During university, I spent a four month stint as a telemarketer. I was already working a full time job during business hours and needed something after hours. Telemarketing fit that time slot.
I worked on behalf of a charity (made me feel a bit better about calling people and yes, I made minimum wage). I’d call and ask for donations. After a month, I was promoted to call-backs. After a telemarketer would make a “sale”, I’d call back and confirm the information.
My co-workers included students like me (trying to keep out of massive school debt), the elderly (trying to supplement sometimes non-existent government pensions), and experienced sales folks volunteering their time training us.
Learning
Rejection happens. I always tell people that if they want to get over the fear of rejection quickly, work as a telemarketer (preferably for a charity). I’d make a hundred calls and get only a few donations. I know how to cuss people out in about 20 different languages. I know that a short, sweet rejection is better than a rambling, feel-to-guilty-to-hang-up-right-away rejection.
Telemarketing works (so does direct mail aka junk mail and of course, spam). Yes, the number of “sales” I made was low as a percent but they more than made up for the rejections. Companies and charities aren’t in the business of losing money. They wouldn’t be using telemarketing if people didn’t buy.
Charities attract some of the best mentors. I learned telemarketing and sales from the best. Generous, experienced salespeople eagerly shared their tips and experience to help both me and the charity. They were patient but tough and they made me a better businesswoman.