Have You Mastered Talking on the Phone?

For most of us, talking on the phone has been a nearly lifelong activity. Ever since we were old enough to sit up our parents put the phone to our ear so we could “talk” to a grandparent or other relative far away.

Yet, for many, the idea of talking on the phone to a potential prospect is enough to elicit sweating and sheer panic. For some it is the most dreaded part of their business. For better or worse, it is also one of the most important parts of a multilevel marketing business.

The phone is the easiest and quickest way to reach a large number of people. The phone also represents asking and, as we all know, if you don’t ask, the answer is no.

So how do you get over phone paranoia? First, you accept the fact that the phone may always cause you some anxiety. Second, you start taking steps to make talking on the phone as effective (and painless) as possible.

Rule number one. Some people are going to tell you no. Don’t take it personally, they don’t mean it personally. After you hear no a few times, it becomes easier to take. On average, you will get 10 no’s to every yes, so just think of no as one step closer to yes!

Rule number two. You can minimize the no’s by using some kind of lead system that only gives you people that have expressed an interest in your business. That doesn’t mean they will all be yeses, but the odds will be better.

Rule number three. Practice, practice, practice. Before you ever dial that first prospect, practice what you are going to say. Call someone that can listen to what you have to say, but is a friendly audience. It might be family member or someone in your upline. You can also record yourself and play it back to see how you sound to others.

Rule number four. The more you talk on the phone, the more comfortable you will be. Your talk will seem less rehearsed and you will sound more natural. It will be easier because you won’t have to think about it too much!

While recruiting on the phone may be new to you, it is an essential part of your business. Mastering the techniques can pay off with big dividends. As you become more proficient, you will be adding more people to your business using this technique.

"Asking is the beginning of receiving. Make sure you don't go to the ocean with a teaspoon. At least take a bucket so the kids won't laugh at you." —Jim Rohn