Saturday, August 28, 2010

Is Telemarketing a Smart Choice for the Small Business?

In a challenge-stricken world of business, companies, big or small are constantly tested for their staying power and ability to survive in a consistently diverging world of commerce and trade. The need to stay ahead of competitors is a must. Varying business schemes are always tested and undertaken to determine potential for profitability, and one of the most compelling means to steer one's company to increasing its revenue is telemarketing. Organizations worldwide have been benefiting from this tried and tested marketing approach since the use of telephone to connect to customers came about. But is it really the smart way to go for a small business? It is common knowledge that businesses especially the large ones, have been maximizing the full potential of telemarketing to effect sales, but small businesses usually don't have the resources to take on extensive marketing programs.

Telemarketing is much inexpensive compared to other advertising methods such as direct mail, and with the increased number of telemarketing companies locally and globally, small business owners have more opportunities to choose the best provider for their marketing requirements. Apart from being cost-effective, a number of different telemarketing options are made available to match a business' marketing plan, and among the prevailing telephone-selling methods are appointment setting and lead generation.

Lead Generation. Small businesses usually have limited staffing and in many instances, the owners carry out the advertising and marketing tasks themselves. Looking for potential customers can be time consuming and what extra time there is available for other aspect of the business can also be used up trying to identify good prospects. Telemarketing call centers offer lead generation and prospecting solutions that can be customized according to a business' objectives like specifically and strategically targeting industries they would like to cater to.

Appointment Setting. Generating new business, expanding market share and retaining a loyal customer following are some of the most crucial aspects of business management especially for small, start-up companies. To achieve these, companies have to begin with setting quality appointments and seize legitimate opportunities for garnering sales. Establishing a strong affinity with consumers is important, and possibilities for a long-term business relationship can be created with adequate and skillful appointment setting. Telemarketing companies provide a variety of appointment setting programs to help small business entrepreneurs interact with potential clients and properly acquaint them with the services/products being introduced.

Businesses cannot bet that all types of marketing will work for them. Like any other marketing method, running a telemarketing campaign requires careful business planning and sales are not guaranteed to flow like water at the initial try. The key is to analyze and understand the process on all points, and come up with a well laid-out business plan. Thousands of large companies have been incorporating telephone marketing to promote and build their businesses, and are actually increasing profits. The process is easy and inexpensive, and it has tremendous potential for profitability. This is a marketing method that even small businesses can benefit from.

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