Telemarketing has gotten a bad wrap over the years. Even with this stigma, done correctly, telemarketing can actually be a great source for lead generation and other efforts. Below are some questions you should take into account before gearing up for a telemarketing campaign.

Are you asking questions you could ask via email?

Remembering many people feel inconvenienced by phone soliciting, see what you can manage through opt-in email blasts. This way, you will be able to phone people who have actually given their number to your company. It is also a good idea to do some research on your target audience before going forward with a telemarketing campaign. If your target audience is open to receiving phone calls from businesses it will make things go much smoother.

What is your main message?

Living in a time where we can get all the information we can handle with a click of a mouse, people are not going to sit on a phone for 5 plus minutes without any idea of where the conversation is going. Make sure you have your message though out carefully and you have written a script that is short, sweet and to the point. People will appreciate it more and you could have a much better outcome in your telemarketing campaign.

Could you benefit from a SMS campaign instead?

Notably non-profits like the Red Cross are using texting to get donations. Non-profits are well known for their telemarketing efforts to get much needed donations. With the current Haitian earthquake, the Red Cross has implemented a new technique where people who want to donate can simply text their desired amount to a number.

Are you up to date on all telemarketing laws?

One of the main reasons people hire telemarketing firms is because they are knowledgeable on all laws regarding telemarketing. There is a National Do Not Call List, and companies need to adhere to this list so they do not get fined. If you do wish to do in-house telemarketing make sure you staff is aware of all laws and do not call lists.

In the end if you are wondering what telemarketing techniques are best for your company, think about what bothers you. Do what makes you feel comfortable and represents your company with the best intensions and you should be able to follow through with a great telemarketing campaign.