Telemarketing is an all-time rock star in the field of sales.

A study by ZIPPIA shows that:

• An impressive 82% of buyers are open to sales meetings following an unsolicited call, and
• 57% of executives in B2B companies express a preference for telephonic communication.
• In 2022, almost 69% of consumers were open to at least one phone interaction with a sales professional.

That said, 93% of telemarketing success is dependent on the tone of voice…

and sounding like a telemarketer is a first-class ticket to rejection.

So, how can you avoid sounding like a telemarketer and still achieve success in sales?

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1.    Master the Art of Conversation Opening

The first few seconds of your call can make or break the conversation.

For instance, asking "Is this a good time?" is a common opener, used by approximately 30.9% of salespeople. However, starting with a more personal approach like "How have you been?" can increase your success rate by as much as 6.6 times.

The casual "How are you?" can yield a 5.2% success rate, while stating a clear reason for your call can double your chances of success.

2.    Leverage Inclusive Language and Strategic Vocabulary

Using inclusive language, such as substituting "I" with "we", can boost your success by a remarkable 35%. This simple shift in language promotes a sense of collaboration and unity with the prospect, making the conversation more engaging and less salesy.

Conversely, certain words or phrases can potentially undermine your efforts. For instance, terms like "discount", "show you how", "contract", and "free trial" can decrease your success rate by 17%, 13%, 7%, and 5% respectively.

These terms are often associated with a telemarketing call and may turn off some prospects.

Instead, use language that focuses on solving your potential customer's pain points and adding value to their business.

3.    Listen More Than You Speak

A common mistake made by sales professionals is dominating the conversation with lengthy pitches and not giving the prospect a chance to speak. Listening more than you speak can help you understand the prospect's needs better, build rapport, and ultimately increase your chances of closing the deal.

Practice active listening by asking open-ended questions, paraphrasing their responses, and showing genuine interest in their concerns.

4.    Show Genuine Interest and Empathy

It's not just about what you say, but how you make the prospect feel during the call that can make a difference. Showing genuine interest in their business and empathizing with their pain points can build trust and make them more receptive to your pitch.

Avoid using robotic or scripted language, as it can come off as insincere. Instead, use a conversational tone and show genuine curiosity about their needs and challenges.

5.    Personalize Your Pitch

One size does not fit all when it comes to sales calls. Each prospect has unique pain points and goals, and tailoring your pitch to address these specific needs can significantly improve your success rate.

Do thorough research on the prospect and their business before making the call. Use this information to personalize your pitch and show how your product or service can specifically help them overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.

Bonus Tip: Work With a Telemarketing Company

4 out of 10 telemarketers report to lack the crucial skill of having meaningful conversations with prospects. This added to the fact that most sales reps are subjected to a high burnout rate, makes it clear why working with a telemarketing company can be beneficial.

ganira offers Innovative telemarketing solutions that help businesses connect with their target audience and convert them into paying customers. By partnering with us, you can save time, energy and resources while gaining access to a team of highly skilled and experienced telemarketers who know how to have meaningful conversations that lead to sales.