Cold Calling Tactics?

BizEnthusiast

Looking for some tips and insight on how to improve my cold calling sales experience with prospective clients. Any ideas besides being as authentic as possible?

McCandless

Here is what I recommend:

Make your calls 5-10 mins before the hour. When you connect, you basically want to say something along the following lines:

...

Hi [name],

Our mutual acquaintance [name] suggested I should take a look at what you do.

I've been looking at your service this morning and think we can improve X by Y and had to get in touch.

I'm about to dash into a meeting so can't talk for long now, how about we set up a 20 minute call later this afternoon and I'll run you through it?

...

The basic structure is the same structure I use myself for any form of cold contact. 

1. Establish a social or personal connection

2. Quickly demonstrate why you are calling and should be listened to

3. Ask a straightforward yes/no question

Good luck!

Ryan O'Bleness

@McCandless, great thoughts and strategy. 

Cold calling is nerve-racking because, let's face it, nobody wants to receive a random call from a stranger trying to sell you something or get your business. 

I think this is a good general structure to follow. The only thing I would add is, although you can follow the general conversation every time, change it up a bit with each person you speak to. Ask them a question about their day or tell a quick anecdote to lighten the mode and show you are being personable. Don't use a cookie-cutter approach. 

Like McCandless said, keep it short, be personal and form a connection.