Three Phone Call Exercises For Union Organizers

BIGGER LABOR
A Crash Course for Construction Union Organizers
by BOB OEDY

3 Phone Call Exercises For Union Organizers Who Want To Build

Instant Rapport

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to tell if a person is excited to speak

with you on the phone? Even without the benefit of body language 9 out

of 10 times you can tell if the person on the other end is smiling or not.

Now you can use that knowledge for your own benefit when speaking

with contractors and candidates on the phone. Try these 3 simple

exercises to help you connect and create instant rapport in 60 seconds

or less.

Exercise 1: Smile when answering the phone.

Try it and see if it makes a difference. Having read about this technique a

friend decided to give it a try. People immediately noticed the change and

complimented him on his uplifting attitude. It’s especially good for

deflecting negative energy when making cold calls. You’ll find you will be

less affected by frustrated callers and you might even cheer people up.

Exercise 2: Use the person’s name.

People love to hear their name because it demonstrates that you are

listening and personalizes the conversation. It shows a certain amount of

respect and admiration and also shows that you have above average

people skills. Go ahead; use the persons name during a phone call.

Exercise 3: Tell the person you are glad they called.

Let the other person know how much you appreciate what they did

whether they took your call or called you back. Little things make a big

difference. If you don’t say it they may never know. There’s no need to

go overboard, just remind the person you care.

Working the phones is like delivering any professional business

presentation. It takes practice to master the techniques needed to gain

instant rapport. The more you do it the more comfortable you will

become. Soon you will be making great first impressions, connecting on a

whole new level with contractors and candidates alike. Add these

exercises to your routine and you should see results within a few days.

s Union Organizing For You?

Union organizing requires certain skills, long hours and time away from

home. It can be exhausting work but it’s also incredibly satisfying.

Is it worth the sacrifice?

Ask yourself these questions to find out………

1. Do you have good people skills?

Would you describe yourself as being a good listener, communicator or

persuader? As an organizer you will need to have all of these skills

because you will be reaching out to workers as well as employers and

asking them to take a chance on a better future. These are skills that

would be valued by any organization trying to gain influence and market

share. It takes a certain type of individual to motivate people to embrace

change.

2. Are you a self starter?

For you to be an effective organizer you are going to have to get out in

the field and make contact with the people doing the work. You can’t wait

to be told what to do. You have to have a plan. That doesn’t mean you

shouldn’t take orders or be team player, on the contrary. You just don’t

have the luxury of waiting around for things to happen by themselves.

3. Are you outgoing?

Approaching workers on a jobsite or contractors at their office requires

an organizer to put oneself out there. You have to be comfortable with

yourself in order to make the contacts needed to be successful. This is

not for the faint of heart. You’re going to have to deal with a lot of

rejection. You will need to be able to brush it off and not take it personal.

Then come back again and again until the person is ready because you

understand the value of organizing.

4. Are you an active member?

Although some unions hire outside the union most require that you are

already a member because it’s believed that a person will have a vested

interest in the success of the organization. Being an active member

means regularly attending meetings, activities and volunteering your time

to help your union gain strength. Make an effort to volunteer on a picket

line or on a precinct walk. Find some way to contribute your time and

talents.

5. Are you already organizing?

Are you referring candidates? Are you referring contractors? You may be

surprised to hear it described as organizing, but that is what you are

doing, recruiting people to consider a better more profitable way of

working and conducting business.

Hopefully these questions have shed some light on the subject of union

organizing and helped you discover if union organizing is for you. The

labor movement needs activists dedicated to increasing its membership

and influence. If this describes you, consider union organizing for a

career. It can be very challenging and rewarding.

"I have already
recommended it to
several other
organizers."
Bill Guthrie, Local 393

"Bigger Labor is a
comprehensive guide
book to construction
organizing best
practices."
Building Trades News

"This book can be
an indispensable
tool to acquiring the
know-how necessary to
be an effective union
activist."
read more
Eddie Gering, Organizer

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