I'm back in the world of calling friends and families to set at home appointments for an insurance company I just started with last week. It's been years since I've had to call family and friends. The problem is, I'm really stressing about picking up the phone and calling them to set appointments. To the point of being fearful and not making the calls. A real concern since getting in front of people is key to making this successful. Any thoughts on moving forward and getting over this fear?
Call Reluctance - Just Plain Fear!
- Thread starter AB21
- Start date
- 596
Take the pressure of yourself and them. The value is in the introductions they give you, not the immediate business (although some will do business with you). I would use a similar tact:
"Bob, I'm recently started in the life insurance business and by far the most difficult part is getting my name out there and letting people know what I do. I have no reason to believe that you have a need for my services and I won't ask you to buy anything unless you specifically bring it up. Under those circumstances, can we grab a cup of coffee for 20 minutes?"
And follow through with your promise. Your goal at the meeting is to get at least five introductions from Bob, not necessarily to get his business unless he brings it up. Get permission to call back in a year to talk to him specifically once you get your feet wet.
If it's low risk for both of you, there shouldn't be any call reluctance. You can focus on selling your family and friends, but then what once your run out. Their introductions are much more valueable than the immediate business.
"Bob, I'm recently started in the life insurance business and by far the most difficult part is getting my name out there and letting people know what I do. I have no reason to believe that you have a need for my services and I won't ask you to buy anything unless you specifically bring it up. Under those circumstances, can we grab a cup of coffee for 20 minutes?"
And follow through with your promise. Your goal at the meeting is to get at least five introductions from Bob, not necessarily to get his business unless he brings it up. Get permission to call back in a year to talk to him specifically once you get your feet wet.
If it's low risk for both of you, there shouldn't be any call reluctance. You can focus on selling your family and friends, but then what once your run out. Their introductions are much more valueable than the immediate business.
- Thread starter
- #3
Delta makes good points. As a new agent, less than a year, I've had some of the same concerns as you.
First, is it really fear? If so what are you afraid of? Second,instead of fear, it may be that you are just uncomfortable. Moving out of one's comfort zone is not always easy, but the more you do something uncomfortable, the easier it becomes to do said task.
If calling strangers, what do you have to fear or be uncomfortable about? They don't know you, they may need your product and if they say no, you will probably never meet anyway.
I don't fear cold calling, I just get discouraged easily, that is what I still deal with. But, I have to keep in mind that one cold call can lead to an appointment like I just got with a 45 life group. That was worth the pain and I just have to remember that at all times.
Good luck!
First, is it really fear? If so what are you afraid of? Second,instead of fear, it may be that you are just uncomfortable. Moving out of one's comfort zone is not always easy, but the more you do something uncomfortable, the easier it becomes to do said task.
If calling strangers, what do you have to fear or be uncomfortable about? They don't know you, they may need your product and if they say no, you will probably never meet anyway.
I don't fear cold calling, I just get discouraged easily, that is what I still deal with. But, I have to keep in mind that one cold call can lead to an appointment like I just got with a 45 life group. That was worth the pain and I just have to remember that at all times.
Good luck!
- 9,744
Fearing the unknown is the human condition, you're just normal.
That being said; as Nike says - Just Do It.
- 255
This is something that I have been looking for. I think your short script will be something I'll be able to use too.
4milliondollaragent
Expert
- 28
Ha....I remember this. Work the immediate sphere of influence...that's where we all started! You need to step outside your comfort zone and do some direct mail. This will have prospects calling you....then its them reaching out, not you reaching out. Direct mail works and its a great way to expand beyond the immediate sphere of influence.
- 7,066
Yes I do have thoughts on the subject.
Don't do it. In my opinion you should be concerned about doing that, very concerned. It is the quickest way to turn those friends and family into former friends and family.
You will be more successful and a whole lot stressed picking up the phone book and calling strangers and telling whoever that you were calling "friends and family" members. Being "told" to do this is just one more reason insurance agents have the kind of reputation we all have in the eyes of the public.
(I'm holding back.)
- 2,908
Cold calling friends and family. Puke.
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