Testing Market Need through Phone Calls?

[GatsbyMag]

This might sound silly to more experienced entrepreneurs/businessmen on here but I'm starting an IT consultancy business. I think it's a good idea for several reasons but obviously that doesn't matter. I think the quickest way to test if there's a need in the market for this is by calling up local businesses in my town and asking about their IT problems. So far I've called about 4 and they've said no. I'm going to continue calling but do you think I'm wasting my time using this strategy? Do you think I should actually set up the business as fast as possible and try getting clients to test the need instead?

Thanks!

[Please move if wrong thread]

 

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[lowtek]

Is it a problem that people pay other providers to solve for them, or are you offering a completely new service that nobody has ever offered before?

If the former, you know that there is a market need for what you offer and calling businesses should be focused on getting an appointment for a deeper conversation about how you can help solve their problems. A cold call (for something expensive) will almost never be a sales call, in the sense that money will change hands, but you gotta sell on getting the first meeting.

If the latter, then you have a much longer slog ahead of you. I would say start with warmer traffic and work from there, rather than cold traffic.

 

[Midas]

This might sound silly to more experienced entrepreneurs/businessmen on here but I'm starting an IT consultancy business. I think it's a good idea for several reasons but obviously that doesn't matter. I think the quickest way to test if there's a need in the market for this is by calling up local businesses in my town and asking about their IT problems. So far I've called about 4 and they've said no. I'm going to continue calling but do you think I'm wasting my time using this strategy? Do you think I should actually set up the business as fast as possible and try getting clients to test the need instead?

Thanks!

[Please move if wrong thread]

How do you assure them you won't come in and break their system or "borrow" sensitive information?

 

[GatsbyMag]

Is it a problem that people pay other providers to solve for them, or are you offering a completely new service that nobody has ever offered before?

If the former, you know that there is a market need for what you offer and calling businesses should be focused on getting an appointment for a deeper conversation about how you can help solve their problems. A cold call (for something expensive) will almost never be a sales call, in the sense that money will change hands, but you gotta sell on getting the first meeting.

If the latter, then you have a much longer slog ahead of you. I would say start with warmer traffic and work from there, rather than cold traffic.

Yes, follow the market. Reminds me of something Cardone said, thanks Lowtek for this, true legend

 

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[grindmode]

This might sound silly to more experienced entrepreneurs/businessmen on here but I'm starting an IT consultancy business. I think it's a good idea for several reasons but obviously that doesn't matter. I think the quickest way to test if there's a need in the market for this is by calling up local businesses in my town and asking about their IT problems. So far I've called about 4 and they've said no. I'm going to continue calling but do you think I'm wasting my time using this strategy? Do you think I should actually set up the business as fast as possible and try getting clients to test the need instead?

Thanks!

[Please move if wrong thread]

"Cold calling" IMO is harder than door to door sales... Especially depending on your lead sources. Practice in the mirror and even prepare a few different "pre-made written down" introductions/things you will be asking questions to each prospect after grabbing their attention within the first 30 seconds or less... After that they have ever hung up or they are asking YOU the question... Always be the one in control of the conversation asking the questions... Learn/practice cold calling on a live human such as your friend or family member to perfection and market/generate sold leads which if you have something of VALUE to offer anyone with the practice and eventually mastering of learning how to close you will in business... Good luck

 

[DaveC]

Do you think I should actually set up the business as fast as possible and try getting clients to test the need instead?

Short answer: No

Long answer: Sales is part of setting up the business...no sales=no business. I wouldn't do one thing for setup until I had an actual check in hand. No one likes to be cold called. Ask your family members, friends, friends of friends to see where they are struggling with IT. Go to a local business meetup and say you are in IT, ask for problems.