How Telemarketing Began
Telemarketing, as we see it now, has evolved into a very viable marketing strategy. Selling products and services conducted through telephone calls bring fantastic results. It is the personal touch in a one-on-one conversation that helps build rapport with a potential client. Personal calls from a telemarketer who understands the needs of a valuable customer. The telephone is undoubtedly one of the best inventions that have helped companies grow their business. It is cheap and allows sales professionals to contact prospective clients in hard-to-reach areas.
Looking back at the history of the telephone gives us a closer look at how it has helped shape the Telemarketing Industry today. Antonio Meucci, born in 1808 in Florence, Italy, was believed to be the original inventor of the telephone. He studied Mechanical Engineering and became a stage technician. Meucci invented the marine telegraph and created a voice communication tool in 1854.
Alexander Graham Bell, a Scottish inventor, received the patent for his telephone invention in 1876. Elisha Gray was also known to have developed a device that could transmit voice.
The first telephone directory in 1878 in Connecticut, U.S.A. had 50 names on a single sheet. The U.K. came out with its very first directory in 1880 with only 248 names and addresses. The switchboard operator will connect you to the person you’d like to reach.
Bell’s invention has become a valuable tool in our day-to-day activities. It has made the completion of business transactions more efficient and faster. The telephone revolutionized the means of communication. Large companies and wealthy households started using it. In the early 1900s companies used it to contact potential customers. Salespersons used the phone to sell products, set appointments, and resolve product delivery issues. To sell their baked cookies, homemakers began using the telephone to call their friends and neighbours. A direct selling strategy that is proven to be effective even today.
In 1957 the Life Circulation Company opened the first telemarketing firm, DialAmerica. They operated one inbound and outbound base.
During the 1960s homeowners shared a part-line. Only one party can place a call at a time. Sales representatives had to go door-to-door to sell goods and services. The telegram was another way to relay messages; an expensive way to relay messages which are often short. It was in the 1970s when Ericsson and Alcatel began using digital switches.
The first handheld mobile phone was produced in 1973 by Motorola. Handheld mobile phones carried to work daily made it easier to close deals and set appointments. Companies recognize the positive results from cold calling. By 1980, computers and telephones have become vital tools in the tremendous growth of the telemarketing industry. Salesmen did follow-up calls generated by telemarketers.
Today, Telemarketing is synonymous to Call Centre Solutions. Call agents undergo proper training to be more service-oriented. Ready to provide a solution to every customer’s needs. Accepting calls with a warm, friendly, and assuring voice. Customers no longer have to wait long with queue calls in place. It can operate 24/7 globally. Regardless of time zone, problems encountered by buyers from any part of the world can be resolved quickly. Live agents can assist clients with product information, billing, order processing, or technical issues professionally. Companies can get feedback from customers round the clock. A streamlined platform that guarantees greater ROI. The Philippines and India are recognized as top call centre hubs in the world to date.

Source: Juzz Telemarketing Services
Advancement in technology solves communication issues and saves time. Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) allows telemarketers to make phone calls remotely over the internet. Agents are hired from any part of the world and place calls from home. The human voice, fax tones, and busy tones were instantly recognized with the invention of the predictive dialer. Thus, increasing productivity in the workplace.
The integration of automated software speeds up database access, research, and survey. Outbound call centre software increases lead conversion. The use of a CRM (customer relationship management) system ensures that customer data is accurate and up to date. It is an organized system that can trace conversations with customers and keep track of sales team performance. CRM increases work efficiency.
Acquisition of modern telecommunication systems is imperative in the growth and success of a telemarketing business.
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