WAHM Forums

I hate the phone. I really do. But I want to practice until it becomes my friend. So I am getting back on track with scheduled times for making my calls, etc. I have to admit, it's been a few months since I've done so. Seeing as it gets me really freaked out yet, I get all set and ready to go,take a few deep breaths and start calling. I called everyone on my list. I got in touch with two people. One was a "no" and the other wasa hostess coaching call. Now I feel this huge let down. All that energy into being nervous about the calls and I really don't even feel like I have anything to show for it. Even if I would have gotten all "no's", it would feel like I accomplished something. I know I can try them back, and thanks to some great input from people like you I feel like I at least left good messages smileys/smiley36.gif But how do you keep up the good spirits about calling when you don't really feel like you're calling anyone?


Sorry. I really don't want to seem whiney. I saw a great quote today that came from one of my Mary Kay people in regards to a new sales director. She said something to the effect of "make your success more important than your comfort". I guess this is what it's all about. smileys/smiley9.gif

well.. how did those two calls go? you did well on your host coaching I'm sure.. and you seem to have handled the no okay, so take that as a success. Just make yourself make calls everyday for a week so it becomes more rote and easier.. I have trouble too.. just push through it and you'll be fine!





deb

I once heard that it takes 3 weeks of doing something before it becomes habit. Like Deb said, it'll become easier. And besides, you left good messages-right? So you did complete more than 2 calls-if you can look at it that way. smileys/smiley2.gif

I hate the phone, too. If anything, by nature, I have never been a phone talker! I always used it as a tool to make arrangements to meet up with the people I care about so we could talk in person. smileys/smiley36.gif


It's okay to not like the phone, but it helped me to once again see it as a tool.....a business tool.


What got me started, was making customer follow up calls. Wait a period of time, such as 2 weeks AFTER you know everyone has received their product, and call just to check in. Such as, "I know the items were delivered on such-and-such date. Have you received your items yet? Have you had a chance to use (or set up, etc.) them? Do you have any questions for me?" And seriously do not try to get them to book a party or buy anything. Just establish yourself as someone who is easy to talk to.


Once you get yourself in the habit of doing this, phone calls become easier and easier. It's really nice to call and not expect a yes or a no.


Later you can also start asking things at the end of the conversation, such as if they might like you to call them when a certain new catalog comes out, or if a certain item is made a hostess special, etc.

What do you say on the phone? Go to www.karenphelps.com (http://www.karenphelps.com). She has some GREAT tips. Look at her newsletters.


Instead of saying..."Will you book a party for me?" how about...


"I have a goal to give away $1000 in free products this month. It would be your choice to either choose items to decorate your home or you could use in to do your holiday shopping for free. I have 6 dates available for November.Which day typically works best for you?"


You might consider ONLY booking "Buddy Parties". Since AtHome increases the hostess benefits to 20% for a $1000 or more party...how about two friends getting together and putting a $1000 party. That way each one would get $100 in free stuff?


Edited by: Ameriky

Great ideas! Thank you!

My unit director and branch director and even our CEO tells us that every no brings us closer to a yes. Be encouraged. You are two no's closer to a YES!!


Rachel

You know Rachel, I think I would actually have felt better last night with 10 no's. The 8 machines that I got left me feeling like I made no progress at all. But a while later I realized how great it was that I sat down and did it at all. I just have to keep doing it!

That is right. Keep it up. Who knows... 10 machines may end up with 10 parties or even just 10 orders. Heck, 10 orders of $50.00 is $500.00. Keep it up!! I need to do the same. I have earned 2 weeks of double free merch credit for my hostesses. I have to get on the horn and make those calls myself. You are an inspiration!


Rachel

It will get better. Make a visual with 5 of something a day. When you make a connected call, you can cross it off or color it in. It will bug you so much staring at them, that you'll pick up the phone. smileys/smiley36.gif





Monday: http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley10.gifhttp://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley10.gifhttp://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley10.gifhttp://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley10.gifhttp://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley10.gif


(result: P=Party, R=Recruit, S=Sale, M=Mail info, O=other)


Call 1: Name/Number/Connect/Result/Follow up notes


Call 2: Name/Number/Connect/Result/Follow up notes


Call 3: Name/Number/Connect/Result/Follow up notes


Call 4: Name/Number/Connect/Result/Follow up notes


Call 5: Name/Number/Connect/Result/Follow up notes


Tuesday: http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley10.gifhttp://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley10.gifhttp://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley10.gifhttp://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley10.gifhttp://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley10.gif


(result: P=Party, R=Recruit, S=Sale, M=Mail info, O=other)


Call 1: Name/Number/Connect/Result/Follow up notes


Call 2: Name/Number/Connect/Result/Follow up notes


Call 3: Name/Number/Connect/Result/Follow up notes


Call 4: Name/Number/Connect/Result/Follow up notes


Call 5: Name/Number/Connect/Result/Follow up notes


And so on....


Email your results at the end of the day to your buddy!

You guys are awesome!

Debbie, that is such an excellent idea!! I think I am going to pass that one on to my girls!!


Rachel