C.A.
I do have a few suggestions. I have a hard time with cold calls as well. I think when you buy a list it makes it even harder.
I have worked at overcoming this by turning what I would normally consider a cold call into a warm call. I carry my business cards with me where ever I go. I also make sure I have a pen. I give my cards to anyone and everyone, almost like candy. First of all it pays off. when you are paying for groceries, hand the casheir your card. More than likely it will go into a pocket. I have tracked the traffic on my website and know that although many of the cards do not get used a lot of them do.
The second thing I do is talk about my business non chalantly. I work with all natural make up, that is very affordable. So I do my best to offer it as a feel good item, a healthy choice item, or just a look pretty item. I also work in advertising sales, again cold calling, not my thing. By mentioning what I do, as if it is part of the conversation, people have the opportunity to ask questiosn if they would like. If they have questions, I give them 2 cards, one they can keep. I tell them if they would like to write their email address on the back of one I can send them info. Some choose to write a phone number instead, I take that as invitation to call. Others write the email address, that is as good as a call.
There are so many ways to take the person you have never met and make them into a warm call. Cold calling is hard for even the best of us. I have had days when all I do is walk around town with my business cards. I will sit on a bence and talk to someone, or stand in a line and talk to someone. The important thing is to make sure that you dont come off as only interested in getting their contact information. Talk about the grand kids, the day, their trip, whatever they are interested in. Make a friend first, a customer second.
