Call Script
Before Your First Call
The key is to practice the script, out loud, over and over until you feel comfortable and confident.
The First Call Script
Inventor: Hi my name is ____________ I am a product developer and I am calling to see if you look at new products?
Company: Yes we do. Bob in marketing (or Product Development) takes care of that.
Company: Can I transfer you?
(if not known… say, “I usually speak to someone in Marketing or Sales.”)
(also, Don’t worry about where they send you. Don’t fight the system they have set in place.)
Inventor: Yes please, thank you.
Marketing: Hi, this is Bob.
Inventor: Hi, my name is ____________ I am a product developer and I am calling to see if you look at new products?
Marketing: Yes we do
Inventor: Great what is your process for submission?
Marketing: Product developers usually send products to me via email and I review them and then I will let you know if we are interested.
Inventor: Great! Could I get your email to send you more information?
Marketing: Bob@abccompany.com
Inventor: Thank you for your time I will send it over. Let me know what you think!
Tip: If Bob says, “Here’s how it works… I email you a disclosure agreement”. At that point, most will give Bob their email. Don’t do that – since you will have no way to correspond with Bob. Say instead, “Bob, I’m on my computer right now, I can send you and email and you can reply to it?” If yes… “What your email?” You get his email and cut out weeks of potential waiting and back and forth.
Tip: If Bob says, “What is your product?” That opens you to have to sell over the phone. Don’t do that. Stay loose, say, “It’s a new innovative way to keep your beer cold. Can I send you more info?” Don’t pause and let them have the opportunity to ask questions about the product. Don’t sell over the phone. Get them to say YES to simple questions (eg. Can I send you more info? Get their email and get out.
Tip: Usually, it is VP of Marketing you want to get to. You can get bounced around to interns too. If needed, you can submit to the intern or secretary, which ends up getting more people interested. More people on your side is better!”
Tip: Mirror the tone of the person on the other end. Match tone and speed.
Tip: Wherever they send you is fine (except legal since they only want to see patents).
Optional scripts: “I have a product that I feel would be a good fit for your company. What is your process for submission?”or “Hi, I’m a product developer calling to see if you look at new product ideas? Who would be the right person to speak to?”
Leaving Voicemails: Effective phone or VM message: “I have a product related question I’d like to discuss with you.” Another… “I am the PRESIDENT of XYZ” can be effective.