Gen Z and millennials are afraid of making phone calls - and it's hurting business!
In the business world, making phone calls is an essential part of the sales and lead generation process. But with the new generation of consumers, many of whom are accustomed to conducting most of their communication and transactions online, the fear of making phone calls is becoming more prevalent. This fear, known as "telephonophobia," can be detrimental to businesses that rely on phone calls as a primary means of prospection.
One of the main reasons for this fear is the lack of physical cues and body language that are present in face-to-face or even video call communication. Without these cues, it can be difficult to gauge the tone and intentions of the person on the other end of the line, leading to misunderstandings and discomfort.
Another reason is the prevalence of scams and spam calls, which have made many people wary of answering unknown numbers. This has led to a reluctance to make outbound calls as well, as people fear being perceived as a spammer or scammer themselves.
The fear of making phone calls is not only hurting businesses' ability to prospect for new leads, but it's also limiting personal and professional growth. By avoiding phone calls, salespeople and business owners miss out on valuable networking and job opportunities, as well as the chance to build relationships and trust with clients and customers.
So, how can businesses and salespeople overcome telephonophobia and embrace the power of the phone for prospection? Here are a few tips:
Practice makes perfect: The more you make phone calls, the more comfortable and confident you will become.
Use a script: Having a script or outline of what you want to say can help you stay on track and reduce anxiety.
Take deep breaths: Deep breathing can help calm your nerves and improve your focus.
Use visual aids: If you're having a video call, using visual aids like slides or a shared screen can help convey your message and provide a visual reference.
Remember that the person on the other end is human: They likely have their own fears and concerns, so try to be understanding and empathetic.
Set specific goals for each call: Having a clear goal in mind will help you stay focused and motivated.
Follow up: If you don't hear back from a prospect after a call, it's important to follow up with an email or another call to keep the conversation going.
By overcoming their fear of making phone calls and implementing these strategies, businesses and salespeople can effectively prospect for new leads and drive their growth.