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Cold calling with skype - going to voicemail ?

by akshay7
33 replies
Hey guys,

I started cold calling using skype. The problem I am facing is that the calls go to voicemail every single time. I have tried about 30 calls by now. I might be dreaming but do people have any automated setup to send skype calls to voicemail instead of answering or something ?

Have you guys faced something like this ? Are these stats normal in cold calling ? Should I switch to getting a dedicated number ? What is your setup ?

P.S I'm asking about international calling.

EDIT : MeTellYou helped me figure it out. Thank you ! It was a problem with the number showing on the caller id. I had to get a US number and add it to skype's caller id option. I made 5 calls since then and 2 picked up. Earlier it was 1 out of 30.
#calling #cold #skype #voicemail
  • Profile picture of the author misterme
    I'm just a lil' business so if you're calling people like me, if I'm answering calls, just a wild guess but, if I see an int'l number I'm letting it go to VM because chances are it's gonna be spam or scam.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ryan Dodson
      This is exactly why it's so effective to DOUBLE TAP!

      As a cold caller myself, I've qualified and opened new accounts for my firm using this effective method.
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      • Profile picture of the author akshay7
        Originally Posted by MSutton View Post

        If cold-calling was dead, then telemarketing would be dead. However, telemarketing is a live and well and the reason for it is because it's still profitable.



        Same thing goes for commercial spam, it still exists because it's still profitable.


        A high enough percentage or people/businesses buy products/services from telemarketing and commercial spam. As long as this is the case and as long as the costs for telemarketing and commercial spam sending do not increase too much, they will always be profitable if you know how to make work it.
        Agreed

        Originally Posted by Ryan Dodson View Post

        This is exactly why it's so effective to DOUBLE TAP!

        As a cold caller myself, I've qualified and opened new accounts for my firm using this effective method.
        I'm not sure what you mean by DOUBLE TAP ?
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        • Profile picture of the author MSutton
          Originally Posted by akshay7 View Post

          I'm not sure what you mean by DOUBLE TAP ?
          Probably means making a second call immediately after the first call goes to VM. That's my guess.
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          • Profile picture of the author akshay7
            Originally Posted by MSutton View Post

            Probably means making a second call immediately after the first call goes to VM. That's my guess.
            Oh, that's a nasty trick. I don't do that yet but who knows what all I'll start doing by the time I close my 100th client.
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  • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
    Originally Posted by akshay7 View Post

    Hey guys,

    I started cold calling using skype. The problem I am facing is that the calls go to voicemail every single time. .
    Most phones today have Caller ID's, if a strange number appears it easier to let it go to VM. If they are in the office and hear you hang up
    or leave a message they can decied the value of the call. In the US spam is a big problem so it is worth screening calls.
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    • Profile picture of the author akshay7
      Originally Posted by misterme View Post

      I'm just a lil' business so if you're calling people like me, if I'm answering calls, just a wild guess but, if I see an int'l number I'm letting it go to VM because chances are it's gonna be spam or scam.
      Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

      Most phones today have Caller ID's, if a strange number appears it easier to let it go to VM. If they are in the office and hear you hang up
      or leave a message they can decied the value of the call. In the US spam is a big problem so it is worth screening calls.
      That's what I was thinking. What do you guys suggest? Should I get a dedicated US number to better the rate (currently is close to 0%). Or, should I resort to cold emails ? Does leaving a voice message ever work for a cold call ?

      As business owners, what do you guys prefer ?
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  • Profile picture of the author brentlantzy
    I don't think the actual phone number is necessarily a major hurdle. Spam comes from US numbers also. Essentially the key is to make someone want to talk to you by offering real value to a decision maker.

    Yes, voice messages definitely work. Just be sure to use strong value statements. I've done a lot of cold calling, and even if they don't call you back after leaving a VM, often they will actually hear the message and this can be a great way of making multiple impressions (send an email after or just call back in a couple of days).

    Cold emails are much worse than leaving a VM because they are just so easy to ignore, and many people receive hundreds of emails per day. Not saying it can't work, but I think effective cold calling gives you a much better chance.
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    • Profile picture of the author akshay7
      Originally Posted by brentlantzy View Post

      I don't think the actual phone number is necessarily a major hurdle. Spam comes from US numbers also. Essentially the key is to make someone want to talk to you by offering real value to a decision maker.

      Yes, voice messages definitely work. Just be sure to use strong value statements. I've done a lot of cold calling, and even if they don't call you back after leaving a VM, often they will actually hear the message and this can be a great way of making multiple impressions (send an email after or just call back in a couple of days).

      Cold emails are much worse than leaving a VM because they are just so easy to ignore, and many people receive hundreds of emails per day. Not saying it can't work, but I think effective cold calling gives you a much better chance.
      Thank you very much for the insights. I have been calling, and when they don't pick up, I hangup and send an email. I will start leaving a voice message too. That should improve the number of responses I get on my emails.
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Originally Posted by akshay7 View Post

    Hey guys,

    I started cold calling using skype. The problem I am facing is that the calls go to voicemail every single time. I have tried about 30 calls by now. I might be dreaming but do people have any automated setup to send skype calls to voicemail instead of answering or something ?

    Have you guys faced something like this ? Are these stats normal in cold calling ? Should I switch to getting a dedicated number ? What is your setup ?

    P.S I'm asking about international calling.
    I international cold call all the time, and can say I have never had this issue. ( but I don't use skype ) I think I can almost say that my percentage of an answer is GREATER when doing this vs cold calling in the States.

    A stupid question, but I have to ask... are you taking into consideration the time difference when you are calling?
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    • Profile picture of the author akshay7
      Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

      I international cold call all the time, and can say I have never had this issue. ( but I don't use skype ) I think I can almost say that my percentage of an answer is GREATER when doing this vs cold calling in the States.

      A stupid question, but I have to ask... are you taking into consideration the time difference when you are calling?
      I haven't tried calling anywhere other than U.S. yet but the one call I made was well received. I think it is the difference in markets. Maybe, I should shift focus.

      I would feel very stupid if I had to say no to your question. Even then, I wouldn't tell here, would I ?
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by akshay7 View Post

        I haven't tried calling anywhere other than U.S. yet but the one call I made was well received. I think it is the difference in markets. Maybe, I should shift focus.

        I would feel very stupid if I had to so no to your question. Even then, I wouldn't tell here, would I ?
        Keep in mind I am in the States and call out, and you are outside calling in. Just saying.. But I prefer to call outside the States LOL
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        • Profile picture of the author akshay7
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          Keep in mind I am in the States and call out, and you are outside calling in. Just saying.. But I prefer to call outside the States LOL
          I think the people in U.S. get a lot of these calls and they have learnt to ignore them.
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          • Profile picture of the author MeTellYou
            I've been cold calling using skype for a while. works well. give me a ring. it's easier to explain this over a phone call then a forum post.

            Originally Posted by akshay7 View Post

            I think the people in U.S. get a lot of these calls and they have learnt to ignore them.
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            • Profile picture of the author akshay7
              Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

              I wouldn't waste time disecting this in fairness, since it's quite clear.

              You can't and won't get through to people, because you are taking liberties (like others) as a someone who's a stranger using a platform which is otherwise quite personal and considered private. Getting a reply is one thing, scoring actual business is the next.

              Instead of the 'cold' anything, bring in some heat and some decent money by leads which are sourced intelligently, considering 'Reactive marketing strategies'.
              I would like to believe this but then there are so many other people who claim otherwise.

              But, you are right, the only clients that I have made till now have been where I had the heat on my side.

              Originally Posted by MeTellYou View Post

              I've been cold calling using skype for a while. works well. give me a ring. it's easier to explain this over a phone call then a forum post.
              Will give you a call today. Thank you for helping out.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
    I wouldn't waste time disecting this in fairness, since it's quite clear.

    You can't and won't get through to people, because you are taking liberties (like others) as a someone who's a stranger using a platform which is otherwise quite personal and considered private. Getting a reply is one thing, scoring actual business is the next.

    Instead of the 'cold' anything, bring in some heat and some decent money by leads which are sourced intelligently, considering 'Reactive marketing strategies'.
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  • Profile picture of the author MSutton
    If cold-calling was dead, then telemarketing would be dead. However, telemarketing is a live and well and the reason for it is because it's still profitable.



    Same thing goes for commercial spam, it still exists because it's still profitable.


    A high enough percentage or people/businesses buy products/services from telemarketing and commercial spam. As long as this is the case and as long as the costs for telemarketing and commercial spam sending do not increase too much, they will always be profitable if you know how to make work it.
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    I almost let every number that I don't recognize goto VM. I personally don't have time for cold calls or telemarketers. I have a feeling many are in the same boat.
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    • Profile picture of the author akshay7
      Originally Posted by ChrisBa View Post

      I almost let every number that I don't recognize goto VM. I personally don't have time for cold calls or telemarketers. I have a feeling many are in the same boat.
      I'm sure. However, 1 out of 3 calls picked is good enough if you are doing good prospecting as a cold called.

      I have had clients who were grateful to me for finding them. Some cold calls prove to be useful, you might want to start picking up
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      • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
        Originally Posted by akshay7 View Post

        However, 1 out of 3 calls picked is good enough if you are doing good prospecting as a cold called.

        Sure is good, but it's not going to happen unfortunately.
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  • Profile picture of the author MSutton
    Realize I'm just guessing. I don't really know what "double tapping" is in the telemarketing world. I know that in the firearms world it means shooting at a target 2 times consecutively (in close succession) using the same sight picture of the target.
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    • Profile picture of the author akshay7
      Originally Posted by MSutton View Post

      Realize I'm just guessing. I don't really know what "double tapping" is in the telemarketing world. I know that in the firearms world it means shooting at a target 2 times consecutively (in close succession) using the same sight picture of the target.
      The thread is regarding cold calling, not telemarketing. Easy to confuse them but -

      The biggest difference between cold calling and telemarketing is that cold calling seeks to build a relationship. Your goal isn't to get a credit card number during the call. Instead, you're looking to set up a meeting, a consultation, a follow-up email, etc.
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      • Profile picture of the author MSutton
        Originally Posted by akshay7 View Post

        The thread is regarding cold calling, not telemarketing. Easy to confuse them but -
        I understand, but in reality, "cold calling" using a phone (or similar mode of communication) is still telemarketing.

        Even if you don't intend to make a sale on your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd call...even if your intent to to "build rapport/relationship"...you are still marketing yourself when you do that. It's part of the marketing process. And since you are engaging in this marketing using phone/skype, it is "tele"marketing.

        "Telemarketing" isn't limited to a $9/hr employee making robo-calls to sell a back brace to senior citizens on medicare.
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        • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
          Originally Posted by MSutton View Post

          Even if you don't intend to make a sale on your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd call...even if your intent to to "build rapport/relationship"...you are still marketing yourself when you do that.

          ...and you are also establishing yourself as a pain in the ass.

          'Reputation Management' companies above all, should never risk placing themselves in that position.
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          • Profile picture of the author akshay7
            Originally Posted by Ryan Dodson View Post

            I once thought the same thing until I tried it. Literally changed the odds of me not only reaching a decision maker, but also bringing in new revenue.

            I found that most people indeed do screen their calls but will often pick up the 2nd time. The key is persistence.
            I can imagine why it works.

            Originally Posted by ryanbiddulph View Post

            Far better to create useful content and allow people to flow to you buddy.
            Sure, but multiple streams better than one.

            Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

            ...and you are also establishing yourself as a pain in the ass.

            'Reputation Management' companies above all, should never risk placing themselves in that position.
            I don't agree with you there. Businesses expect calls. I am running a business and I get cold calls too. it becomes a problem when somebody calls repeatedly or is unreasonable.
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            • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
              Originally Posted by akshay7 View Post

              I don't agree with you there. Businesses expect calls. I am running a business and I get cold calls too. it becomes a problem when somebody calls repeatedly or is unreasonable.
              Many do not expect cold calls on Skype. If they did and your means of contact acquisition was perfectly legit and welcomed, you'd get near a 100% response rate during business hours.

              Many people who run a 'business', (not to mention those who truly don't) do not want to be interrupted during a computer session because they are busy doing something and they are not welcoming a stranger. It's an entirely different dynamic from calling a large business on a conventional landline who has a dedicated receptionist.

              I guess the burning question is; as a company who's offering 'reactive marketing strategies', exactly how would you go about achieving this for a client if you, yourself, in your marketing efforts, need to resort to cold calling on Skype?
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              • Profile picture of the author akshay7
                Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

                Many do not expect cold calls on Skype. If they did and your means of contact acquisition was perfectly legit and welcomed, you'd get near a 100% response rate during business hours.

                Many people who run a 'business', (not to mention those who truly don't) do not want to be interrupted during a computer session because they are busy doing something and they are not welcoming a stranger. It's an entirely different dynamic from calling a large business on a conventional landline who has a dedicated receptionist.

                I guess the burning question is; as a company who's offering 'reactive marketing strategies', exactly how would you go about achieving this for a client if you, yourself, in your marketing efforts, need to resort to cold calling on Skype?
                Reactive marketing strategies are part of the prospecting process. You still need to reach out or get them to come to you.

                Secondly, we do not reach out to people who are not running a business. If you have ever done prospecting, you would know how it goes.

                Thirdly, we are using skype to call on their registered business number. Not, going about calling them on their skype like a bot.

                And Lastly, this thread was about solving some specific problem and not a debate about the morality of cold calls.
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                • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans

                  Secondly, we do not reach out to people who are not running a business. If you have ever done prospecting, you would know how it goes.

                  Thirdly, we are using skype to call on their registered business number. Not, going about calling them on their skype like a bot.
                  Every man and his dog owns a 'business' and many do not wish to be disturbed on that platform by an unrecognised caller. Many residential.

                  Your response rate is 2 out of 5. Q.E.D.

                  Anyone who's done effective 'prospecting', (via a means which will render a reponse percentage so much more higher) knows that this is clearly telling them something - should they ever had ventured into that in the first place.

                  Perhaps here is the best place too to state that many users haven't even used, or don't use Skype for the purpose of utilizing voice!


                  And Lastly, this thread was about solving some specific problem and not a debate about the morality of cold calls.
                  The thread is about a 'Reactive Marketing Strategy' company asking why their own marketing efforts were mostly unreactive.


                  The question then, still remains; how are you 'reaching out' for your clients?
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                  • Profile picture of the author akshay7
                    Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

                    Every man and his dog owns a 'business' and many do not wish to be disturbed on that platform by an unrecognised caller. Many residential.

                    Your response rate is 2 out of 5. Q.E.D.

                    Anyone who's done effective 'prospecting', (via a means which will render a reponse percentage so much more higher) knows that this is clearly telling them something - should they ever had ventured into that in the first place.

                    Perhaps here is the best place too to state that many users haven't even used, or don't use Skype for the purpose of utilizing voice!


                    The thread is about a 'Reactive Marketing Strategy' company asking why their own marketing efforts were mostly unreactive.





                    The question then, still remains; how are you 'reaching out' for your clients?
                    I didn't realise people here were this toxic. Got nothing to prove to you so not gonna waste anymore time on you.
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                    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
                      Originally Posted by akshay7 View Post

                      I didn't realise people here were this toxic. Got nothing to prove to you so not gonna waste anymore time on you.

                      I will reply to the only question that wasn't a personal attack - we do not reach out on behalf of our clients.
                      Facing facts and enquiring about them in business is by no means 'toxic', nor a 'personal attack', though people might use such descriptions to ignore them.

                      Ultimately, you sail your own ship.
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                      • Profile picture of the author akshay7
                        Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

                        Facing facts and enquiring about them in business is by no means 'toxic', nor a 'personal attack', though people might use such descriptions to ignore them.

                        Ultimately, you sail your own ship.
                        There are multiple ways to ask questions. Moreover, you go about assuming things.

                        Not worth it.
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Far better to create useful content and allow people to flow to you buddy.
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