Conduct business phone calls successfully with the following checklist| NFON

Research the person and/or company that you are calling. How many times have you followed up to an email only for the person to say “I’m sorry what company was that again?”.

This really comes across as unprofessional. By researching the company and the person you call – a quick check of the company website and the person’s LinkedIn profile – shows that you have put the extra effort in. As a minimum you should know the following in order to have a successful business call:

• the main market that a company is in
• what position / department the person you’re calling is in

But why not take your research a little further and talking about you have in common with the person you’re calling:

• You both studied the same subject at university
• You both have worked in a similar industry

Having things in common is a great way to form a bond and works great as an opener to the call.