The success of a telemarketing campaign is dependent on many factors. The
selling script, the time of the day when calls are generated, the personality of
the TSRs, and the list of potential prospects can all influence the outcome of a
campaign. Make sure you give your campaign enough of a chance to succeed: if the
results are not what you expect in the first week or so, make some changes
instead of canceling the whole campaign.
Often, scripts that direct the TSRs to push for a sale within the first 30
seconds of the conversation tend to result in fruitless calling. Additionally,
prospect lists that are too selective or too inclusive may yield lower results
than expected. Even changing the time or the day when calls are made can alter
the outcome of the campaign. While a successful sales campaign may often be
preceded by failures, your telemarketing firm should be flexible and receptive
to any changes you suggest.
While you should develop your calling script and strategies in conjunction
with the provider, you should definitely make sure that the exact methodology is
spelled out in detail. Make sure specifics you require such as time of day,
number of tries before leaving a message, how to follow up, and any other
requirements are very clear - you may want to include them in your contract.
Training the TSRs is another important step - it is recommended that your
sales management runs or at least participates in the training at their call
center. Take the most important lessons from your own internal sales training
and present them to the TSRs who will be working on your account: the more
ammunition you give them, the better they will do selling your products or
services. Listening in on the first few days of calls can let you quickly
address any omissions or problems.