8 Reasons to Ditch Manual Dialing & Embrace Outbound Calling Software

Introduction: Benefits and Drawbacks of Manual Dialing

Manual dialing has its benefits. It’s hard to deny that intentional 1-to-1 outreach has big advantages over high-volume spray-and-pray methods, especially when calling high-value leads. But let’s be honest: manual dialing is slow and tedious. Given the number of calls some reps and sales teams need to make, it may not even be feasible.

The good news? Outbound calling software can help. Better yet, you can leverage outbound calling software without giving up on the intentional 1-to-1 approach that works for you. Having powered over 1 billion phone calls for our customers, PhoneBurner redefines how efficient human-centric 1-to-1 communications can be.

With that, here are 8 compelling reasons why it's time to ditch manual dialing and embrace outbound calling software.

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Reason 1: Increased Efficiency & Time Management

Let’s begin with the obvious: manual dialing is a drain on productivity. Outbound calling software streamlines and automates many of the tedious and repetitive tasks associated with calling, such as:

• Punching in numbers
• Repeating voicemails
• Logging calls
• Updating the CRM (or Excel spreadsheet)
• Manually following up with contacts

By making these tasks easier, outbound calling software allows reps to focus on what they do best—selling. Teams who use software like PhoneBurner not only make more calls; they spend more time engaged in conversations, maximizing their sales potential.

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Reason 2: Reduced Call Reluctance

Call reluctance can affect anyone in sales, but those engaged in manual dialing are among the most likely to be impacted. Here’s why:

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Keeping Reps Engaged Between Calls

Manual dialing isn’t just more tedious and error prone; there’s also break in the action between every call—resulting in a constant pull to get up and walk around, get a drink, or shift gears to work on something else.

Fortunately, with the right outbound calling software, you can dramatically reduce call reluctance by keeping sales reps locked in from the first call to the last—all while streamlining the tedious tasks that can make dialing feel like a chore.

As Kevin Biagi of Unishippers puts it, “Once you pull up a queue, it doesn’t really allow you to take your foot off the gas.”

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Avoiding the “Telemarketer’s Delay”

But carefully consider the dialer you choose. Some outbound dialing technology results in an awkward pause or beep at the start of calls. This infamous “telemarket’s delay” can fuel skepticism, anger, and even hang-ups—all of which can exacerbate call reluctance.

A single-line dialer such as PhoneBurner, on the other hand, eliminates this off-putting delay so conversations start off on the right foot.

See Also: How Predictive & Multi-Line Dialers Can Negatively Impact Sales Efforts

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Reason 3: Enhanced Call Consistency & Quality

Consistency

Outbound call software significantly enhances call consistency compared to manual dialing. Some of the features that help keep every interaction professional and on-brand include:

• Pre-recorded voicemails
• The ability to record notes
• Call history data
• Dynamic scripts

Additionally, software-enabled call tracking and analytics provide valuable insights into call performance, allowing teams to identify areas for improvement and refine their approach over time. This results in a more polished and consistent experience for every lead.

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Quality

Outbound calling software can offer benefits from a quality standpoint as well.

For instance, consider PhoneBurner’s softphone, which integrates Krisp.ai noise cancellation technology. This integration effectively removes background noise, accentuating the speaker’s voice and ensuring a distraction-free environment for meaningful conversations.

Whether it’s a barking dog, blaring siren, or noisy office ambiance, PhoneBurner’s dialing technology delivers peace of mind that external factors won’t get in the way of productive conversations.

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Reason 4: Better Lead Management & Tracking

Managing leads manually can be incredibly challenging.

From keeping track of contact information and call history to scheduling follow-ups, it's easy for important details to slip through the cracks, leading to missed opportunities.

Outbound calling software simplifies lead management by integrating with built-in or external CRM systems. These integrations automatically log calls, maintain contact information and call history, and streamline post-call workflows and follow-up tasks.

The lead management benefits are even more significant for teams.

Smart lead distribution, a feature included with some outbound calling software, helps sales leaders eliminate the need for spreadsheets and time-consuming and error-prone lead distribution processes.

Intelligently distributing leads to the right agents at the right time ensures a more efficient and thorough lead nurturing process that prevents lead decay and dramatically improves outcomes.

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Reason 5: Compliance & Registration Support

Compliance with regulations such as TCPA, TSR and GDPR and adherence to industry best practices is non-negotiable in today's sales landscape. While we can’t offer you legal advice, PhoneBurner can provide you with the tools you need to navigate the evolving landscape.

Our outbound call software is equipped with powerful Trust & Safety features that streamline compliance and industry processes compared to manual dialing. These include internal Do-Not-Call management tools and integration with DNC.com’s real-time scrubbing database, timezone calling restrictions, and streamlined business and number registration for enhanced call and text deliverability.

Here’s a full list of Trust & Safety features that can help your business communicate safely, efficiently, and effectively using outbound call software.

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Reason 6: Tracking & Performance Analytics

As the saying goes, “you can’t manage what you don’t measure.” Unfortunately, manual dialing means limited visibility into call metrics, outcomes, and other performance KPIs, making it difficult to identify areas for improvement.

Outbound calling software ensures automatic logging of call activity and outcomes, and offers comprehensive analytics on key metrics such as:

• Calls made
• Call answer rates
• Talk time
• Average call duration
• Conversion rates
• Voicemails left
• Emails sent

Armed with detailed call reporting data, sales leaders can hold reps accountable and make informed decisions to drive better results.

Some outbound calling software takes it a step further. PhoneBurner, for example, gives admins access to call recordings, live call monitoring and coaching tools, and virtual salesfloor capabilities. These features bring teams together, make selling fun, and inspire reps to continually learn and enhance their skills.

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Reason 7: Scalability for Business Growth

As businesses grow, so do their sales needs.

Manual dialing simply isn't scalable as contact lists grow, team sizes expand, and nurture sequences become more thorough.

Outbound calling software offers scalability that grows with your business, allowing you to effortlessly expand your outreach efforts without compromising efficiency or quality.

Additionally, as new sales reps are brought on board, they can get up to speed quickly. Shared content, configurations, workflows, and lead pools allow new hires to focus on selling, not setup.

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Reason 8: Integration with Other Sales Tools

Sales teams rely on a variety of tools to optimize outbound efforts and grow revenue, including CRMs, meeting and scheduling tools, analytics, and more.

Manual dialing often operates in silos, creating inefficiencies and redundancies in the sales tech stack.

Integrated dialing technology however, simplifies your entire process. By integrating your outbound calling software with your existing sales tools, you can:

• Eliminate wasted steps
• Reduce errors
• Streamline the flow of data to unlock more opportunity

PhoneBurner integrates with hundreds of top CRMs and applications so teams can get more done, with less effort.

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Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds

The transformative impact of outbound calling software on sales productivity and performance cannot be overstated. By streamlining manual processes, reducing call reluctance, and improving lead engagement, management and tracking, sales teams can build a bigger, and more engaged sales pipeline.

Switching from manual dialing to outbound calling software doesn’t mean giving up control or the ability to dial high-value leads with intention. PhoneBurner is the ideal solution for organizations who want speed, but demand a delay-free 1-to-1 experience that ensures every live answer has the strongest possibility of success.

Better yet, our industry-leading focus on call answer rates can help you dramatically increase the percentage of calls placed that result in a live conversation.

If you're ready to take your sales efforts to the next level, it's time to explore the features of PhoneBurner's outbound calling software. Sign up for a trial today and experience the difference for yourself.