Is it ok to re-call failed cold calls?
I did a cold call run based on LinkedIn searches a few months ago or so. Since then, I have added new products and services and would like to try again. Is it "proper" to re-call businesses that were not interested previously?
-
what's different about your new calls? – Henry The Hengineer 12 years ago
-
Previously I offered general IT services. No one was interested. This time around I have refined my approach and want to offer a backup solution for design firms. – Kevin Soviero 12 years ago
-
Did any of them mention they needed a backup solution? Good reason to call back. – Jeff O 12 years ago
5 Answers
If you're concerned about people thinking that it's already the second time you call them, there's really nothing to worry about! If it's been a few months, 99% of them have already forgotten you. And keep in mind that if YOU are telemarketing these prospects, most likely others are telemarketing the same prospects as well and therefore they receive many calls.
It's just how telemarketing works: call again.
-
Pretty much this. The ethic is my workplace is that businesses may have new managers or staff in 6 months or so that might be interested anyway, so it can't hurt. The worst they can do is say they aren't interested. – Anonymous 12 years ago
The big thing you need to consider before doing this is to be "rude" and look from the perspective of whoever you are calling, have you added whatever they are interested in and could not offer the last time you called? The answer to this question is the answer if they are likely to be interested this time - or if you should find someone else to use your time to call.
Also (at least in Sweden) it is important to keep track of anyone that explicatively said they don't wish to get contacted by you ever again if you are talking of phone calls (as that is part of the marketing laws).
If they are not interested the first time that you called them, it might be because you caught them at a bad time. To speak or to deal with someone at their inconvenient time is quite impossible. So there is still a big possibility to turn your second call into a lead.
You might also consider social media or inbound marketing to attract qualified customers. You should also incorporate a call to action or encourage them to call your business and purchase without forcing them.
I would suggest only to re-call if they mentioned during your first call that there was an interest in the new feature you just built. If they did not express an interest, I would not recommend re-calling them. Therefore, you have to take good notes with each cold call you make to determine why they were not interested and what they initially thought. You should also consider inbound marketing because sometimes it can be more effective.
