How to become A Telemarketer

Telemarketers are the invisible sales geniuses of the marketing world who use a judicious mix of listening, business, speaking and persuasive skills to convince potential customers to buy whatever they are being sold.

•  Telemarketing Sales Representative
•  Telephone Sales Representative (TSR)
•  Telephone Service Representative (TSR)
•  Telesales Representative
•  Telesales Specialist

What do Telemarketers do?

A Telemarketer would typically need to:

• Solicit sales for products and services or request for donations from businesses and private individuals through persuasive scripted telephonic communication
• Draft properly structured sales scripts that meet the needs and interests of the target audience and relay essential information about the product or service
• Plan and conduct client/market surveys to locate target audience and potential customers
• Obtain contact information of prospective customers through telephone directories, magazine reply cards, and lists purchased from other organisations
• Answer telephone calls from target customers solicited through advertisements or return their calls promptly to get to know their requirements
• Cold call potential customers and give them a brief spiel about the product, service or charitable cause on the agenda
• Sell the features, price and benefits of the product, service or charitable cause in a convincing manner
• Use the telephone, snail mail or email to follow up initial sales presentations or reinforce customer correspondence  
• Confirm customer contact details; enter exact details of the specific purchase, payment method, and feedback into their computerised system
• Schedule appointments for sales representatives to meet with potential customers and conduct in-person sales and demonstration, if required
• Follow up with customers via telephone or email in a professional and interpersonally effective manner that enhances business objectives
• Meet the pre-determined sales quota and facilitate future sales; adapt or develop sales scripts to meet the needs and interests of the target market
• Train, monitor and mentor new recruits to ensure script accuracy and quality control
• Maintain accurate records of contacts, accounts, and orders; respond to further queries from customers and resolve issues

Telemarketing is a fairly sedentary job. Telemarketers typically work with their team in a call-centre setting where everyone has their own desk or cubicle with a computer and telephone. They use headphones with a mic to interact with leads and customers without distractions. Some companies allow their employees to work from home, provided they have a good internet connection. 

Some Telemarketers work regular business hours and average 40 hours/week; others may alternate between day and night shifts, depending upon their company and customer base which may be local or international.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. A telemarketer can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Telemarketers are generally employed by:

• Business Support Service Industry
• Wired Telecommunications Carriers
• Financial & Banking Enterprises
• Civic, Social Advocacy Organisations
• Grantmaking & Giving Services
• Construction Firms
• Broadcasting Industry
• Colleges, Universities & Professional Schools
• Healthcare Services
• Electronic Shopping & Mail-Order Houses
• Insurance Carriers
• Computer Systems Design Firms

Professional associations and organisations, such as Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI), is crucial for Telemarketers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Considerable pressure to meet the sales quota set by the company
• Stress due to regular rejections from prospective clients
• Bordeom caused by the repetitive nature of the job
• Job insecurity because of the rampant uncertainty of the life of a telemarketing company

Employers prefer candidates with experience in call-centre customer service or sales positions; and if you can prove that you were able to consistently meet the expected sales quotas in addition to handling and processing payment information over the phone, you might be a shoo-in for a Telemarketer job. Training in telemarketing and telesales with professional experience in the use of online forms to process payment and customer details will give you an additional edge.

Although there are no fixed educational requirements to become a Telemarketer, a High school diploma or GED (General Education Development) are standard minimum qualifications. A bachelor's degree in marketing, business, sales, computers, or communication may help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Focus on business studies, communication and media, and computer science in high school. English and speech classes will help you develop your written and oral communication skills.

Certification demonstrate a Telemarketer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. 

Certification in sales, customer service, customer relationship management, business communication, and credit management and counselling from an objective and reputed organization will prove advantageous in getting a job and advancing your career.

Experience, performance and the ability to promote and sell products and services drive the career progression of Telemarketers who may begin as a junior and work their way through Telemarketing Executive, Team Leader, and Telemarketing Supervisor roles before becoming Telemarketing or Sales Manager.

There is a high probability that large companies choose to promote exceptionally well-performing telemarketing experts as the Telemarketing Director. Lateral movement into marketing, public relations, or human resources is a common occurrence among enterprising Telemarketers.

Candidates with adequate experience in sales and customer service have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Telemarketer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning.

Besides the customary on-the-job training every company offers, executive Telemarketers can also choose customised telemarketing courses that upgrade their accent, listening skills, telephone etiquette, cyber grammar, knowledge of telemarketing terminology, and customer relationship and management skills.

Take advantage of any workshops that would help you build on your analytical, business, leadership, and salesmanship skills and promote your self-confidence.

Master them all!

There are four types of telemarketing strategies you may perform daily.

Outbound telemarketing strategy involves cold calling potential customers and businesses to promote a product or service. Inbound telemarketing happens when potential customers contact the telemarketer after being solicited through advertisements and the company's sales efforts. 

Business-to-business or B2B telemarketing strategy involves a business promoting their products and services to another business with who they aim to build a long term relationship. Business-to-consumer or B2C marketing strategy involves firms marketing their products and services to their target audience.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Telemarketers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Telemarketer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Telemarketing is the quickest and most efficient approach to reach out to your target audience and gain feedback.

You may be palmed off to a three-year-old who believes you’re Santa; you may have to persuade an eight-year-old that they need the upgraded version of their internet connection. Life as a Telemarketer is a series of impromptu interactions where your salesmanship skills, patience and resilience are the only constants.

When dealing with customers’ complaints, time is of the essence. A prompt reaction from your end demonstrates your professionalism and dedication to the customer's wants and needs.