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Looking back at our blog recently, we realised we’ve posted a whole host of hints and tips over the last couple of years, all of which stand the test of time.

With this in mind, here are 92 of our telemarketing hints and tips for you to browse and read, and hopefully learn from and action – why not add you favourite telemarketing tip in the comments?

• 5 Tips for Successful Telemarketing
• 5 Steps to Great Telemarketing
• 5 Ways to Bring in New Business
• 3 Uses for Telemarketing That Aren’t Selling

Most of us have experienced the phenomenon that is call reluctance. We've covered the topic before on the VSL blog, and mentioned how some people would rather make tea or even clean toilets than pick up the telephone to a stranger. If you suffer from call reluctance, here's a tried and tested idea that may well help you to combat that feeling you get in your stomach when you really feel like doing anything but calling, especially cold-calling: Take the "cold" out of the cold-calling equation and give yourself a warm-up.

1. You're probably reading this because you need to improve your results from cold calling and telemarketing.

2.You hate doing the calling. If so, you're in the majority, if not you're probably a freak.

That said, those calls still need to be done, right? You still hate cold calling, right? If you've ever felt negative emotion toward any person or task, you have two basic responses:

For many who are in the business of selling, the idea of the picking up the phone is somewhat daunting. But before you think that it’s just you, or you’re not cut out for sales calls, first be aware that the majority of sellers fear making the calls for some reason or another, a fear which in the business is often known as call reluctance.

“Fail to prepare – prepare to fail”

Before you start, ask yourself the following;

• Why are you making this call? Are you clear about your call objectives?
• Have you got enough information to make the call?
• Prospect name and position? Are these details correct? (check with the receptionist before being put through)
• Type of company – what’s their industry sector?
• Company size, turnover, number of employees?
• Do you have the relevant email information if asked?
• Have as much information as possible, search their website, their industry newspapers / magazines

To be successful in telemarketing, the sales person has to be disciplined, but overall cold-calling is more scary than it is difficult. But once fear has been recognised and replaced by confidence of the product or service you are offering, then there are just 5 easy tips to follow to be a successful telemarketer.

1. Before making your calls, make sure you know your product inside-out, as this will not only make you come across more confident over the phone, but will also make it easier and quicker to close a sale.