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Why You Shouldn't Ask, "Is this a bad time to talk?"

Why You Shouldn’t Ask, “Is this a bad time to talk?”

Most decision makers are busy. So you have to know when is the best time to call them. Just because they answer the phone doesn’t mean they’re available to talk to you. This is why most sales reps asks, Is this a bad time to talk?

Salesperson asks this question to show respect for their prospect’s time.  However, starting off your introduction with “is this a bad time?” indicates a negative thought that you are about to ask for a longer time to pitch in your product. To them,  it may also mean you are about to waste their time by selling something they don’t need.

Here are the 5 reasons why sales reps should never ask this question.

You’re stating the obvious.

Calling a prospect means you are about to interrupt them from what they’re doing. So it’s like asking the prospect, “Is this the best time to interrupt you?”

Related: Don’t be Annoying: 3 Sales Mistakes that Make You Look Dumb

You’re making the prospect realize about their workload.

When a salesperson asks, is this a bad time means you’re reminding the prospect how annoying you are for calling them when they have a lot of things to do. Leaving them wanting to answer you, “Yes, it is.” or “I’m actually busy right now.”

You’re losing the opportunity.

When prospects are too busy and is not expecting an important call, they won’t answer the phone. But the fact that he picked up the phone means they are available to talk for a short period of time. However, if they felt like they’re being interrupted by a nonsense salesperson asking if it’s a bad time, they are more likely to say “no” and brush you off.

Related:  How Many Call Attempts Should You do Before You Surrender a Lead?

You’re placing your prospects on the defensive mode.

Asking the prospect “Is this a bad time to talk?” shows respect by allowing your prospect to decline your call if they’re not available. At the same time implying that you want some of their time. However, you’re encouraging the prospect to be defensive and protect their limited hours by rejecting your call and hang up on you immediately.

Prospects expect it.

If you start your call with a traditional “salesy” pitch such as “How are you doing today?” and  “Is this a bad time to talk?” you’ll find the call to end before it even begins. Skip the sales questions part that the prospects usually hear from sales reps. Here’s how to gain prospect’s trust

When calling a prospect, you’re trying to earn a minute of their time. And in sales call, time is precious. So always make it short and brief. Be direct to the point and provide prospects with something valuable.

What have you missed: Lead Generation Statistics in Australia You Wish You Knew Before

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Don’t be Annoying: 3 Sales Mistakes that Make You Look Dumb

Don’t be Annoying: 3 Sales Mistakes that Make You Look Dumb

Whether you’re doing telemarketing, writing an email to your prospect, posting on social media or writing a blog, we can’t avoid making mistakes. But that shouldn’t prevent you from learning and improving from it.

In sales, most prospects won’t let you know when you commit an error. Instead, they’ll choose not to consider what you’re offering and pick your competitor over you. As a sales rep, of course you don’t want this to happen, right?

We’ve identified the common sales mistakes that annoy your prospects and how to avoid them.  Here they are.

1. Lack of product knowledge

Don't be Annoying: 3 Sales Mistakes that Make You Look Dumb

To some sales reps, generating a qualified sales lead is hard because they don’t have enough information about their product or services. When doing lead generation and appointment setting, it is important to know everything about your product or service. Knowing its features and benefits means you are ready to offer solutions to your prospect’s issues and challenges. 

Related: Sales Tips: Interesting Facts About How to Gain Prospect’s Trust

Tip #1: Never stop learning. Understand and always update your knowledge of what’s new about your product or service.

2. Talking more than listening

Don't be Annoying: 3 Sales Mistakes that Make You Look Dumb

When calling a prospect, most of the time sales reps talk more than they listen. It is important for a salesperson to focus on what the prospect is saying rather than what you’re going to say.

In every sales call, you’re not just gathering information but building a relationship at the same time. When talking to someone over the phone, only highlight the features and benefits of your product. Most of the time, sales reps assume that upon introducing your company, prospects understand the value of what you’re offering.

Related: Knowing the Different Buying Signals Will Make You A Better Salesperson

Tip #2: In every call, there should be 20% talking and 80% listening to understand the prospect’s problem and offer the right solution. Also, explain upfront the features of your product and inform them how it can benefit their business and why they should want to buy from you. Here’s Why Listening is an Important Component in Telemarketing

3. Neglecting your prospect

Don't be Annoying: 3 Sales Mistakes that Make You Look Dumb

One of the reasons why businesses fail to sell is because they neglect their prospect. Most sales reps focus more on how to sell, not on how they can help their prospect’s business grow. Salesperson has this mindset that they have enough prospects to call so getting more uninterested prospects is okay. Don’t let this happen, re-engage with warm prospects who have gone cold.

Tip #3: When calling focus on how you can contribute to their business growth. Make your product or services relevant to their business needs.

Now ask yourself, “Have you been making any of these dumb sales mistakes that cause bad sales results?”

These mistakes can kill opportunities even to those who have the best intentions so make sure not to commit these blunders when doing lead generation.