Many think that telemarketing is one of the most divisive strategies in modern marketing. Some companies and organizations have actually used unethical practices that have made several governments across the globe pass legislation on telemarketing.This has forced companies to make drastic changes to their script-writing principles and made sure that their agents adhere to legal requirements while being able to meet demanding production quotas.

However, if telemarketers just abide by any local, regional, or national regulations, then telemarketing becomes a powerful tool you can choose in advancing your business. Especially when you belong in a highly competitive market, telemarketing helps you maintain profitability. That is as long as it provides a continuous influx of quality leads.

Telemarketing Defined

While telemarketing has acquired a bad reputation throughout these years, it should not be disregarded as an effective measure in customer conversion. Telemarketing is a marketing strategy that involves connecting with customers over the telephone or, more recently, through web-based video conferencing. It can help provide information, generate interest, factor customer feedback, make appointments, create opportunities, and produce leads by telephone.

 

 

Telemarketing is often used to try to sell a product or service. It can also take the form of surveys or information gathering like in political campaigns. Telemarketing can professionally present your brand, product or services to potential customers and help provide a stream of appointments based on customers who are looking for precisely what you offer.

It is a significant strategy in business-to-business sales, event promotion, and lead generation for more sophisticated sales procedures. And there are many various industries that rely heavily on telemarketing to achieve improved results in different ways. Some belong to financial services, vacation and time share, cable and Internet services, and even charitable organizations.

Telemarketing Best Practices

 

A one-size-fits-all presentation does not really apply to telemarketing. Services vary depending on your industry, and this means that best practices will vary too. Nevertheless, there are still some common wisdom that binds all sales calls.

 

 

Knowledge – It is essential that the telemarketer is knowledgeable, competent and a good listener. They should have in-depth knowledge of what the company sells or the services it provides, and that they can answer specific questions quickly about them too. They should undergo training in dealing with different situations and customers.

Empathy- As human beings, we appreciate empathy. As a telemarketer, this should resonate in the words you use, the tone of your voice and your listening skills. You need to listen to what prospects and customers want to be an effective sales person.

Patience – Rushing the process will only irritate the customer. Words should be spoken slowly and clearly. You should be polite throughout the entire call and start the conversations with a smile.

The Take Away

Telemarketing has had its share of bad reps, but it is undeniable how it can greatly help any organization who does it right. With the wisdom shared above and lots of practice, you’ll find becoming an efficient telemarketer in a short space of time a very easy endeavor. If that seems a challenge for you, you can always seek help from telemarketing professionals.