While most people may think cold calling is a thing of the past, we must set the record straight: it is very much alive. Sure, the old-school robotic pitch that sounds like you’re reading from a script no longer exists. But modern cold calling? It still lives and breathes – and can still pack a punch for your sales strategy.
The fact is that 82% of buyers say they accept meetings with sellers who reach out to them. That should be enough of a reason to start embracing a thoughtful and value-driven approach to cold calling.
Today, we’re sharing 12 killer cold calling tips to make it, let’s say, not so cold anymore. Let’s get into it.
Before you even think about picking up that phone, you need to know your product like the back of your hand.
You’re selling way more than just features – you’re solving problems. So, it’s important to understand everything your product can bring to the table. That way, when the prospect throws a curveball question, you’re ready to knock it out of the park.
Cold calling is a targeted strike. After all, time is money. Get to know who you’re calling before you make the call.
Dig up some LinkedIn information, recent news, or mutual connections. By doing so, your call will feel less like a surprise attack and more like a well-planned conversation.
First impressions matter, and your opening line can make or break the call. Avoid the generic ‘Hi, can I have a minute of your time?’. Instead, lead with something more engaging, like ‘Hello [name], I noticed your company just launched a new product, congrats! How’s that been going so far?’
Your tone is also crucial. Make sure you’re captivating in the right degree, so you don’t sound desperate or like an emotionless robot.
A cold call doesn’t have to feel cold. Take a minute to warm it up by referencing something specific about the prospect. Maybe it’s a recent blog post they wrote or a specific characteristic of their product. It shows you did your homework and aren’t just fishing for a sale.
You’re not pitching the entire product, just the value it can add to your prospects’ problems. So, you need to craft a tight, 30-second elevator pitch that clearly states what you do and why it matters to the person on the other side of the line.
Think of it as your verbal handshake: firm, to the point, and memorable.
Cold calling without solid tools is like playing baseball without a bat. You need a good CRM platform to track interactions, as well as a reliable VoIP system to ensure your calls are smooth and your call quality doesn’t drive people away.
Providers like Talkroute are a great example of comprehensive software that ensures you have everything you need on hand: a solid workflow, quality calls, and insights to look back at your successes and failures.
As the traditional office phone fades into obscurity and we embrace the future of communication, virtual phone systems such as Talkroute are at the forefront of innovation.
Since its launch in 2013, Talkroutehas established itself as a reliable and effective service. With prices starting at just $19 per month, this VoIP provider is home to a clean interface and an array of highly intuitive features that allow it to stand out from the crowd. The cherry on top is that users can get a discount of up to 20% for 12 months, and can even test the platform before committing by taking advantage of its 7-day free trial.
Timing is everything. Studies show the best time to call prospects is between 10 am and 11 am or 2 pm and 4 pm. Avoid Mondays (too hectic) and Fridays (mentally checked out).
If you’re dealing with different time zones and international prospects, a VoIP solution can help you schedule calls and avoid calling at inconvenient hours.
Guide the conversation, but don’t steamroll the prospect. Ask open-ended questions to get them talking about their challenges and needs, and then sweep in with a solution.
The more they talk, the more intel you gather to tailor your pitch.
You’re a stranger calling out of the blue, so credibility is key. Start by mentioning a recent success story, sharing relevant stats, or even offering a free trial to your product. Your goal is to build trust without sounding like you’re selling snake oil.
Objections are part of the journey, so don’t take them personally.
Listen actively, acknowledge their concerns, and respond with empathy. For example, if they say ‘we’re already using a similar product’, you could respond with something like: ‘totally understandable. But out of curiosity, what’s been working well with that product and what could be better?’
Every call should end with a clear next step. Is it scheduling a follow-up, sending additional resources, or even sending over a demo?
Confirm that the next step before hanging up is to be certain both you and your prospect are on the same page regarding what’s happening next.
After the call has ended, it’s important to know what went well and what can be improved.
Learning is the backbone of growing and evolving. Make sure you’re using your tools to upgrade your sales skills. Lots of software offers AI-driven insights and reports for understanding just that, which can help you learn in matters of minutes.
Sharing your insights and learnings with your team can also be a good way to improve as a team.
Practice makes perfect, and that’s especially true for cold calling. Keep refining your approach, testing new pitches, and adapting to what works best.
Having platforms you trust by your side is already half the way to making successful cold calls. Providers like Talkroute can give you comprehensive tools to not only effectively make the calls, but also analyze their outcomes and understand where you need to improve.
We’re sure that by following our tips, you’ll be boosting your sales calls and closing deals like a pro. Happy dialing!
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