because when you cold call (and I've experienced it during various telemarketing jobs) you usually feel cold, uncertain and vulnerable.

I've learned that most copywriters feel that cold calling is the way to go (and some even think it's the bees knees ). What do you guys think? Would direct marketing do the trick or should you go against all instinct and submit to cold calling as well?

Just curious.

Sorry guys I posted that twice. Don't know what happened.

Hi Joni,

Sorry, but I'm confused. Cold calling is the way to go in regards to.....????
Are you trying to drum up business for yourself or one of your clients?

I don't know which copywriters you're referring to, but I would think that most copywriters would be using direct mail to sell their own services.

If a copywriter can't write a letter to sell their own services, I certainly don't want them trying to sell anything for me!

Cheers,

Steve

Let's not forget that copy writing is only a small piece of the puzzle.

A wise man once gave this formula, which I think is accurate:

40% List
40% Offer
20% Copy

In other words... the hottest copy won't overcome a weak offer and/or the wrong crowd.

Therefore, when you are starting out copywriting... and you don't have a whole lot to offer... and you don't have a lot to invest...

Guess what?

Cold Calling is a very good option. It's quicker than writing a letter, and it's usually cheaper, too. Make no mistake, the power of sales goes in this order:

1) In person
2) On the phone
3) Everything Else

Why? Because the first two are the most personal.

However, don't forget you are not a copywriter! You are in the business of marketing your copywriting service. So why not use direct mail, cold calling, face to face, networking, etc. etc.

Why limit it to one kind of media? Set up a FUNNEL! Play around, try different things, and eventually you'll get a steady stream of clients.

I was told recently by a couple of other posters that I was insane for cold calling without sending a sales letter first.

So I started this thread: http://www.copywritersboard.com/copy...cold-call.html

I guess I was ready to hear their message because it made me take inventory: yeah, I've gotten business from cold calling, but it tends to be smaller jobs (average $600) with clients who don't understand marketing writing and consider it low priority.

Granted, I hadn't heard of the SRDS directories until I came on board this site, so I was creating lists based on company size and earnings. An approach that is still hit or miss...

Peter Bowerman pikes cold-calling in his books as the best way to get clients -- that may be where this cold-calling fever is coming from. But he's not in direct response, he's talking about general business writing for corporations.

Double OUCH!

Subtle is right of course.

Telemarketing is the LEAST EFFECTIVE method. But it's also the quickest, cheapest and easiest way to get results.

If I was starting from ground zero I guarantee you I could get a paying client by 1:30 tomorrow. Is that so bad?

It shouldn't surprise you that both Gary Halbert and Dan Kennedy have done cold calling before.

Sorry, Ravedesigns. I guess I wasn't clear. I'm promoting my own services and that's just what I thought! That writing direct mail would be the way to go. After all, I am a copywriter not a copytalker. But I've done a lot of reading (including the Well Fed Writer) and it's pretty much been unanimous on the cold-calling thing.

I don't know, I'm confused.