PICK UP THE PHONE.
I’ve blogged about picking up the phone before. In this post I talk about even calling the people you are afraid to call: Get Out Your Chicken List and Make a Call.
On Recruiting Blogs, James Nathan writes a post called Hello phone, my old friend. He talks about how recruiters “have grown up in a world dominated by email, and on-line recruitment systems.”
We, as job seekers, have somewhat grown up in a world of online applications and job boards, right?
Read his post. My favorite part is this:
When I was a very new consultant, I was sent to meet one of the company’s top billing temps consultants and he taught me a very simple lesson. He said “listen, its really simple. You pick up the phone, and money comes out of it”.
You pick up the phone, and money comes out of it.
Was there ever a statement, so well put, so simple or so true.
The same thing applies to you, as the job seeker. Or you, as owner of Me, Inc. Or you, as a consultant.
Hide behind email and online applications all you want… but you need to simply get on the phone. Money might come out of it. Or a job. Or a gig.
Afraid of the phone?
Figure out how to get over it. I’d love to hear how YOU got over your fear of the phone (or, how you are getting through your fear of the phone). Leave a comment below…
When I was new to the United States, speaking on the phone caused much anxiety. I started this practice then which I continue to do even today (fortunately my anxiety level today is way down!)– I always prepare:
1. What three outcomes do I want from this phone call?
2. What one thing do I want my listener to absolutely remember?
3. I write my script–even basics like my name! I might not follow the script as is and it serves to center me and focus on the person.
4. I practice aloud in front of the mirror so that I have a smile on my face when talking to the person.
5. Fear is in our heads–the reality is usually pleasant.
6. So, pick up the phone and call someone today and enjoy your conversation.
Thanks, Jason for sharing and James for this post.
Sunitha- you expressed what I was taught as a young marketing person by a lady in the then Black and Decker marketing department and it still works today.
The lady had no formal training and little education but had the gift of analysis where she studied day to day communications and realized that getting your needs met had a method to it. She used it every day and was always a top producer.
Start with the end in mind. Scripting is a very valuable tool and my mantra is “Script, Practice and Rehearse.
Write the script to meet the needs of the target person. Rehearse it so that you can deliver it without any prompts. And Rehearse the script in front of others who are knowledgeable about the product or service you are selling.
Keep a notebook on what works and words and phrases that are universally understood or are catchy.
One I use in “selling” is “we’d love for you to come in for a tour or call us for a brochure” seems to work well – (as people tend to remember alliterative phrases and calls to action) and a good percentage do drop by one of our 34 locations and meet our enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff.
Another is a little tongue in cheek comment “Remember we are from the government and we are here to help” – pause – let it sink in – pause …. “and you’ll see why we are different in a good way!”
TIP: If you don’t know what to say to someone on the phone, experiment by calling people who may know you from your internet activities. Maybe it’s someone who you see a lot on blog comments, or who you follow on Twitter, whatever. Find out the person’s number, and call. Leave a 30 second voice mail message, if you must. Chances are you will make the person’s day.
Jason,
I did two posts on connecting with recruiters last summer.
https://careerpivot.com/2011/strategic-networking-targeting-companies-and-recruiters/
https://careerpivot.com/2011/strategic-networking-targeting-companies-and-recruiters-part-2/
The point of it was after you do all of the connecting online pick up the phone and call them. Recruiters are people people. They are in the business of dealing with people because they like people. Just about every recruiter I have talked to likes for you to call them!!
So CALL THEM!