Learn the art of top B2B cold calling opening scripts, tips, techniques and best practices on how to make effective, successful cold phone calls that really work to get appointment for sales.
I’m working with an inside sales team who are having success with a cold calling opening that previously I had recommended against using. After listening to their recorded calls though, I’ve been surprised by how effective it is!While experimenting with variations of this prospecting approach, I’ve developed 5 new cold calling openings and listed them below. My new recommendation is that you try these for yourself to see how they work for you: Surprise cold calling opening #1: “Did I catch you at a bad time?” I know, seems counter intuitive to give your prospect a way out at the very beginning, and that’s why I’ve recommended against it for so long. But…it’s been working well, and prospects are actually stopping and giving the reps a chance to keep talking. Try it for yourself and let me know how it works for you… Sales prospecting opening #2: “Is this an okay time to speak?” Again, my instinct (and experience) has taught me this isn’t a good way to open your call, however, I think it’s been working because it gives the prospect control of the call initially, and this seems to encourage them to grant permission to continue. Again, try it and let me know…Related: The Sale Is Always in the Follow Up Cold call opening #3: “Didn’t think I’d catch you in person, can you spare just a couple of minutes right now?” Again, asking for permission seems to be working for the team I’m consulting with, and this variation puts in a bit of a softening statement. Sales prospecting opening #4: “Sorry to disturb you, have I caught you at an okay time?” Variation on the theme here—once again, we combine a softening statement with asking for permission… New cold calling opening #5: “Oh, I’m so glad I reached you. Can you take just a moment to speak with me right now?” As you can see, this, too, is a new opening, continuing the theme of asking for permission.As with all of these cold calling or sales prospecting openings, you’re giving initial control to your prospect in the hopes that they will grant you permission to have a brief conversation. And, as I said, this seems to be working well.Pick one of the opening above, customize it so it fits your style, and let me know how it works for you. By providing each other feedback (especially sharing on LinedIn), we’ll all be helping one another get better at prospecting over the phone!
