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Interested in getting in to see important prospects but just don't know how? Most intelligent, driven professionals and consultants struggle with this aspect of what their jobs require. No one likes to face rejection. Very few like to pick up the phone and make a cold call. In order to build your network you need to pick up the phone, whether warm or cold.

 Tips for getting in the door: 

1. Make 15-20 calls per day (as a start):

 If you don't pick up the phone, you won't get the appointment. Forget about your fear of rejection, making mistakes or forgetting to say something in particular. Just pick up the phone and start practising. Stick

2. Ask interesting questions:

 Once you get someone live to talk with, ask the right (simple) questions to keep them interested. Do not sell what you do, sell the first appointment. Learn about them and their business and relate it to what you do. 

3. Stay in touch:

 Sometimes it takes many tries before you get the appointment. You may leave a prospect 4 or 5 voice messages over a month or several months before they see you. Build rapport. Look at the process of cold calling as a longer term investment. You WILL succeed. Getting in the door is the hardest part of making sales. A great business plan or idea will remain as such so long as you do nothing with it. Getting your selling skills up to par for your business to grow and develop into what you envision.  If you are selling for a large corporation, stay focused on the numbers and track your results. Consistent, persistent effort will go a long way.