Article Check
#1 in Business Subscribe Email Print

You are here: Home > Business > Sales Teleselling > Telesales

Tags

  • advantageous
  • known
  • important dates
  • additional element
  • architects project

  • Links

  • Get Out of Pain With Chiropractic
  • New or Used Cars?
  • Benefits of Creating User Documents In-House
  • Article Check - Telesales

    Building a Better Client Base: Five Easy Steps
    So, it is that time. You are a working designer who has built a solid portfolio. You are as experienced generating concepts as you are comfortable sending them to print. You have carefully weighed your options and are finally ready to begin working for yourself. Congratulations! Now what do you do?Assuming you are equipped to handle the administrative functions of trekking out on your own (which is another article in itself), the next step is to begin building a client base. However, if you want to be successful in this highly competitive profession, you must not only build a client base, but you must build a solid client base. To help you on your way, I have complied five tips for building and improving your client base that I have found useful in my own work: Form Partnerships with Other Vendors.When I was first getting started, my company was able to secure a contract with four major print centers which referred all of their clients who needed graphic design and typesetting work to us. In turn, we would complete the project and send the job back to the center to be printed. Not only did this provide us with a steady workflow, but we also established valuable relationships with new clients who would trust us with work in the future.I highly recommend forming relationships with other vendors. Print shops often need designers who can provide them wit
    s, and Estimators.

    Managers

    Managers find this type of software extremely useful. It allows them to see exactly what calls have been made, to whom and by whom. Good project-tracking software will also allow a Manager to key in a salesperson’s name and find out how their call rate compares to others, what effect the calls are having upon overall sales, and any of a wide permutation of factors which allows him or her to be fully informed.

    Co-ordinating projects

    Project Co-ordinators and Managers will normally utilise specially designed computer software programmes in order to keep accurate records. These records would cover progress made, who has been contacted and by whom, the names of key figures who make decisions, etc. The sales basics are the same, but the use of the computer and software programme adds an additional element. The project co-ordinator will have the PC available, entering in important dates and information on a daily basis. Software for project tracking will also allow entry of other information such as what was discussed, important dates, personal views, and when the next telephone call should be. It would also allow cross-reference to other projects. On an appropriate day in the future, the computer will notify the Project Co-ordinator that a return telephone call is due. Utilising such a system it should be possible to keep track of a very large number of different projects. The software does the work, but the scheduled telephone work still has to be done, and all new information has to be entered into the system.

    Many companies also use this system as an aid to follow up literature on spe

    Why People Don't Make A Living Doing What They Love
    You've seen it before: people who make a hullabaloo about following their dreams and then end up broke, busted and disgusted. If this has made you put your own dreams on hold, here are 5 reasons why most people fail and how to avoid making those same mistakes as you strive to make a living doing what you love.1.They don't carve out their own niche- Many aspiring singers fail for instance, because they're too busy trying to become the next Kelly Clarkson, James Brown or Michael Jackson. Same thing goes for wannabe models, writers and business people. Does the world really need what it already has? Stop trying to clone somebody else, learn from successful people by all means but project your uniqueness too. On a sheet of paper list your talents, hobbies, life experiences, educational background and practical skills. Can you infuse your culture into your work? For instance American author, Amy Tan, has made a fortune writing stories about the trials and triumphs of Chinese immigrants. If she'd tried to become the next Joan Collins she would have failed to convince her audience. Think, ‘how can my life experiences, education and practical skills contribute toward creating my desired lifestyle?' Thoughtfully write down the answers to these questions. If you require further insight, get some feedback from family and friends. Work with what you've got- it's more than enough.2. They don't perfect
    HEADSETS & TELEPHONES

    The equipment your personnel use is important. Don’t let others tell you any different. Like the Sales Representative who looks forward to his or her new car every two years, so the telesales person deserves to enjoy good equipment. Good, practical equipment does make a difference. The Sales representative drives the car every day; it’s a tool of the profession. The staff work area, tools and equipment, like the Sales Rep’s car, say something about them and the way in which they do their job.

    Comfort and professionalism

    As the major tool of this trade is the telephone, it is important to give serious thought to comfort, ease of use, practicality and of course, cost. Let us look at some available options to help you become more comfortable, more professional, and more under control.

    Headsets

    Headsets (A telephone mouthpiece and earpiece which clip over the head) are available in a range of styles and prices. The price depends upon the degree of sophistication and the quality of the headset. At the time of writing, headsets range in price from thirty pounds up to two-hundred-and-fifty pounds.

    Some advantages of using a headset are:

    • Hands are free to write, use a keyboard, or turn pages.

    • Individuals may feel they can have a more natural conversation.

    • The headset often helps personnel to cope with a noisy environment.

    • The possibility of Repetitive Strain Injury is reduced.

    • Headsets often look and feel more ‘professional’. This could improve performance of personnel.

    Quick release

    Some headsets have a ‘quick release’ facility, enabling them to be disconnected from the telephone line in order to leave the desk, simply plugging back in again when reseating. This is advantageous if your personnel need to move around a lot within the work area. Modern headsets are lightweight, easy to wear, and remarkably efficient.

    Comfort

    A headset may not be appropriate for the casual telephone user, and there are those who ‘just feel right’ holding the telephone receiver when making a call. However, a headset may be ideal for your personnel. Telecommunications companies have a range of headsets that are available to purchase over-the-counter or to order. BT has an excellent range in their own shops. If those you order turn out to be inappropriate, you can simply return them, or change for an alternative style or model.

    Telephones

    Many modern telephones are equipped with an extra socket for a headset. These allow the headset and handset to be used simultaneously, as a training aid. You can monitor the staff member’s handling of the telephone call. If the telephone has a ‘secrecy’ button, you can also give on-line coaching. (See below).

    Handset adapters

    Some telephone handsets will allow an adapter to be clipped on, which allows the handset to be held comfortably between the shoulder and neck. These are a good alternative to headsets, but may give insufficient freedom of movement.

    Features to look for

    I would suggest that you consider one or more of these features when deciding upon a telephone for telesales use:

    • Clearly visible and easy-to-press buttons. Numbers can be tapped out easily and clearly – why waste valuable time?

    • Last number redial facility. This is a very useful function for those customers who are engaged or who want to be called back in a few minutes. If someone forgets to check something - just press the button and he or she is back in touch.

    • Headset socket. As detailed above, there are many advantages to a headset.

    • Lightweight handset. Heavy handsets may become uncomfortable with prolonged use

    • Hands-free facility. If the telephone user does not have a headset, a hands-free facility on the telephone will make some tasks easier, particularly if it is necessary to shuffle papers or write a lot.

    Some other useful features

    • A volume control. Some people speak very quietly. Asking the person at the other end of the telephone to ‘speak up’ is not always appropriate. With a volume control this difficulty can be surmounted.

    • Dialler display. This shows the number being called.

    • A longer, flexible lead between handset and main unit. Short and rigid handset leads are inhibitive to easy movement.

    • A ‘secrecy’ button. It may be necessary to check something with a colleague, and a secrecy button means this can be done without the person at the other end of the line overhearing. It also means that as a manager, you can give coaching whilst your staff are actually on the telephone.

    All of these features may not be required for good telephone work. Different equipment suits different people. It is as well to be aware of the many options available, however.

    Try these tips

    • Observe your department when it’s busy. Do any personnel appear uncomfortable with the telephones you have? Try to see why.

    • Purchase a headset for your department. Let different members of staff use it. See what they think of it. Do they find it comfortable? Does it increase their activity?

    • Buy a telephone with the above features. Let some of your personnel try it out. Use it yourself. Does it make a difference to the way you work?

    • If headsets prove popular with your staff, would it be attractive to offer them as incentives for high achievers?

    PROJECT TRACKING SOFTWARE AND COMPUTERS

    Some areas of the telesales industry require repeated contact to a wide base of people in order to bring about a sale. In these fields, it is vital to be able to keep track of large quantities of information and the numerous telephone calls made. This is where project-tracking software applies.

    Using project-tracking software

    Project tracking software is often found within the Construction Industry, where major building projects can involve ten to twenty different companies and hundreds of people. Records of names, dates, and progress have to be kept as it becomes vital to know who is involved in the project, who needs to be spoken to, and what their telephone, ‘fax, mobile, and email details are. Keeping to strict deadlines with calls is vital using such a system. There may be only one day in a month when you will be able to speak to key people, and these important calls cannot be missed. Such telephone sales activity is known as ‘Project Tracking’, or ‘Project Co-ordination’ and requires extensive telephone work to a wide range of people. These include Architects, Project Engineers, Designers, Planners, Surveyors, and Estimators.

    Managers

    Managers find this type of software extremely useful. It allows them to see exactly what calls have been made, to whom and by whom. Good project-tracking software will also allow a Manager to key in a salesperson’s name and find out how their call rate compares to others, what effect the calls are having upon overall sales, and any of a wide permutation of factors which allows him or her to be fully informed.

    Co-ordinating projects

    Project Co-ordinators and Managers will normally utilise specially designed computer software programmes in order to keep accurate records. These records would cover progress made, who has been contacted and by whom, the names of key figures who make decisions, etc. The sales basics are the same, but the use of the computer and software programme adds an additional element. The project co-ordinator will have the PC available, entering in important dates and information on a daily basis. Software for project tracking will also allow entry of other information such as what was discussed, important dates, personal views, and when the next telephone call should be. It would also allow cross-reference to other projects. On an appropriate day in the future, the computer will notify the Project Co-ordinator that a return telephone call is due. Utilising such a system it should be possible to keep track of a very large number of different projects. The software does the work, but the scheduled telephone work still has to be done, and all new information has to be entered into the system.

    Many companies also use this system as an aid to follow up literature on spe

    Global Reactions to Our Approach
    It was a noble effort, even if I was naive. Last week I returned from a thirty-day trip to Germany, China, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. In each country, I led Skilled Facilitator workshops. Some of you reading this participated in these workshops.For years, my clients have asked, "What do people outside the United States think about The Skilled Facilitator approach? Can it work in Europe and Asia, especially given the emphasis on saving face? How?" I set out on my trip, naively thinking that I could come back with ready answers. I have begun to form some answers; but mostly, I have developed more questions. If I have learned anything on the trip, it's that the issue of using the Skilled Facilitator approach in different cultures is a complex one. Mastering this topic in a one-month trip is about as realistic as expecting to master the approach itself in one month.In this column, I'll share some of the things that my clients shared with me and that made an impression on me. In future columns, I'll share some of the implications for using the Skilled Facilitator approach in different cultures.First, people in every country I visited have been using the Skilled Facilitator approach to guide their work. This may not be a surprise to you, but it was to me. There is a dedicated group of people in each country who are using the approach to inform their work, as facilitato
    hem to be disconnected from the telephone line in order to leave the desk, simply plugging back in again when reseating. This is advantageous if your personnel need to move around a lot within the work area. Modern headsets are lightweight, easy to wear, and remarkably efficient.

    Comfort

    A headset may not be appropriate for the casual telephone user, and there are those who ‘just feel right’ holding the telephone receiver when making a call. However, a headset may be ideal for your personnel. Telecommunications companies have a range of headsets that are available to purchase over-the-counter or to order. BT has an excellent range in their own shops. If those you order turn out to be inappropriate, you can simply return them, or change for an alternative style or model.

    Telephones

    Many modern telephones are equipped with an extra socket for a headset. These allow the headset and handset to be used simultaneously, as a training aid. You can monitor the staff member’s handling of the telephone call. If the telephone has a ‘secrecy’ button, you can also give on-line coaching. (See below).

    Handset adapters

    Some telephone handsets will allow an adapter to be clipped on, which allows the handset to be held comfortably between the shoulder and neck. These are a good alternative to headsets, but may give insufficient freedom of movement.

    Features to look for

    I would suggest that you consider one or more of these features when deciding upon a telephone for telesales use:

    • Clearly visible and easy-to-press buttons. Numbers can be tapped out easily and clearly – why waste valuable time?

    • Last number redial facility. This is a very useful function for those customers who are engaged or who want to be called back in a few minutes. If someone forgets to check something - just press the button and he or she is back in touch.

    • Headset socket. As detailed above, there are many advantages to a headset.

    • Lightweight handset. Heavy handsets may become uncomfortable with prolonged use

    • Hands-free facility. If the telephone user does not have a headset, a hands-free facility on the telephone will make some tasks easier, particularly if it is necessary to shuffle papers or write a lot.

    Some other useful features

    • A volume control. Some people speak very quietly. Asking the person at the other end of the telephone to ‘speak up’ is not always appropriate. With a volume control this difficulty can be surmounted.

    • Dialler display. This shows the number being called.

    • A longer, flexible lead between handset and main unit. Short and rigid handset leads are inhibitive to easy movement.

    • A ‘secrecy’ button. It may be necessary to check something with a colleague, and a secrecy button means this can be done without the person at the other end of the line overhearing. It also means that as a manager, you can give coaching whilst your staff are actually on the telephone.

    All of these features may not be required for good telephone work. Different equipment suits different people. It is as well to be aware of the many options available, however.

    Try these tips

    • Observe your department when it’s busy. Do any personnel appear uncomfortable with the telephones you have? Try to see why.

    • Purchase a headset for your department. Let different members of staff use it. See what they think of it. Do they find it comfortable? Does it increase their activity?

    • Buy a telephone with the above features. Let some of your personnel try it out. Use it yourself. Does it make a difference to the way you work?

    • If headsets prove popular with your staff, would it be attractive to offer them as incentives for high achievers?

    PROJECT TRACKING SOFTWARE AND COMPUTERS

    Some areas of the telesales industry require repeated contact to a wide base of people in order to bring about a sale. In these fields, it is vital to be able to keep track of large quantities of information and the numerous telephone calls made. This is where project-tracking software applies.

    Using project-tracking software

    Project tracking software is often found within the Construction Industry, where major building projects can involve ten to twenty different companies and hundreds of people. Records of names, dates, and progress have to be kept as it becomes vital to know who is involved in the project, who needs to be spoken to, and what their telephone, ‘fax, mobile, and email details are. Keeping to strict deadlines with calls is vital using such a system. There may be only one day in a month when you will be able to speak to key people, and these important calls cannot be missed. Such telephone sales activity is known as ‘Project Tracking’, or ‘Project Co-ordination’ and requires extensive telephone work to a wide range of people. These include Architects, Project Engineers, Designers, Planners, Surveyors, and Estimators.

    Managers

    Managers find this type of software extremely useful. It allows them to see exactly what calls have been made, to whom and by whom. Good project-tracking software will also allow a Manager to key in a salesperson’s name and find out how their call rate compares to others, what effect the calls are having upon overall sales, and any of a wide permutation of factors which allows him or her to be fully informed.

    Co-ordinating projects

    Project Co-ordinators and Managers will normally utilise specially designed computer software programmes in order to keep accurate records. These records would cover progress made, who has been contacted and by whom, the names of key figures who make decisions, etc. The sales basics are the same, but the use of the computer and software programme adds an additional element. The project co-ordinator will have the PC available, entering in important dates and information on a daily basis. Software for project tracking will also allow entry of other information such as what was discussed, important dates, personal views, and when the next telephone call should be. It would also allow cross-reference to other projects. On an appropriate day in the future, the computer will notify the Project Co-ordinator that a return telephone call is due. Utilising such a system it should be possible to keep track of a very large number of different projects. The software does the work, but the scheduled telephone work still has to be done, and all new information has to be entered into the system.

    Many companies also use this system as an aid to follow up literature on spe

    No Magic, Just Business
    You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.I started this article with a note from Bonnie Hersey because I want to make the point that it isn't magic that makes a network marketing business work. What makes a business work (network marketing or any business) are good foundational business tools. Bonnie calls them "Savvy Sponsoring simple but direct concepts" and she's absolutely correct.So many times people come to me hoping for the "magic words" to get everyone to say "Yes." But the big truth is there are no magic words. There are excellent simple tools that make every working day productive.But if that's true, why do so many people seem to struggle in Network Marketing? Why does network marketing have the less than stellar reputation it has? I think the reason for that is we are often our own worst enemy. Here's why.In everything I do my underlying goal is to get you to move into strong entrepreneurial thinking. But I run into a fair amount of resistance because of the notion that we don't want to be like Corporate America. Somehow the idea that running your home business like a real business translated into "being Corporate America."Beware of this. Be really careful if you're a Corporate America ex-patriot or if you just repeate
    Last number redial facility. This is a very useful function for those customers who are engaged or who want to be called back in a few minutes. If someone forgets to check something - just press the button and he or she is back in touch.

    • Headset socket. As detailed above, there are many advantages to a headset.

    • Lightweight handset. Heavy handsets may become uncomfortable with prolonged use

    • Hands-free facility. If the telephone user does not have a headset, a hands-free facility on the telephone will make some tasks easier, particularly if it is necessary to shuffle papers or write a lot.

    Some other useful features

    • A volume control. Some people speak very quietly. Asking the person at the other end of the telephone to ‘speak up’ is not always appropriate. With a volume control this difficulty can be surmounted.

    • Dialler display. This shows the number being called.

    • A longer, flexible lead between handset and main unit. Short and rigid handset leads are inhibitive to easy movement.

    • A ‘secrecy’ button. It may be necessary to check something with a colleague, and a secrecy button means this can be done without the person at the other end of the line overhearing. It also means that as a manager, you can give coaching whilst your staff are actually on the telephone.

    All of these features may not be required for good telephone work. Different equipment suits different people. It is as well to be aware of the many options available, however.

    Try these tips

    • Observe your department when it’s busy. Do any personnel appear uncomfortable with the telephones you have? Try to see why.

    • Purchase a headset for your department. Let different members of staff use it. See what they think of it. Do they find it comfortable? Does it increase their activity?

    • Buy a telephone with the above features. Let some of your personnel try it out. Use it yourself. Does it make a difference to the way you work?

    • If headsets prove popular with your staff, would it be attractive to offer them as incentives for high achievers?

    PROJECT TRACKING SOFTWARE AND COMPUTERS

    Some areas of the telesales industry require repeated contact to a wide base of people in order to bring about a sale. In these fields, it is vital to be able to keep track of large quantities of information and the numerous telephone calls made. This is where project-tracking software applies.

    Using project-tracking software

    Project tracking software is often found within the Construction Industry, where major building projects can involve ten to twenty different companies and hundreds of people. Records of names, dates, and progress have to be kept as it becomes vital to know who is involved in the project, who needs to be spoken to, and what their telephone, ‘fax, mobile, and email details are. Keeping to strict deadlines with calls is vital using such a system. There may be only one day in a month when you will be able to speak to key people, and these important calls cannot be missed. Such telephone sales activity is known as ‘Project Tracking’, or ‘Project Co-ordination’ and requires extensive telephone work to a wide range of people. These include Architects, Project Engineers, Designers, Planners, Surveyors, and Estimators.

    Managers

    Managers find this type of software extremely useful. It allows them to see exactly what calls have been made, to whom and by whom. Good project-tracking software will also allow a Manager to key in a salesperson’s name and find out how their call rate compares to others, what effect the calls are having upon overall sales, and any of a wide permutation of factors which allows him or her to be fully informed.

    Co-ordinating projects

    Project Co-ordinators and Managers will normally utilise specially designed computer software programmes in order to keep accurate records. These records would cover progress made, who has been contacted and by whom, the names of key figures who make decisions, etc. The sales basics are the same, but the use of the computer and software programme adds an additional element. The project co-ordinator will have the PC available, entering in important dates and information on a daily basis. Software for project tracking will also allow entry of other information such as what was discussed, important dates, personal views, and when the next telephone call should be. It would also allow cross-reference to other projects. On an appropriate day in the future, the computer will notify the Project Co-ordinator that a return telephone call is due. Utilising such a system it should be possible to keep track of a very large number of different projects. The software does the work, but the scheduled telephone work still has to be done, and all new information has to be entered into the system.

    Many companies also use this system as an aid to follow up literature on spe

    Common Measurement Problems in Organisations
    Most organisations have problems with their performance measurement systems. Some of the more common ones are discussed below.Measures are Disconnected from Stakeholder Needs: Measures that organisations focus on sometimes have little bearing on the needs of their important stakeholders - shareholders, customers and employees. As an example of such a disconnection, consider the business school which measures itself by the accomplishments of its faculty, size of its facilities etc, rather than the measure that should count, namely the post graduation success of its students. Or take the manufacturer of alcoholic beverages that has measures of product quality based on esoteric factors that are not derived from consumer feedback.Measures Do Not Support Major Business Goals: Sometimes measures are created without any associated goals or performance standards. Such measures are just data collection exercises which have no contribution to the achievement of business objectives as they are not actionable.Measures Drive the Wrong Performance: In a surprisingly large number of instances, measures and indicators selected by management not only to not support the goals of the organisation, but actually lead to performance that opposes those goals. For instance consider a situation in a production environment whe
    Try to see why.

    • Purchase a headset for your department. Let different members of staff use it. See what they think of it. Do they find it comfortable? Does it increase their activity?

    • Buy a telephone with the above features. Let some of your personnel try it out. Use it yourself. Does it make a difference to the way you work?

    • If headsets prove popular with your staff, would it be attractive to offer them as incentives for high achievers?

    PROJECT TRACKING SOFTWARE AND COMPUTERS

    Some areas of the telesales industry require repeated contact to a wide base of people in order to bring about a sale. In these fields, it is vital to be able to keep track of large quantities of information and the numerous telephone calls made. This is where project-tracking software applies.

    Using project-tracking software

    Project tracking software is often found within the Construction Industry, where major building projects can involve ten to twenty different companies and hundreds of people. Records of names, dates, and progress have to be kept as it becomes vital to know who is involved in the project, who needs to be spoken to, and what their telephone, ‘fax, mobile, and email details are. Keeping to strict deadlines with calls is vital using such a system. There may be only one day in a month when you will be able to speak to key people, and these important calls cannot be missed. Such telephone sales activity is known as ‘Project Tracking’, or ‘Project Co-ordination’ and requires extensive telephone work to a wide range of people. These include Architects, Project Engineers, Designers, Planners, Surveyors, and Estimators.

    Managers

    Managers find this type of software extremely useful. It allows them to see exactly what calls have been made, to whom and by whom. Good project-tracking software will also allow a Manager to key in a salesperson’s name and find out how their call rate compares to others, what effect the calls are having upon overall sales, and any of a wide permutation of factors which allows him or her to be fully informed.

    Co-ordinating projects

    Project Co-ordinators and Managers will normally utilise specially designed computer software programmes in order to keep accurate records. These records would cover progress made, who has been contacted and by whom, the names of key figures who make decisions, etc. The sales basics are the same, but the use of the computer and software programme adds an additional element. The project co-ordinator will have the PC available, entering in important dates and information on a daily basis. Software for project tracking will also allow entry of other information such as what was discussed, important dates, personal views, and when the next telephone call should be. It would also allow cross-reference to other projects. On an appropriate day in the future, the computer will notify the Project Co-ordinator that a return telephone call is due. Utilising such a system it should be possible to keep track of a very large number of different projects. The software does the work, but the scheduled telephone work still has to be done, and all new information has to be entered into the system.

    Many companies also use this system as an aid to follow up literature on spe

    Management Advice: The Third Option
    The three main option come from the stock market. The stock market is a place where you have to think fast and a mistake can cost fortunes. Analysts feed the stock market with advices about individual titles. Any such an advice comes with a main action, this is either to Sell, to Buy or to hold. There are nuances between them and some analysts use a different terminology (this stock will outperform the market…) but BUY, HOLD and SELL are the main choices.The stock market is a very transparent market where an individual action is easily traced and benchmarked. This is completely unlike organization “markets,” where the initiation of a project, the purchase of a products or a new business development can not really be compared with another scenario.Yet the choices for the advisor are the same: BUY, HOLD or SELL.What also is the same is that most management consultants and advisors on one hand and market analysts on the other all share one feature: they are unbalanced in their overall advices; in the aggregation of financial market advices, BUY outweighs HOLD and SELL. Banks are reluctant to give a sell advice. For many obvious reasons.In the same line of reasoning, the BUY recommendations of the consultant will outnumber the SELL or at least the HOLD advice; there is no gain for the consultant, even if the best option for an organization is to keep the status quo.The s
    s, and Estimators.

    Managers

    Managers find this type of software extremely useful. It allows them to see exactly what calls have been made, to whom and by whom. Good project-tracking software will also allow a Manager to key in a salesperson’s name and find out how their call rate compares to others, what effect the calls are having upon overall sales, and any of a wide permutation of factors which allows him or her to be fully informed.

    Co-ordinating projects

    Project Co-ordinators and Managers will normally utilise specially designed computer software programmes in order to keep accurate records. These records would cover progress made, who has been contacted and by whom, the names of key figures who make decisions, etc. The sales basics are the same, but the use of the computer and software programme adds an additional element. The project co-ordinator will have the PC available, entering in important dates and information on a daily basis. Software for project tracking will also allow entry of other information such as what was discussed, important dates, personal views, and when the next telephone call should be. It would also allow cross-reference to other projects. On an appropriate day in the future, the computer will notify the Project Co-ordinator that a return telephone call is due. Utilising such a system it should be possible to keep track of a very large number of different projects. The software does the work, but the scheduled telephone work still has to be done, and all new information has to be entered into the system.

    Many companies also use this system as an aid to follow up literature on specific dates, say, eight to ten days after it has been sent. Managers, as detailed above, find it an invaluable tool both for day-to-day management and for use in predicting sales forecasts.

    Advantages of Project tracking systems

    • Ease of tracking many different contacts in a wide base of businesses.

    • One person is able to keep track of, and co-ordinate complex activity.

    • Sales can be monitored and managed by the salesperson and executives.

    • Record keeping is precise and records are available.

    • Vast amounts of information, easily accessible, can be called upon to focus sales activity.

    • Set up and running properly, executives can keep a ‘finger on the pulse’ of a wide range of projects, sales activity and the effectiveness of sales campaigns.

    Disadvantages of Project tracking systems

    • Problems can arise if the information is not entered into the system, or entered in incorrectly.

    • When the system goes down, so does a high percentage of sales activity.

    • Such systems cost money, in capital outlay, in training, and in maintenance.

    OTHER USEFUL TOOLS

    There are many other tools which may help to make telephone sales life more comfortable, more ordered, and more manageable. Whilst some of these may not be relevant to your particular needs, they are all useful tools.

    Residential and Business telephone directories on CD

    Telephone directories are now available on CD to save time and money. If your company utilises Computer systems as sales tools, this simple and versatile extra can be invaluable. With millions of names, addresses and telephone numbers of potential residential and business customers, it is something worth thinking about. Of course, this depends upon the size and scope of your business calling.

    Increasing your comfort with office equipment

    • Use of footrests. Footrests are becoming more and more common in the workplace. They are available in a range of heights, styles and materials. A footrest can make all the difference to the level of personnel comfort and can therefore add to sales activity.

    • Employ proper seating. There is no end of office seating stores. Good seating costs little and can make a tremendous difference to the quality of work. Good seating means that personnel are more comfortable, more relaxed and more in control.

    • Sitting at a desk or work surface of the correct height, with enough room to write with ease can make a difference to the productivity of staff.

    • Acoustic dividers between desks can create a calmer work environment where staff can be more relaxed and feel more able to communicate one-to-one with their clients. They would also allow you to work with staff on a one-to-one basis for training purposes.

    Remember that it’s important to have the right equipment for the job. Good equipment costs money of course, but properly equipped personnel can also carry out a far more effective job.

    HTTP = HTML link (for blogs, profiles,phorums):
    <a href="http://www.caseupon.com/article/39234/caseupon-Telesales.html">Telesales</a>

    BB link (for phorums):
    [url=http://www.caseupon.com/article/39234/caseupon-Telesales.html]Telesales[/url]

    Related Articles:

    Outsource Staffing to Meet Your Increasing Business Needs

    Lean Manufacturing Principle

    The Power of One

    Bookmark it: del.icio.us digg.com reddit.com netvouz.com google.com yahoo.com technorati.com furl.net bloglines.com socialdust.com ma.gnolia.com newsvine.com slashdot.org simpy.com shadows.com blinklist.com