3 Phrases That Ruin A Phone Conversation

One of my favorite phone boo-boo’s is: “Hi, it’s just Joe Salesman, I’m following up on…”

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Here are 3 phrases you should stay away when you call a prospect and/or leave a voice mail:

1. Just.  Whenever we use the word “just,” we are lowering the value of our offer when compared to whatever is occupying their attention at that moment. When I call “Mary” and say, “Mary. It’s just Rina Valan.” I have effectively said that I’m second to whatever she has going on at the moment, and in effect you become minor.

When you call your hostess or prospect, tell them why you are calling. But, take the word “just” out of your initial conversation and your voicemails.

2. I want to.
You’re in essence telling someone what you want is more important than what they want. This sounds like a demand and pretty soon their mindset turns back to their problems and their needs.  So when you call them, don’t talk about what you want, and refrain from saying anything with, “I want to…” in it.

3. Minute of time.
It’s good to make sure that your hostess/prospect can actually speak on the phone at the moment, not running to the emergency room or in the middle of a heated debate with their mate. Here’s the catch:  ask for a moment instead of a minute. A minute has a well-defined length, and they are focused on the length instead of what you are saying.  “Do you have a moment?” you will typically get as much time as you need to get your message across. Try it!

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