If you run a sales or outreach team and want to get the most out of your reps' calling time, you’ve probably looked at Connectandsell. It promises to automate and speed up cold calling by connecting reps with prospects at a rapid clip. But here’s the thing: the real work is in the setup and the day-to-day managing of calling sessions. If you want to avoid wasted dials, confused reps, and general chaos, you’ll want a system for scheduling and managing these sessions.
This guide is for team leads, managers, or ops folks who need to organize Connectandsell sessions for a group—without losing your mind or your team’s trust. Let’s get to it.
1. Understand How Connectandsell Sessions Actually Work
Before you schedule anything, make sure you get what a session is—and what it isn’t.
- A session is a block of time (usually 1-2 hours) where your reps are "on the dialer" and ready to take live conversations.
- Reps log into Connectandsell, join the session, and the system dials through lists at high speed, connecting live calls as they come.
- If reps aren’t logged in and ready, or if your session overlaps with another team’s, you’ll lose efficiency. Calls just won’t happen.
Don’t assume it’s like any regular Zoom or calendar event. The tech is a little fussy and you need to work within its quirks.
2. Prep Your Team and Data (Don’t Skip This!)
You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches if you do a little prep before you start scheduling.
Set Expectations
- Tell your reps why you’re using Connectandsell. If they don’t buy in, they won’t show up ready.
- Be clear about session times and attendance. This isn’t a “join whenever” situation.
Clean Up Your Lists
- Make sure your target lists are loaded and scrubbed—bad numbers, duplicates, and old leads slow the system and frustrate everyone.
- Assign lists clearly: Don’t have five reps on the same stale list.
Calendar, Calendar, Calendar
- Use a shared team calendar (Google Calendar, Outlook, whatever) to block out session slots.
- Include Connectandsell dial-in details and session links in the event.
Pro Tip: If you’re running multiple teams, color-code each team’s session blocks to avoid overlap and confusion.
3. Scheduling Team Sessions in Connectandsell: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to set up your team’s sessions. The details may shift a bit depending on your Connectandsell plan or integration, but this is the basic flow.
Step 1: Log Into the Admin Dashboard
- Only admins or managers can schedule team sessions.
- Double-check your timezone in your profile; Connectandsell isn’t always obvious about which timezone it’s using.
Step 2: Choose “Team Session” (Not “Individual Session”)
- Select “Schedule Team Session” or the equivalent in your dashboard.
- Pick the team or group of reps who’ll be on the session.
Step 3: Set the Date, Time, and Duration
- Most teams do 60- to 90-minute sessions. Anything longer and reps start to mentally check out.
- Avoid first thing in the morning or late afternoon; connect rates usually dip then.
- Double-check for conflicts with other teams or company meetings.
Step 4: Assign Lists and Reps
- Assign specific lists to each session. Don’t just pick “all leads”—that’s a recipe for confusion and missed opportunities.
- Add or remove reps as needed. Make sure each rep knows which session they’re on.
Step 5: Confirm and Send Invites
- Click “Schedule” or “Save,” then send calendar invites to your reps.
- Include clear instructions (dial-in numbers, what time to join, what to prep).
- Remind reps to test their headsets and log in a few minutes early.
4. Running an Effective Team Session
Scheduling is one thing, but actually running the session well is where most teams stumble. Here’s what to focus on.
Get Reps Logged In Early
- Have reps log in at least 5 minutes before the session starts.
- If someone’s late, they’ll miss out on connects—and you’ll burn time fixing it.
Monitor the Session (Don’t Just Set and Forget)
- As a manager, keep an eye on session stats and rep status in real time.
- If someone drops off or isn’t getting connects, ping them to check their setup.
Keep Energy High
- Have a quick standup or Slack check-in before the session.
- Encourage reps to share quick wins or funny stories between calls. (But keep it tight—don’t let chatter kill momentum.)
Track Metrics That Actually Matter
Don’t get lost in vanity metrics. Focus on:
- Conversations per hour: Are reps getting live connects?
- Meetings booked: The only number that really matters at the end of the day.
- Rep participation: Who’s actually logging in and staying engaged?
5. Troubleshooting: What Usually Goes Wrong (And How to Fix It)
Connectandsell isn’t magic. Here’s what tends to break, and what to do instead of panicking.
Common Issues
- Reps can’t log in: Usually a browser pop-up blocker, forgotten password, or a system update. Have a cheat sheet of fixes ready.
- Session doesn’t start on time: Double-check timezones. If reps are late, start without them—don’t punish the group.
- Low connect rates: Usually a list problem (bad numbers) or wrong time of day. Try swapping lists or shifting the session time.
- Tech glitches: Refresh the browser, check headsets, or, if all else fails, log out and back in.
What to Ignore
- Don’t obsess over every dropped call; it happens.
- Don’t micromanage every rep’s screen. Trust but verify through the dashboard.
6. Managing Sessions Week-to-Week
Scheduling isn’t a one-and-done thing. You’ll need a simple, repeatable system.
Set a Rhythm
- Choose regular session times (e.g., Tues/Thurs 10–11:30am) and stick to them.
- Make it part of the team’s routine, not an occasional “special event.”
Rotate Lists and Reps
- Don’t let reps get stuck calling the same stale leads week after week.
- Mix up lists and encourage reps to share what’s working.
Review and Adjust
- After each session (or at least weekly), review key metrics.
- Drop sessions that don’t work and double down on what does.
- Listen to rep feedback: If everyone hates Wednesdays at 4pm, change it.
7. Honest Pros and Cons (What Works, What Doesn’t)
You’ll hear a lot of hype about Connectandsell. Here’s what actually works—and what’s overrated.
What Works
- Batching sessions: Doing calling in focused, team-based sprints beats random, solo dialing.
- Manager involvement: Sessions run smoother when someone’s actively overseeing.
- Clean, targeted lists: The system is only as good as your data.
What Doesn’t
- “Set it and forget it”: Hands-off management leads to missed connections and wasted dials.
- Long, marathon sessions: Everyone gets tired and sloppy after 90 minutes. Keep it short and sharp.
- Assuming reps will self-manage: They won’t. Block time, send reminders, and follow up.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep Iterating
Managing team sessions in Connectandsell can save you a ton of time and hassle—if you set up a process and stick to it. Don’t overcomplicate things. Start with short, regular sessions, keep your lists fresh, and tweak as you go. Your team (and your calendar) will thank you.