Photography Sales Chat With Michael E. Stern: Cold Calls Selling Clues

Some types of photography, especially commercial photography, can require the photographer to make cold calls as a way to generate leads, and as part of the sales process. This can be a daunting process for anyone, and is one of the most feared aspects of the selling process.

Cold-calling can be such a painful prospect for many, in fact, that they avoid it at all costs!

However, for those of you who are brave enough to give cold-calling a try, help is at hand!

Be Prepared To Listen…

This is a follow-up to another recent call that Michael and I recorded on “The Psychology Of Sales.” The key point here is that you should be focused at least as much, if not more so, on “listening” as you are on “talking“.

“Be prepared to listen when you call…” This is the advice from Michael E. Stern, who expertly tells us how we can listen for subtle clues from the very beginning of a phone conversation, to help us make a better connection with the person on the other end of the phone.

Here are just some of the things we talk about on this great call:

• How to assess the emotional state of the other person
• Giving your full attention
• How your own demeanor affects the call
• The art of listening
• Visualization and the art of listening
• Applying the art of listening to any sales call

Members – Listen To The Call:

So, settle in, get comfortable, and practice your “listening” skills!

[This content is reserved for Zenologue Insiders - see the Membership Info page to learn more]

About Our Speaker: Michael E. Stern:

Michael Stern first picked up a camera at age 12 and has yet to put one down. He is self-taught by way of a homemade darkroom and continued his photography education in Jr. and Sr. high schools, Cal State Northridge and Art Center College of Design. He earned a BFA in 1979.

During his career, Michael has owned and operated small, medium and large commercial studios in Hollywood, North Hollywood and Burbank. He began his career shooting movie posters for agencies and multimedia productions for Star-Kist Foods. After relocating to Burbank, he began producing photographs for local and international companies specializing in van conversions, building design and construction.

Michael started working with The Walt Disney Company in 1982 and has been working with them ever since. He has also worked with Warner Brothers, Universal, Paramount Studios and Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures. He photographs executives, celebrities, products and architecture. His reputation is one of quality, creativity and making the deadlines.

In 1995 he added digital imaging services and in 2000 he scanned, restored and printed 140 aviation-themed historical photographs for Disney’s California Adventure. As a digital restoration expert Michael continues to work on other projects for educational institutions, companies and private parties.

He is expert in scanning, retouching and printing and has taught at many educational institutions, teaching photographic theory, Photoshop, pre-press, artist business practices and operating a sole proprietorship. His first book: Build A Better Photograph, A Disciplined Approach To Creativity, is an informative look at his approach to maintaining a professional photography presence beyond f/stops and shutter speeds. His radio show: “Build A Better Photograph” is aimed at advanced amateurs, college students and early career professionals. Podcasts are available from iTunes free of charge.

His radio show broadcasts live Fridays at 9am, PST. Click the link below to be entertained and informed!

Michael’s webhub is buildabetterphotograph.com, where you can find out more about this dynamic individual.

Connect With The Photography Coach On Google+

Share these photography business ideas with others:

Tweet

Take A Second To Share Your Thoughts - Add A Comment

Photography Business Interviews photographer interview, photography business, photography sales, telephone sales