Today, my client told me she’s scared to pick up the phone to call contacts in case she’s bothering or interrupting them.
But she knows the phone can be a much more productive way to build a strong relationship than sending an email. She wanted to know how she could get past this road block.
This is what I said to her:
- Be clear in your mind about the value you can provide for your contacts. You have something valuable to offer – your expertise. You know more than them about your particular area and can therefore be of service to them.
- Be clear about what you are going to say to them – this will make you feel confident on the call.
- You are as good as them. They aren’t better than you or superior to you. The world is a level playing field – there is no hierarchy apart from the made-up one we carry around in our heads.
- If they don’t want to talk to you, it doesn’t mean anything about you as a person. They’re not rejecting you as a person, they just don’t want to talk to you at that moment.
- Ask them how their work is going, if they’re working on anything new, do they have any challenges around their work? Then ask them, “How can I support you?” with sincerity and without expecting anything back. If they take you up on your offer, they will want to reciprocate somewhere down the line.
Very few business owners call their contacts or people on their list. Yet it’s a hugely productive way to build a great connection.
So what are you waiting for?
Let me know how you get on. I read every email 🙂
Do you want to clear out your roadblocks so you can get on the phone to build strong relationships? I’ve helped lots of my clients to do that and I can help you too. Let’s talk.
Warmly,
Nina x
