Controlling the call without pushing
Control comes from structure and questions, never from volume.
Take control by framing
Say what will happen at the start and the call is yours: 'I'll ask a few questions, and if I can help I'll tell you how. If I can't, I'll tell you that too.'
Recovering a derailed call
When an owner jumps to price or a tangent, acknowledge, park it, and return: 'Happy to cover cost — it'll make more sense in a minute once I know what you actually need.'
Say it like this
Weak
It starts at £1,200 a month. [answering price in minute two]
Meri standard
It depends on what we'd actually fix — I'd rather not guess. Two quick questions and I can give you a real number.
Practice drill
Write your response to 'just tell me how much' asked ninety seconds into a call.
Run this drill with Meri CoachKnowledge check
A prospect demands price two minutes in. What is the Meri response?
Lesson 18 of 23 in the Meri Academy curriculum.