Advertising Sales, Hot Sweats And Night Terrors

When you start a new business, you will feel that one of the first good things you can do is make full use of the wonderful free directories you can add your sweet and humble company to. Now, remember I said the word 'free.'

I would suggest that you try these free directories - Touch Local is a good start and worth checking out particularly if you want to keep your business in your own community and surrounding areas. However, I need to add here a word of warning: These directories are overseen by call centres who in turn double up in the in the middle of the night in a full moon, as sales people.

Many of these websites will let you add only a handful of details, but really not a great deal if you want to actually generate business from it. You can add the absolute basics and that's all they will let you try. You can put a phone number, a name and perhaps a postcode and if you're lucky you might even get a few hundred words in which you can describe exactly what it is that your business does, (a note here; this isn't as easy as it sounds, only because in those first few weeks, you won't be sure what exactly what it is you do either!) As stated, not alot which is going to make customers want to get in touch with you, and this will infuriate you somewhat, so the simple piece of advice here is don't let this be your only avenue for advertising your business. Spread yourself around and add your business to as many free directories as possible and there are plenty to chose from on the net, but remember: nothing beats newspaper advertising, not unless you plan to go global immediately.

So, you add yourself on to the list with only a number and a postcode, but still, you are happy. You relax. Unwind and take a deep breath when two hours later the phone rings: It's a sales call, and you can sniff one out in the first sentence of "Hi, my name is Someone and I'm ringing from..." You heart sinks...

I have no doubt in the back of my mind that these poor young chaps have nothing else more gruelling to do that call small business owners, who, during this economic package deal (thanks Mr Brown because you are the only man who is making money out of this global scam) are in no fit state to part with wads of cash, no matter how small. However, as the smaller than small voice on the end of the phone who is suddenly discussing, fighting to remain calm and sweating at the thought of having to justify one's own business, belongs to you and here you are, bouncing off the walls that this oink is trying to get you to 'upgrade.'

There is however, one positive aspect that can come from the first hot flushed telesales call; you will subconsciously find yourself over blowing your business like you are chairman of ICI, and for that moment; it will make you feel good. It doesn't sound too much like a good thing, but the main reason for this point is that you now have to maintain that level of importance.

You have fought off the telesales oink, you can handle anything.

And you live to do business another day. Thank you little telesales man!

onemum 2009