In an age where most people receive unwanted calls from aggressive telemarketers trying to sell them gardening hand tools they can't possibly use, the reception for cold callers can be downright frosty. Yet many business owners with slim client lists simply can't afford to sit around and wait for business to come to them. If you're having trouble attracting clients and are thinking of doing a cold calling campaign, follow our tips to keep from crashing and burning and damaging your business.

Be Selective

The reason telemarketers' calls are so unwelcome is that they target a broad audience. Only a tiny minority of the people they call are actually interested in or have a use for the product or service they're peddling. Your job, before you start calling, is to find out who would have need of a butterfly valve manufacturer. Research thoroughly and compile a list of prospective clients. It's okay if you know they've already hired someone, since the possibility exists that your offer will be more attractive.

Be Prepared

Compiling your list is only the first step in the preparation process. You've also got to spend some time thinking about what to say. Your opening line should identify you, your business, and the purpose for your call: "Hi, I'm Bill from Search Engine Optimization Ontario, and I'm offering a special discount for new clients." Have some idea of what you'll say to the client's responses, but don't follow a script so closely that you sound like a robot. It should be a conversation as much as a sales pitch.

Offer Incentives

It's a well known fact that people are more likely to respond well to a cold call if you're offering them something they want. So offer them a special discount (perhaps in the form of a code word) on your services if they choose Catering Toronto, or give them the chance to win some sort of prize. It could be a sample of your services or an item, but whatever it is should connect back to your company and improve your image.

Don't Burn Bridges

Be kind, courteous, respectful, and resist the temptation to get frustrated or aggressive if you encounter the cold shoulder at first. If you're nice to people, they'll be nice back, and even if they don't want your services now, they'll remember your kindness and think of you later or perhaps recommend you to a friend. When you've chosen to start your own business, the first thing you need is positive relationships.