Telemarketing....
Discussion
It depends entirely on the product or service you're selling.
We've used a number of companies and services and most have not been that effective. Those that were benefited from us doing a lot of the ground work so all they had to do was call the lists we provided. But then we could have made the call and had the same outcome.
The mistake many make (including me in the past) was to assume these services are an easy route to sales which they generally aren't.
We've used a number of companies and services and most have not been that effective. Those that were benefited from us doing a lot of the ground work so all they had to do was call the lists we provided. But then we could have made the call and had the same outcome.
The mistake many make (including me in the past) was to assume these services are an easy route to sales which they generally aren't.
I've been involved in marketing technical products to technical people: telemarketing didn't work because the targets often had technical questions that they wouldn't have asked if we'd sent them postal marketing material. The reality was that the agents ended up having to pass on questions.
laserblues2 said:
Just wondering how many people in here use telemarketing or have used telemarketing in the past??
What have your experiences been??
What problems have you encountered??
Who did you use??
Any other comments??
Thanks for the feedback...
Nick
After 8 years in the industry, sitting here in front of a database performing final cleanse before it goes live, there isnt much I havent seen.
Both good and bad. Some projects are suited for an outsourced approach, some arent.
Depends entirely on what you want to achieve, what the product is, who the target audience is and what data you can get.
Data is everything.
If you fancy some impartial advice feel free to mail me offline.
Telemarketing can be one of the most effective ways of generating sales and new leads. It can also be an incredible waste of money if done badly.
If you're outsourcing, then ensure you spend time finding the right organisation, don't just go for the cheapest but at the same time expensive doesn't always mean good quality. Find an organisation that will spend a lot of time getting to know your organisation and do a trial prior to the commencement of long term contracts.
Telesales always works better if it's integrted into with other marketing activity, follow up email or direct mail and you'll get better results.
I've been involved in telemarketing as well as other forms of direct marketing for years and now have a company that offers these services. Drop me an email and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions or discuss anything.
Hope it goes well.
Phil
If you're outsourcing, then ensure you spend time finding the right organisation, don't just go for the cheapest but at the same time expensive doesn't always mean good quality. Find an organisation that will spend a lot of time getting to know your organisation and do a trial prior to the commencement of long term contracts.
Telesales always works better if it's integrted into with other marketing activity, follow up email or direct mail and you'll get better results.
I've been involved in telemarketing as well as other forms of direct marketing for years and now have a company that offers these services. Drop me an email and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions or discuss anything.
Hope it goes well.
Phil
laserblues2 said:
What have your experiences been??
What problems have you encountered??
Who did you use??
Any other comments??
I found a poor quality web site today, called the owner, and in 1 minute 51 seconds flat introduced myself, offered my services, and booked a meeting (a meeting the client has no hope of escaping from without a lighter wallet
) 
There was a need for our services which made it easy. Target your audience if its at all possible in your line of work. Telesmells is often a case of spending 95% of your time barking up the wrong tree.
There's no doubt that telemarketing can be effective, but only if:
1) The people making the calls are highly trained and able to answer detailed questions about the product or service they are offering
2) The database is very well researched. You must be absolutely certain that the calls are going directly to the decision maker, otherwise it all becomes an expensive waste of time
3) You use it as a tactic within a wider strategic campaign. Marketing communication is only really effective if it operates on a number of different levels.
All in my own humble experience...
1) The people making the calls are highly trained and able to answer detailed questions about the product or service they are offering
2) The database is very well researched. You must be absolutely certain that the calls are going directly to the decision maker, otherwise it all becomes an expensive waste of time
3) You use it as a tactic within a wider strategic campaign. Marketing communication is only really effective if it operates on a number of different levels.
All in my own humble experience...
I've heard good reports about these people, though I've never used them:
www.greatgunsmarketing.co.uk/
www.greatgunsmarketing.co.uk/
If calls are being made in house, read on: There are still a large number of BT based businesses (and homes) who are not aware that for nearly a year now, BT have been offering free calls within the UK, all day, every day. Get option 3 if you are with BT, and dont yet have it 
26 quid a month for free unlimited 
26 quid a month for free unlimited 
Is anyone offering 100% free calls for business, for a fixed fee?Gassing Station | Business | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff