Cold Calling in the Concrete Jungle: A New York Minute Guide
New York City, the land of dreams, opportunities, and unsolicited phone calls. Okay, maybe not the last one. But let's dive into the gritty details of cold calling in the Big Apple.
Can You Even Cold Call in New York?
Short answer: It's complicated. Long answer: It's a big, fat no unless you're calling a business. New York State has a long-standing love-hate relationship with telemarketers. They love the idea of people making money, but they hate the reality of people disturbing their dinner. So, unless you're selling something to another business, your chances of success are about as good as finding a quiet spot in Times Square.
The Fine Print (Or Should We Say, Small Type)
If you're thinking of cold calling businesses, remember these golden rules:
- Do your research: Know who you're calling and why. Blind dialing is like walking into a lion's den without a tranquilizer gun.
- Be brief and to the point: New Yorkers are busy people. Get to the point faster than a yellow cab.
- Respect their time: If they're not interested, don't be a pushy salesperson. Remember, there are plenty of fish in the sea (or at least, plenty of businesses in New York).
So, What's a Salesperson to Do?
Don't despair, aspiring telemarketers! There's life after cold calling. Here are a few alternatives:
- Email marketing: It's like cold calling, but without the awkward pauses.
- Social media: Build relationships with potential clients on platforms like LinkedIn.
- Networking events: Meet people in person and build connections.
Remember, New York is a tough city, but with the right approach, you can still find success. Just don't expect to become the next Wolf of Wall Street through cold calling.
How To...
- How to avoid being a nuisance: Respect people's time and don't be pushy.
- How to find businesses to call: Use online directories and databases.
- How to handle rejection: Don't take it personally. It's part of the job.
- How to craft a compelling pitch: Keep it short, sweet, and relevant.
- How to follow up: Don't give up after one call. Persistence pays off.