things. But here's why I'm a fan:
I realize that this isn't a Fastlane project per se, and it isn't meant to be. Instead I see it as an opportunity to learn more about sales. Whether it's dating, making friends or making money, I truly believe that sales is one of the most transferable and valuable skills to have.
I know for certain that the idea works; at least on a small scale. I already registered a company and semi-automated the process of generating qualified leads, which should save me a lot of time. That doesn't change the fact that I have no idea what I'm doing, though. Ironically enough, I can get clients through cold calling. But when should I make my first hire? What CRM should I get? There are a ton of questions I don't have an answer to. And that's okay. I'll figure things out as I go.
With this thread I'd like to keep you posted on my current progress, and to share whatever I feel is valuable. Feedback on how I'm doing is always appreciated. Updates aren't on a fixed schedule, but I aim to make reading them worth your while.
Thanks!
I was thinking of something along the lines of 'Sales As A Service'. I got the idea because a lot of people asked me to do sales for them. And since I'm just starting out, I'd like to focus on what I already know: selling websites on the upper end of the spectrum through cold calling.
I'm aware that cold calling isn't the most efficient way of going about things. But here's why I'm a fan:
It works
Yes, fancy technology has changed the purchasing behavior of people. That being said, the fundamentals of salesmanship that worked 100 years ago work just as well today, and will keep working in the future.
Choose your customers
With outbound sales I can pick a target and go for it. Inbound sales is more like hanging a fishing rod in the water and hoping that the fish you desire will bite.
Immediate results
Cold calling doesn't take time to build up. Especially in the early stages you can achieve rapid growth by picking up the phone.
Higher level of engagement
"People buy from people, not companies". Not sure where I heard that, but it stuck. There is nothing more powerful than a human one-on-one interaction when it comes to engaging with your customer. Every other method pales in comparison if you want to impact individual buyers.
Credit to Steli Efti. Thanks, man!
Yes, fancy technology has changed the purchasing behavior of people. That being said, the fundamentals of salesmanship that worked 100 years ago work just as well today, and will keep working in the future.
Choose your customers
With outbound sales I can pick a target and go for it. Inbound sales is more like hanging a fishing rod in the water and hoping that the fish you desire will bite.
Immediate results
Cold calling doesn't take time to build up. Especially in the early stages you can achieve rapid growth by picking up the phone.
Higher level of engagement
"People buy from people, not companies". Not sure where I heard that, but it stuck. There is nothing more powerful than a human one-on-one interaction when it comes to engaging with your customer. Every other method pales in comparison if you want to impact individual buyers.
Credit to Steli Efti. Thanks, man!
I realize that this isn't a Fastlane project per se, and it isn't meant to be. Instead I see it as an opportunity to learn more about sales. Whether it's dating, making friends or making money, I truly believe that sales is one of the most transferable and valuable skills to have.
I know for certain that the idea works; at least on a small scale. I already registered a company and semi-automated the process of generating qualified leads, which should save me a lot of time. That doesn't change the fact that I have no idea what I'm doing, though. Ironically enough, I can get clients through cold calling. But when should I make my first hire? What CRM should I get? There are a ton of questions I don't have an answer to. And that's okay. I'll figure things out as I go.
With this thread I'd like to keep you posted on my current progress, and to share whatever I feel is valuable. Feedback on how I'm doing is always appreciated. Updates aren't on a fixed schedule, but I aim to make reading them worth your while.
Thanks!
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