Would you be open to hearing a very quick overview of what we do?
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 7:22 am
When a telemarketer asks, "Would you be open to hearing a very quick overview of what we do?" they are employing a polite and low-commitment question designed to secure permission to deliver their concise value proposition. This question typically comes early in a cold call, after a general greeting and before delving into deeper discovery.
The Strategy Behind This Question
Permission-Based Approach:
This is a cornerstone of respectful cold calling. Instead of buy telemarketing data launching directly into a monologue, the telemarketer asks for explicit permission. This empowers the prospect, making them feel less ambushed and more in control. When a prospect says "yes," they're more likely to genuinely listen.
Low-Commitment Request:
The phrase "very quick overview" sets a low bar. It implies brevity and efficiency. Prospects are much more likely to grant "a very quick overview" than "a detailed explanation" or "a lengthy discussion." This reduces the psychological hurdle for them to agree.
Manages Expectations:
It clearly communicates that the upcoming information will be concise, preventing the prospect from bracing for a long, drawn-out sales pitch. This helps in retaining their attention for the critical next few seconds.
Tests Receptiveness and Interest:
The prospect's response provides immediate feedback:
A "Yes" (even hesitant) indicates some level of openness or curiosity.
A "No, I'm busy" or "I'm not interested" is a clear signal to either try to reschedule or politely disengage, saving both parties time.
Sets the Stage for the Value Proposition:
Once permission is granted, the telemarketer has a clear runway to deliver their concise, benefit-driven statement about how they help businesses. This is the crucial "what we do" that needs to grab attention.
How Telemarketers Adapt Based on the Response:
Prospect: "Sure, go ahead." or "What is it?" or "Okay."
Telemarketer's Action: This is the desired outcome. The telemarketer immediately delivers their brief, compelling value proposition, focusing on the benefits and problems they solve for companies similar to the prospect's. For example: "Great, thanks! In a nutshell, we help companies like yours [state specific, quantifiable benefit], usually by [briefly mention the mechanism or product type]."
The Strategy Behind This Question
Permission-Based Approach:
This is a cornerstone of respectful cold calling. Instead of buy telemarketing data launching directly into a monologue, the telemarketer asks for explicit permission. This empowers the prospect, making them feel less ambushed and more in control. When a prospect says "yes," they're more likely to genuinely listen.
Low-Commitment Request:
The phrase "very quick overview" sets a low bar. It implies brevity and efficiency. Prospects are much more likely to grant "a very quick overview" than "a detailed explanation" or "a lengthy discussion." This reduces the psychological hurdle for them to agree.
Manages Expectations:
It clearly communicates that the upcoming information will be concise, preventing the prospect from bracing for a long, drawn-out sales pitch. This helps in retaining their attention for the critical next few seconds.
Tests Receptiveness and Interest:
The prospect's response provides immediate feedback:
A "Yes" (even hesitant) indicates some level of openness or curiosity.
A "No, I'm busy" or "I'm not interested" is a clear signal to either try to reschedule or politely disengage, saving both parties time.
Sets the Stage for the Value Proposition:
Once permission is granted, the telemarketer has a clear runway to deliver their concise, benefit-driven statement about how they help businesses. This is the crucial "what we do" that needs to grab attention.
How Telemarketers Adapt Based on the Response:
Prospect: "Sure, go ahead." or "What is it?" or "Okay."
Telemarketer's Action: This is the desired outcome. The telemarketer immediately delivers their brief, compelling value proposition, focusing on the benefits and problems they solve for companies similar to the prospect's. For example: "Great, thanks! In a nutshell, we help companies like yours [state specific, quantifiable benefit], usually by [briefly mention the mechanism or product type]."