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Inspiration for the Day

Happiness is. . . Cold Calling

By 08/04/2009January 26th, 201721 Comments
I am in Ontario on vacation this week, in Toronto right now and then off to Cottage Country tomorrow!  Last night at a dinner party, I met this fabulous woman/entrepreneur who runs her own company and when she was asked how she became successful this was her answer;

Love Toronto’s flower pots – photo by Maria Killam

‘I asked my best friend to drive me around to all the accounts I wanted to close.  I told her to lock the door after I got out and not let me in until I had made each cold call one by one.  I cleaned up and that was the start!  I hate cold calling, so this made it easier to get it done!’

So, if you are thinking you need to get a job (because your own business isn’t going as well as it should because of the economy, or any number of reasons) maybe you should try this strategy first!  I was completely inspired, so that’s why I’m sharing it with you!
What could you be doing in your business/life/career right now that could take it to the next level?   Leave an anonymous comment and tell me what it is!  
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What do I need to do you ask?  I need to call every single one of my past clients (that I don’t have emails for) and simply get their email address because I’m setting up my newsletter for my business, and I find every excuse in the book not to do it.  How silly is that.  I’m launching it September 8, so I have time but I still need to get it done!  Too bad I can’t get one of my friends to just lock me in my office until it’s done!!
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21 Comments

  • Vitania says:

    You are the best motivator! you always manage to get me to focus. Love that about you Maria.

    I can't believe you are in Toronto, I could practically High five you!

  • Between you, me and the Fencepost says:

    Having company while cold calling is the most fun. Wine helps too . . .

  • interiorblogging says:

    Funily enough I used to hate using the phone and would make up every excuse to put off calls. I have no idea why because I am not a shy person. Then I got a job in a call centre environment and my fear was quickly cured. My husband has never laughed so hard as when i told him about the job i was applying for.

  • Velvet and Linen says:

    Reading your blog is like having my own cheerleading section! You are always so positive and motivating.
    There are a couple of e-mails I have been putting off because I get nervous about contacting these people. No more excuses today!

    Thank you, Maria.

    xo
    Brooke

  • VictoriaArt says:

    Hi, Maria
    have a lovely week and enjoy your vacation.
    We are just back and I am still trying to digest all the impressions I received during my stay at Cape Ann,MA.
    Love all your light, bright pictures, they so tell me about summer and renewal!
    And yes, I like the idea of calling around all the contacts, you never know, my business is certainly more the slow…
    You are so good at this!

    Have fun in Ontario!
    XX
    Victoria

  • Rachel says:

    ug, i hate cold calling more than anything. Cold emailing is hard, too. To take my biz to the next level, i need to be doing more face-to-face networking. after all, it always seems to come back to who you know.

  • Anonymous says:

    I just wanted to say that I enjoy your blog and have been trolling through your archives. You write very well, keep it succinct, and the information is valuable. Thanks for your work.

  • Tiina of LiviaConcept says:

    good good, this kind of kickass is just what i need! at the moment i'm getting in contact with suppliers in different countries, and trying to find out where i could easiest and not-too-expensively produce my collection. then i'm putting up a website and also e-mailing to some great entreprenours and asking for advice. it's hard work but so much fun!!

  • hzgrace says:

    Cold Calling … gives me the shudders, but afterwords I am amazed at how easy it is. As a friend once told me- The worst they can do is say no and then you can move forward.
    Having good friends that help you do the hard things- now that IS priceless!

    Blessings on your day

  • Tracy @ comfortandluxury says:

    Cold calling… yikes! But as a metaphor for simply getting things done that need to be done… now that's a kick in the pants I need regularly! Thanks for the inspiration, Maria! Enjoy your holiday!

  • Unique Unique Design says:

    This is not a very long post, but it was such valuable message. I need to focus on a point (even, tho, focusing isn't my strong suit at my age :)!) and just keep moving toward it with purpose.
    I sent this to my daughters who are just starting a business. Hope it motivates them. Thanks Maria.
    marcie

  • Brayden says:

    Hi,

    Telemarketing
    can be very tricky but it is actually one of the best ways to make money. It is very profitable, and a lot of people have grown rich from it. In a world where change is constant, we should also change even our marketing techniques. New things always attract people; therefore make sure to have room for change and betterment.

  • Ivy Lane says:

    I am a Realtor, and know the fear associated with cold calling…this post is timely!! I cold call only when I am getting low on listing inventory… but doing it on a regular basis, I am sure would take my business to the next level! Thanks for this great reminder Maria!!! Have a wonderful rest of the week!!!

  • Karena says:

    Maria, just the kick I needed, as I do market my art, however meeting with gallery owners, architects and interior designers (a must) is my downfall, which I must rectify right now!!

  • Down Pillow says:

    Cold Calls are miserable! But this post is certainly very inspiring! Thanks!

  • Developing Designs says:

    This is what I needed to hear to affirm what I was "just" thinking. Literally 🙂 I stumbled across an old client list (the before email list) 2 days ago and realized I wanted to call (since phone numbers are in fact listed) and get in touch. It's not easy for me to cold call, and I think many creative people might be the same way. Definitely the inspiration/push/affirmation I needed to move forward. Thank you as always for your wonderful blog.
    Enjoy your vacation! Hugs, Laura

  • AB HOME Interiors says:

    What a great idea! Scary, but good! I cant imagine how terrifying it would be to know Im locked out!! But it sounds like it is working for her.

  • Brillante Home Decor says:

    Uuuuhhh, you'll have to lock me in for sure. Have a great holiday time.

  • Ideezine says:

    The reason why cold calling is not a favorite thing is that people don't always remember who you are. Once you change your outlook on it the process changes. Call it networking and now you're enthusiastic about the process!

    Bette

  • Jane says:

    Maria,
    Thank you for sharing tips on cold calling. I am still trying to figure out who to approach…who to call. I have just started a new business venture and this is exactly what I need to be doing. Like most, cold calling…even calling my clients…gives me the willies! It's not so bad once I have done a few, but those first calls are killers! Thanks to you…and to all who commented on this topic. Monday is a new day!!!

    Jane (Artfully Graced)

    PS Thank you for your kind words on my blog.

  • Lauren says:

    eeeeesh I don't even know where to begin!!

    There are a bunch of things I've been meaning to do— including biting the bullet & getting some professional photos of work… yikes! but it always leads to more business…

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