Check Up On Yourself

November 21, 2010|Mary Jane Copps
Tweet
Share
Share

This past week I had the pleasure of spending time with two focused, energetic entrepreneurs. I felt rejuvenated simply because of our brief conversations and know they each have success ahead of them.

Both conversations were initiated by the individual entrepreneur – they each called me to see if I had time to discuss their telephone presence – which serves as the inspiration for this week’s blog.

In sharing with them some of the nuances and subtleties that create powerful telephone conversations, and in one case designing and role playing a cold call script, I was reminded of how vital it is that each of us remain attentive to our “phonework”.

By crafting, practicing and timing a new pitch – the process of writing, talking and editing – we really refined the message. We created a flow of words that was ear-catching, something that would grab the attention of a potential client for that vital 30 seconds. And once we were happy with the message, we recorded it and listened carefully to the delivery – identifying where to slow down, which words to emphasize, when to inject more energy. It was a creative process that resulted in an enticing cold call script.

The openness and willingness these entrepreneurs brought to learning, their ability to be creative and to practice and to change, is a lesson for everybody. It isn’t only when you are starting out that you need to refine what you are saying on the phone. In fact, it may even be more vital if you’ve been on the phone for years. Chances are you’ve developed a few bad habits that are cluttering up your message, that your language lacks clarity and luster.

I encourage you to take the time to really listen to yourself on the phone. Set aside the embarrassment factor and have a sales conversation with your voicemail, listen to the recording. How do you sound? Is your message about your product or service clear and concise? Have you infused your words with enthusiasm?

Better yet, spend some time with a business associate or friend discussing your phonework. Listen to and incorporate their feedback on your message and delivery. Learn, create, change. It will transform your work and increase your success.

Tweet
Share
Share

Leave a comment

When you subscribe to my weekly blog, you'll immediately receive a chapter of The Phone Book - Essential Telephone Communication Skills.

NEW

Topics

Tags

answering the phone art of conversation asking questions b2b phone communication b2b phone sales b2b sales business processes business relationships client communication cold calling conversation skills customer excellence customer experience customer loyalty customer relationship management customer retention customer service customer support difficult communication difficult conversations email communication entrepreneurs etiquette follow up inspire conversation leaving messages listening skills phone customer service phone etiquette phone fear phone phobia phone sales phone sales techniques phone sales training prospecting sales calls sales process sales skills sales strategy sales success sales training selling by phone small business storyfinding voicemail

What's The Phone Lady doing?

  • One-on-one coaching with 6 amazing entrepreneurs - info about sales coaching here
  • Designing a sales campaign - that includes phone conversations - for a waste management consulting firm
  • Creating client communication module for college students
  • Delivering remote learning on essential business communication skills for job search
  • Remote learning experience on sales and customer service skills for vet equipment company
  • Remote learning experience for financial advisors
  • In-person learning experience with new business owners on creating a sales process
  • Remote learning experience on essential skills to reach and inspire conversations with C-suite executives
  • Team coaching for a firm representing natural products for arthritis in dogs
  • Remote learning experience on sales and customer service skills for a transportation company
  • Remote learning experience on both discovery and sales calls for new startups

Do you or your team want to improve your communication skills? Do you have a communication question or challenge you'd like to discuss? This quick-to-fill-out form is easy to use and you'll hear from Mary Jane very soon.