BERNERS GIVE ME YOUR STRENGTH! I got my first caller! They're PRO BERNIE!!!

[retrowire]

Last edited Mon Nov 9, 2015, 10:12 PM - Edit history (4)

So I've made 8 phone calls so far.

Of the people that answered,

My first caller said that person never lived there.

My second caller said I'm not voting, thanks.

My third was a hang up.

I'm so nervous because I have yet to actually complete my script once! I'm getting to the point where as soon as someone DOES want to talk, I'm going to be rendered brain dead at what to say!

GIVE ME YOUR STRENGTH!!!

UPDATE: THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR OVERWHELMING SUPPORT. Who's made over 25 calls and hasn't gotten through his script yet but still isn't giving up? THIS GUYYYYY Haha, after the 20th call, it becomes kind of fun! Will this one be a bite?! Or another disconnected line? Let's find out! haha

UPDATE 2: It only took 27 calls but I got through my first caller and guess what? They were PRO BERNIE ALL THE WAY BABY. When asked who they were interested in, they said, "I'm feelin' the bern man." It was terrific. I feel validated! Time to make more calls!!! WOOOOOO

FINAL UPDATE: 38 calls later and I'm calling it a night! what an experience! I actually enjoyed it and now I can say that I am a cut and true BERNIE VOLUNTEER. Thank you all for your support! You really helped this newbie get his feet wet in his first ever volunteer work for a political cause. I'm happy that I have allies in all of you. I mean that.

[Cassiopeia]

1. Don't let the negative calls get to you.

Focus on the positive converts you get!

[Omaha Steve]

2. Are you calling registered D's?

Did they vote in the last election?

Does your state party have a Vote Builder DB?

OS

[retrowire]

3. We are only calling

registered democrats and unaffiliated folks in Iowa.

Right after I made this post asking for strength, I at LEAST got a woman to schedule a call back for later this week!

[Omaha Steve]

5. Congrats

Your on your way.

[merrily]

7. There you go. Ya done good!

[haikugal]

10. Hang in there!

They are registered D's and unaffiliated so you'll be fine. Try not to call during dinner time...lol
It's not an easy thing if you're even slightly shy but with practice you'll relax. That first call where someone knows Bernie and is excited will feel great then the call where they're interested in hearing about him will be over the moon. Ups and downs...stay strong, together we can do this!

Good job Retrowire!

[INdemo]

44. How long did it take you to get your call list?

I signed up to call last Thursday and havent gotten my list yet?

[retrowire]

45. well umm

I signed up to do phone calls as a registered volunteer on Bernie's website. they sent out an email about a week ago asking us to sign up for a webinar. I chose the one on Sunday.

during the webinar we were trained, then given a website and secret code to enter there so we could get voter lists to call.

are you registered on Bernie's website? berniesanders.com?

If you are, search your inbox and maybe your spam folder just in case.

The first email that asks us to confirm that we're in is called "Bernie needs you to start calling voters."

The second one, that includes the dates and times of the webinars that provide you with the lists is called "Post your phone bank on Bernie's map!" You don't actually have to post the phone bank publicly, as you can just like me, do this alone. At the bottom of that email is the webinars that you can reserve a spot in.

Sadly, the LAST 2 webinars are TOMORROW. So you may want to find that email and reserve a spot soon!

If you can't find that stuff, I know for a fact that DUer Le Taz Hot can hook you up with a phone bank list through her Iowa network. Just PM her and tell her Retrowire sent ya.

[INdemo]

48. Yes Im all registered ..didnt think about the spam

Thank You

[retrowire]

49. Did you find it? :)

[Art_from_Ark]

4. Hang in there!

[fasttense]

79. I have a confession to make. I gave up on the script the 2nd day.

I just call them and talk to them, sometimes arguing with them, sometimes just talking. I like the ones who get angry as if I should Not call them ever. They eventually hang up.

[merrily]

6. Dude, you CAN do this.

"No one by that name ever lived here."

"In that case, may I have a minute of your time? I'll be brief." And then be brief.

"I'm not voting, thanks."

"I could understand that if Bernie Sanders were not running. He's a very different kind of candidate, though."

The hang up, eff em and dial the next one.

If someone does want to talk, just say, "Am I glad I reached you!" and launch into your spiel.

Ignore what you don't like and power through.

Be brief, though. I cannot abide cold callers who waste my time and beat around the bush before telling me the reason for the call.

Beloved, you are far from brain dead. Make mama merrily proud!

[Wilms]

12. +1 and then some. n/t

[Roy Rolling]

82. Cold calling

The old school method was to "take the curse off the call" by opening with "I hope I'm not disturbing something urgent".

Then tell them why you're calling up front and demonstrate you value their time. It puts you in their shoes and takes down their defenses usually.

[merrily]

83. I know I can be hardnosed, but someone saying that to me gives me a hint about how to get rid of the

call. "Yes, sadly you are. Bye." And it's very often true that they are interrupting. Maybe not something urgent, but something I need or want to do. I don't know anyone who just sits doing nothing, waiting for the phone to ring.

For me, this would be cold call gold: "I'm calling to see if I can give you information about outstanding Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders that would help you make an informed decision when you vote in the primary. His campaign is funded only by people like you, not big business or billionaires If this is not a good time, I can call back."

Off the bat, you've told me the purpose of your call, offered me something I might feel silly turning down, given me a tantalizing nugget and shown you respect my time and schedule.

As I said, I'm a lifelong city persona and have also worked in high pressure jobs. Someone else may well welcome a chattier, more familiar approach.

[SoapBox]

8. A big High-5 for you, so far!

You're trying!

Keep in mind how important he is for all of us.

If you need moral support, post to us! I'm pretty sure others really want to know how this goes...and as in making "cold" sales/marketing calls, there is going to be a high "rejection" factor. Just move on to another number.

You're the best man!

[retrowire]

17. 14 calls down!!! Let's call some more!!!! n/t

[CoffeeCat]

9. I did some phone calling for Bernie last week...

...and I had overwhelmingly positive support. I was calling people who had participated in the previous Iowa Democratic caucuses.

The support for Bernie was about 70/30. I was surprised, as I though the split would be more 50/50.

You are just having an off night. It happens.

I remember when I did calling for Obama, I had some off nights too. It's also a Monday!

I am in Iowa, so our constituents are locked and loaded and on fire to vote for Bernie in the Iowa caucuses.

What state are you in? If the primary vote isn't for a while--people may not be paying attention yet.

Thank you for volunteering!

[retrowire]

16. I'm in NC

but the voters we're calling are registered Dems and unaffiliated voters in Iowa.

Thanks for the strength! I've made 14 calls so far!!!

[CoffeeCat]

22. Unaffiliated voters?! Tough crowd!

Seriously. Unaffiliated voters are the most fed up demographic out there. They have lost faith in both parties. They are the most skeptical.

Do not get discouraged! That is a tough crowd! No matter what candidate you are calling on behalf of.

Look at it this way...When you call someone and identify yourself as a Bernie supporter, you are sending a message that someone likes Bernie enough to volunteer their time to call folks.

It does make a difference!

[Trajan]

56. Unaffiliated voters are perfect future Bernie voters

If there is ANY candidate that can bring disaffected voters back into the voting booth, it has to be Bernie Sanders ...

The most honest, authentic, fair minded candidate I've ever seen in my nearly sixty crazy earth years ...

[CoffeeCat]

62. I hear you...

I am so excited about his candidacy, I can barely stand it.

It's amazing to live during a time when we could elect a President who really could change the downward trajectory of this country and make things better for future generations.

He could be as great as FDR and we certainly need him.

[Fawke Em]

35. 70/30?

But... but... but... the Clinton supporters and the mainstream polling machines keep telling me she's way ahead of him there among previous Iowa caucus goers!!



Seriously, that's excellent news!

[CoffeeCat]

42. I also see more Bernie bumper stickers...

...and I have been getting quite a few calls too. From people calling for Bernie!

I got one Clinton caller and this was three months ago.

When Clinton came in third in Iowa in 2008, it was a shocker to many--including Hillary Clinton. However, it wasn't shocking to many Iowans and to myself.

Hillary Clinton does not play well here. She may get some tailwind out of the whole "I'm inevitable" meme, but when it comes down to it--Iowans will vote for the best candidate, not who the MSM tells them to vote for. That's what happened with Obama. Iowa Democrats have a very large Progressive contingent. This is why Obama won the Iowa caucuses in 2008.

I have high hopes for Bernie in Iowa; and he's slightly ahead in NH--which is mind blowing.

What a coup if he can begin the primaries by snagging the first two states.

[Fawke Em]

60. And the PR from winning those two helps in SC and Nevada.

I just wish there was a way to break through the "inevitable" meme. It was bad in 2008, but it's far, far worse this time around.

[CoffeeCat]

75. I would agree that it is worse...

...but it's important to remember that "I'm inevitable" is a talking point. Just because the Clinton camp and her marketeers have sat around tables and decided that "I'm inevitable" is a meme that they need to spread around--does not make it true.

They're hoping that if they repeat this meme enough that undecided and those on the fence will break for Clinton.

They're also hoping to demoralize Sanders voters into believing that they might as well just give up because Clinton has it in the bag.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

It's politics. It's what she tried in 2008. I think she's amping it up even louder this time--because there's just so much at stake. If she loses Iowa, her inevitabe/invincible meme about herself (and also her attempt to destroy Bernie) implode.

Keep the faith. It's a competitive race in Iowa. Just as it was in 2008. Political hobbyists are paying attention in Iowa, but most people are not. When the populace becomes fully engaged, you will see many break for Sanders. I guarantee it. Iowa does not seem to care for Hillary. She came in third in 2008. And she's back again. Iowans are looking for any reason not to vote for her. As the Feb caucus draws near, Sanders will ramp up his Iowa game and you'll see the race tighten even further.

Clinton is in the fight of her life and she knows it. That's why we see the "Bernie is racist", "Bernie is sexist" malarkey. Now, it's that Bernie isn't really a Democrat. If Bernie wasn't a threat, the Clinton camp wouldn't be attacking him with both barrels. Do you hear any balderdash about O'Malley coming from Clinton and her mouthpieces in the MSM? No, because he's not a threat.

The louder and more often she tries to convey, "I'm inevitable" the more pathetic it is. Kind of like Fox News continually saying that they're "Fair and Balanced."

Keep the faith. I'm telling you...Iowa Democrats are wildly Progressive. I've participated in the caucuses many times. Obama won nearly all 99 of Iowa's counties last time. Iowans want a Progressive. They know that Hillary is not a Progressive. They aren't fooled.

Just keep working for Bernie. Work hard. Don't worry about the Clinton talking points. They're not rooted in reality.

[JackInGreen]

11. Don't let the haters get you down

We're stronger together.

[ruffburr]

13. Most Folks-

Hate those kinda calls , What has worked for me is to talk with them for a couple of minutes about who you are and who they are, Hows it going type stuff, Kids etc. Just my experience, Good luck, Good Job, Give em Hell for Bernie!

[eridani]

66. For me, that only works if I sense that the person I'm calling is in a chatty mood.

I'm a get down to business type myself. When I get called by anyone who wants to chat, I tell them that I am very busy, so please just tell me what you want and then I'll tell you whether I can do it or not.

[cantbeserious]

14. Canvas On - Be Strong

eom

[Capt.Rocky300]

15. Retrowire.......

What you are doing is noble, patriotic and shows the care you have for your fellow citizens. Whether or not they have the brains to understand. Thanks for what you are doing.

[historylovr]

18. That happens.

I made calls in 2006 and there were hang-ups and non-voters. You just keep trying. You can do it!

Sending all the strength of my Berners ancestors.

[Admiral Loinpresser]

19. You are doing it!

What you are doing is what this campaign is all about. When you are through you will be so glad you did it. We are all thinking of you.

[think]

20. Thank you for your much needed help in getting Bernie's message out!

[azmom]

21. You are awesome.

Thanks for all your hard work.

[jeff47]

23. One tip from previous calling I've done

Reflect their attitude.

If they sound happy, you start off sounding happy.
If they sound pissed off, you start off sounding pissed off.
If they sound bored, you start off sounding bored.

During the course of your script, gradually move to a more and more excited and happy-sounding voice.

It can be tough to judge their mood from "Hello", but reflecting their mood is surprisingly effective.

[retrowire]

25. hmmm the psychology of this technique

seems sound...

I will try this. Though I might stay happy when encountering anger. I dunno.

[jeff47]

26. What's better, staying happy or getting them to be happy too? (nt)

[merrily]

28. Yeah, go with sympathetic if you hear anger.

I'm pretty sure I won't welcome someone who calls me when I'm ticked off sounding ticked off.

[jeff47]

31. In my experience, that triggers a "you know nothing about me" sort of response.

The distance created by not being face-to-face makes the sympathy seem phony.

[merrily]

34. I meant a sympathetic tone. I'm a city dweller. I don't want someone interrupting my conversation or

my dinner or my undivided attention on How to Get Away With Murder with a lot of chit chit. You don't know me; you called me; you're lucky I picked up; at least have the consideration for my time to get to the point. If you're going to babble as though my time has no value, I'm not interested. I don't know how the rural or suburban types react.

[jeff47]

41. You're lucky I picked up...

...and I'm sitting here at a damn phone making calls. Boy I wish I could be eating dinner, but here I am doing this crap. Well, let's talk about Sanders. And I'm going to use curt synonyms for the words in my script, reflecting that I'm resenting an interruption too.

Then over the course of the call, I'm going to gradually use happier language and words that reflect more excitement. Until by the end of the call I'm sounding far less annoyed, and (hopefully) you're not nearly as annoyed about the interruption.

"Oh, I'm sorry for interrupting you" keeps the receiver of the call focused on the fact that they're being interrupted. They're not as likely to listen if you keep reminding them that you're bothering them.

Again, your mileage may vary. It's worked for me - I got better results than other people making calls.

[merrily]

54. That is my thought process when someone starts babbling. It's not what I say.

All I say is "hello." If they can't or won't state the purpose of their call withing two sentences, I'm gone. It's about respecting my time, not about how a caller thinks he or she can play me.

[jeff47]

57. I was outlining the tone, not the literal words to use.

I'd still state the purpose within two sentences. And I'd sound annoyed at the interruption while doing it.

[merrily]

58. Two sentences? I'm all ears!

BTW, which interruption are you annoyed at? You called me, LOL!

[retrowire]

37. hmmm

but wouldn't anger vs anger cause a conflict mood?

I mean I guess it depends on what kind of angry? gimme some more detail on this technique

[jeff47]

40. Perhaps "grumpy" would be a better description?

If they're actually angry/enraged, you're not going to get anywhere.

So they answer the phone sounding like a grumpy old guy, you want to sound like a grumpy old guy/gal. Shorten your words - when there's a chance to drag out a word like "say", make it short. Use more curt synonyms for the words in your script.

Sound like your damn kids are making you call people and they won't stop messing with your lawn.

The goal is to trigger an "I'm like you" sort of feeling. Once that's established, gradually sound happier and more excited. The "I'm like you" feeling will make them happier and more excited, to a certain extent.

[retrowire]

43. okay, that's a better example

thanks, I will remember this!

[Mother Of Four]

73. Perfect example of mirroring-

causing rapport.

http://www.theemotionmachine.com/the-unconscious-influence-of-mirroring

Be careful with it though, done wrong or over done it can sound mocking or dismissive. It's mostly done with body language, but spoken it can work just as well.

[ejbr]

24. On my way to work the other day

I saw two cars within a few car lengths of me with Bernie bumper stickers. I hadn't seen any until then. I have mine too, so there were three. We're here...

[LiberalElite]

27. I made calls for Obama and

I HATE PHONE WORK which didn't help matters. ANYWAY my advice is, don't get invested in a particular outcome. Just keep moving on to the next number. A few will be hostile jerks. Most will be ok. Just like real life LULZ.

[bkkyosemite]

29. I called to order clothing today and the customer service

person was a young lady. I said as I was concluding my order please vote for Bernie Sanders he tells the truth and wants so much for the average American. She said I am definitely looking to vote for Bernie. I said Yes! Please tell others. I have done this three times this week while paying bills and talking to workers in the process. One said I will definitely look him up. Keep going they are out there. They really are!

[merrily]

30. Beloved, you're making me proud!

[retrowire]

38. :D im proud too! n/t

[merrily]

55. You should be! Thanks for doing the work you're doing.

[zentrum]

32. You go retro!

You're great.

Going to a Bernie event this weekend.

[retrowire]

39. a debate watching party? :) n/t

[zentrum]

51. No. A street event.

I think to sign up voters and inform people about Bernie.

[retrowire]

53. Oh that's awesome too!

Remember the next debate is this Saturday on CBS!

[zentrum]

59. Thanks.

I actually didn't know. Will now watch at a watch party if I can make it.
"See you" there!

[SheilaT]

33. Calling like this is very hard.

I've done it on various campaigns, and my talents are better used in other ways. I am hoping Bernie goes the distance, and has a campaign office here in Santa Fe. I need to polish up the political version of my resume and get it to the right people at some point. Does anyone have any idea who would be in charge of such things with him?

[zentrum]

52. I agree.

It was really hard. I did it for Obama. Then went door to door, which was slightly easier because at least you had a partner.

I admire retrowire.

[redwitch]

36. Phone banking is hard work.

But yeah, the good calls make you feel great!

Thanks for your hard work!

[LongTomH]

46. Keep up the good work for Bernie!

Just keep on keepin' on!

[retrowire]

47. Thank you! n/t

[bvf]

50. WTG, retrowire!

Well done!

[SoapBox]

61. 38 calls!

Wheww...

But you and the campaign gain invaluable information regarding bad numbers and other info...it's all valuable.

[senz]

63. Good luck, retrowire! Enjoy every victory!

One by one is how we do it.

[jfern]

65. You have 78 recs backing you up

[JDPriestly]

67. Make that 84 recs backing you up.

You are much braver than I. I prefer knocking on doors and tabling. Phone-banking is really hard in my experience. It's much easier to talk to people one on one in person. But the phone-banking is important.

A couple of days before the first debate, I received a call reminding me to go to a debate party I had signed up for. I was so happy to hear from the Bernie campaign caller.

Feel the Bern!

[sabrina 1]

68. Fantastic! You're doing great!

[Enthusiast]

69. Kicked and recommended!

Thank you, retrowire!

[gordyfl]

70. The Good Fight

Keep Up the Good Work!!

[Dont call me Shirley]

71. Allow your true inner voice to shine through, retrowire, and they will Feel The Bern!

[magical thyme]

72. ...

Great job! Don't worry about the hangups...you never know what's going on in somebody's life when you cold call. I did calls back in '03-'04 for Kerry....not registered dems, so I got a fair # of GOP's on the line. Not pleasant, but just stayed epleasant and apologized for disturbing them if they were pissed.

[MrMickeysMom]

74. I have A LOT OF STRENGTH to lend, no... GIVE you, retro...

... I know how hard it is from previous experience (Dean).

I made a decision to walk and talk in person, as I feel better in this role. My SO holds up a Bernie Sanders sign while I approach the person. We both are no strangers to serving in local government positions, which means years of walking our own districts and wards and having been so burned out on the local political process.

It's a pleasure to get back to grass roots. Unfortunately, I think I have the easier approach, but that ain't necessarily so. It's just how I feel today.

YOU..... have my strength behind every small inhalation before you speak to the next phone recipient.

Go, retro!!!

[Iwillnevergiveup]

76. 109 Recs

Retrowire, you must be doing something right!

[INdemo]

77. Iowa is on Central Time correct?

Do right now is apricot 11:25 right
With the fall clock roll back wasn't sure?

[retrowire]

78. yes they are central.

and at this time of reply it is 11:47am there.

the best times to call them are between 5 to 8 central which is 6 to 9 est..

[fbc]

80. You are a good person

Keep fighting the good fight!

[jwirr]

81. When I was phone banking in the last election I had many

calls the simply sent me to the answering machine. They do not answer calls of numbers they do not recognize.

I think that is going to be a big problem with getting out the vote.

[Fast Walker 52]

84. thanks for doing that! It takes a lot of strength!