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Category: Columns, Expert Advice, Motivational, Recruiting
We make a lot of calls in our line of work, and most of them are US asking for something for US. We make calls to clients hoping they’ll be interested in our candidates; we make calls to candidates hoping they’ll be interested in our opportunity; we make calls to others hoping they’ll will connect us to clients or candidates. That’s a lot of calls to advance OUR agenda.
What’s in it for THEM – the people we’re calling? For many of us, our basic sales training included reminders to address the WIIFM (What’s In It for ME?) when we describe an opportunity to a prospective candidate or present a candidate to a client. That’s the more obvious. “This opportunity is right for you because…..”, or “This candidate is right for you because ….”
But, what about the WIIFM in even participating in the conversation? We make the call, so we know what’s in it for us. Let’s be sure to build in specific wording
Here’s a great formula for ensuring we build in and communicate the value in the call for the person we’re calling: Begin EVERY call with Purpose, Benefit, Check (PBC).
Purpose(P): the reason you’re reaching out or making the call.
Benefit (B): the value to them of what you’re going to share, ask about or discuss.
Check (C): Confirming that what you’re proposing is of value to the other person. Or, not.*
*If what you’re calling about, even if it is what you agreed you’d talk about during this call, is not or no longer important or of value to the person you’re calling, this creates a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what IS important.
Beginning every call with P, B, and C has several benefits:
• You must think about the benefit you’re bringing to the person you’re calling before you dial (or write). Keeps your sensitivity to their needs top of mind.
• It’s easier find out what’s changed since your last conversation. You’re going into every call asking for confirmation that the agenda you’re proposing is of value.
• PBC help keeps you on track during the call and helps the person you’re calling know where the call is going
How can you position your request so that them participating in the conversation has value to them?
Here are some examples of Purpose/Benefit/Check conversation starters. Try them out during your next set of calls and build a script combination that works for you.
|
Purpose |
Benefit |
Check |
|
Recruiting Call: Calling to share information about an opportunity |
So that you, like most top performing professionals I know, can stay aware of what’s going on in the marketplace. |
Is that of value to you? |
|
Marketing Call: Calling to share information about what’s going on in the marketplace that might influence your 2018 planning. |
So you can benchmark the talent you’ve already got with what’s available. |
Can you make time for that conversation now? |
|
Prep Call: Calling to give you the background information for tomorrow’s interview |
So the meeting is a good use of your time. OR So you’ll be able to learn about the areas that interest you. |
Does that match up with your priorities? |
|
Call to Present Candidates: We had scheduled today’s call to review backgrounds of the candidates we’ve recruited who will be able to quickly open up your new territory |
So you we schedule their interviews and give them the opportunity to learn about the exciting opportunity you’re offering at Company A. |
Is that still your priority for this call? |
|
Debrief Call: We agreed we’d talk right after your interview |
So we can plan whatever next steps help you get the information you need to decide whether or not this opportunity is right for you. |
Tell me what you’ve learned so far. |
It’s great when the opportunity or candidate you’re calling about is a match for what the person on the other end of the line want. But even if it’s not, bring a party favor to the conversation. Make it clear in your PBC that you’re calling with some value to the person you’re calling.