You see examples all over LinkedIn and in every sales book but curious what you all have found to be the most effective intro line to use on a totally cold cold call.
JuicyKlay
Best Cold Call Opener?
46
"It's me, ya boy"
"oh shit whats poppin"
Whassssup?
HOV
Gatekeeper: "Is he/she expecting your call?"
Salesperson: "Oh wow, I hope not, that would be spooky."
Gets a laugh every time, 73% of the time.
Salesperson: "Oh wow, I hope not, that would be spooky."
Gets a laugh every time, 73% of the time.
That's classic! I need to try that one.
Always address a prospects questions first, and toss one out to continue the conversation naturally. What every prospects wants to know when a stranger calls them is:
1. Who are you?
2. How did you find me?
3. Why are you calling?
Example: "Hey Prospect, this is Bhavy from ABC company. Saw the recent news about {your product launch} and thought I'd give you a shout since we've helped a few companies like yours this past month. How're you doing today?
It's eliminated hangups entirely and been pretty good at weeding out the time-wasters right away. Prospects who have the challenges your company solves near the top of their mind will usually entertain a conversation.
1. Who are you?
2. How did you find me?
3. Why are you calling?
Example: "Hey Prospect, this is Bhavy from ABC company. Saw the recent news about {your product launch} and thought I'd give you a shout since we've helped a few companies like yours this past month. How're you doing today?
It's eliminated hangups entirely and been pretty good at weeding out the time-wasters right away. Prospects who have the challenges your company solves near the top of their mind will usually entertain a conversation.
yes. take 5 minutes to research your prospect before reaching out. Will change everything.
5 minutes can save you 5 calls.
maybe just personal opinion- but you have it backwords..
nobody cares who you are , WHY are you calling me... how did you find me and then your punch line
nobody cares who you are , WHY are you calling me... how did you find me and then your punch line
I would agree however I think it adds a level of comfort/familiarity when you make yourself known to them
Absolutely. Saying your name takes a couple seconds and helps a lot - especially as you get more senior
You make a good point. How would you phrase my example above?
Instead of asking how are they doing today say something along the lines of "the reason for my call is...."
I like this approach.
Great minds
One of the best answers I’ve seen. This does get results and instantly builds credibility/rapport.
Thanks! Do you do something like this?
"Hi is this The Resa?.....Oh sorry Theresa"
💀
‘Hi *name*, how are you feeling about sales calls today?’
This is a ‘smile through the phone’ job, and it can be a nice ice-breaker.
This is a ‘smile through the phone’ job, and it can be a nice ice-breaker.
Never heard this line before. Love it!!!
"Prospect, thanks for taking the call. My name is Money and we haven't met before. Full transparency, I'm cold calling you right now. I'm sure you want to hang up, but would you allow me 30 seconds to tell you why I called?"
- thank them for answering
- accusation audit
- ask them for minimal time (most people will say yes)
- intentionally leave off where I'm calling from until they are willing to commit to 30sec
I've found most folks will give me the 30 seconds to qualify them and understand if they've got the problem I can solve.
- thank them for answering
- accusation audit
- ask them for minimal time (most people will say yes)
- intentionally leave off where I'm calling from until they are willing to commit to 30sec
I've found most folks will give me the 30 seconds to qualify them and understand if they've got the problem I can solve.
Josh Braun tactic...I use something similar.
"Hey prospect, this is BLANK. I know you're probably gonna hate me because this is a cold call...would you like to hang up and fire me right now or can I steal a minute of your time (chuckle)?
"Hey prospect, this is BLANK. I know you're probably gonna hate me because this is a cold call...would you like to hang up and fire me right now or can I steal a minute of your time (chuckle)?
Nailed it - love his approach, definitely aligns with my preferred style.
How do you move on from there? Either with a problem or without a problem
Next sequence I use after the intro:
“The reason for my call is I’ve been working with other companies in your industry with X,Y, and Z (pain points). Was curious where those fell on your priority list and what specific ones you are focusing on to see if a further conversation would make sense…”.
“The reason for my call is I’ve been working with other companies in your industry with X,Y, and Z (pain points). Was curious where those fell on your priority list and what specific ones you are focusing on to see if a further conversation would make sense…”.
So you know how (insert true problem that is costing them money)? We help (industry) fix that by (straight forward solution. Does that sound interesting?
Eg: So you know how phone orders are a huge burden on in-store labor when you're already having staffing troubles? We help restaurants fix that by picking up every call and handling the phone orders for them. Does that sound interesting?
Eg: So you know how phone orders are a huge burden on in-store labor when you're already having staffing troubles? We help restaurants fix that by picking up every call and handling the phone orders for them. Does that sound interesting?
"Hey, NAME - before you hang up, I am NOT calling about your extended warranty, a Hilton Honors package, OR notifying you of your social security being hacked.
I do have a quick question about BUSINESS NAME though, think you can help?
I do have a quick question about BUSINESS NAME though, think you can help?
Haha I love this one. Those damn extended warranty calls! 😖
My team has been using the, "Hey Prospect, this is a cold call and before you hang up do you have 30 seconds to hear me out on why I called and if it makes sense to talk?"
Seen some success with it the past month or so.
Seen some success with it the past month or so.
Hey Don;
I assume this is from Grant Cardone's role play with his teammates doing a live call asking a prospect for 30 Secs.
I assume this is from Grant Cardone's role play with his teammates doing a live call asking a prospect for 30 Secs.
I believe so. I have mixed emotions on it as we're calling into C-Levels like CISO's and CTO's who either love it or hate it.
Yikes
I go with a real dull - "Hey <Prospect's first name>, My name is Filth and I do <vague overview of industry I work in> and I am trying to lock down a time to have a conversation to see if there is a relevant opportunity for our companies to work together"
I usually get some pushback and just explain that I am not trying to interrupt their workday today, that's why I want to put something on the books when it makes sense for their schedule or the topic is relevant to the company.
Like any cold call its 50/50 but on the "No" I can usually pull comp information or at least a time window for opportunity to follow up b/c I explain that it's my job and if I was gonna call back anyways can it at least make sense for them.
Nothing groundbreaking here sorry.
I usually get some pushback and just explain that I am not trying to interrupt their workday today, that's why I want to put something on the books when it makes sense for their schedule or the topic is relevant to the company.
Like any cold call its 50/50 but on the "No" I can usually pull comp information or at least a time window for opportunity to follow up b/c I explain that it's my job and if I was gonna call back anyways can it at least make sense for them.
Nothing groundbreaking here sorry.
I like this professional and straight to the point approach here though.
Yeah I usually get some respect for just doing my job even from the more "irate" prospects and give me a straight forward talk instead of the cold click.
i like it
It really depends, I try to introduce myself and let them know why I'm calling and seeing if that's something we can align with. and go from there.
However, I do find the value in having something solid that delivers the value that you can deliver within that minute and a half that you have before they either start a conversation or just get to the point and let you know that is not something they can make a decision on or whatever.
However, I do find the value in having something solid that delivers the value that you can deliver within that minute and a half that you have before they either start a conversation or just get to the point and let you know that is not something they can make a decision on or whatever.
For a true cold call with no past engagement: "Hi [name], my name is ___ from [company]. I know you weren't expecting my call - I was reaching out to make an introduction and learn more about your role and interest in [industry you work for/selling into]
For SDRs, there is a lot of low hanging fruit when addressing "lost deals" from years prior, especially in the enterprise space. You can run a lost deal report in Sales Force, and from there, the "cold" intro might look more like:
"Hi [name], my name is ___ from [company]. Previously John Doe met with my colleague, [name], to discuss [topic - look at the past sales notes]. How did that project go?
You can adapt the messaging on the second to be much more personalized and specific depending on the context of the previous notes/deals.
For SDRs, there is a lot of low hanging fruit when addressing "lost deals" from years prior, especially in the enterprise space. You can run a lost deal report in Sales Force, and from there, the "cold" intro might look more like:
"Hi [name], my name is ___ from [company]. Previously John Doe met with my colleague, [name], to discuss [topic - look at the past sales notes]. How did that project go?
You can adapt the messaging on the second to be much more personalized and specific depending on the context of the previous notes/deals.
We utilize this and it gets our foot back into the door. There is some familiarity.
Our company is always the most expensive. But that also means we are typically providing the best quality product they have ever experienced.
"Hey NAME, OUR COMPANY and YOUR COMPANY had some engagement on this project 2 years ago. Tell me how that turned out for your team..."
Let them talkkkkkk.
The ONLY goal of a cold call should be to GET ANOTHER CALL SCHEDULED.
Our company is always the most expensive. But that also means we are typically providing the best quality product they have ever experienced.
"Hey NAME, OUR COMPANY and YOUR COMPANY had some engagement on this project 2 years ago. Tell me how that turned out for your team..."
Let them talkkkkkk.
The ONLY goal of a cold call should be to GET ANOTHER CALL SCHEDULED.
I love the lost deals or "my colleague was previously engaged" approach.
Hey <prospect> this is <First name>. **Pause**
Prospect - Who?
This is <First & Last name> from <company>. Did I catch you in the middle of something?
Prospect "yes, always in the middle of something" or "no, im good what's up"
"chuckle...completely understand me too/great....was just reaching out because I noticed you are the <title> at <their company> Could I take 30 seconds to let you know why i'm calling?"
prospect - not interested/yeah go ahead
"yeah I know this is out of nowhere but I work with <titles> in <industry> and have been helping them solve <name a few common challenges>. not sure if this is anything you are working on or how familiar you are with <your company>......
prospect - yes to challenges - "yeah i am not surprised we have been hearing that alot...
or
prospect no to challenges "oh wow thats great you are on top of it! if you had some time i'm curious to learn more about your roadmap as we lead all things in <what company does relevant to prospect>"
could we set up some time to dive deeper into it?"
- thank me later
Prospect - Who?
This is <First & Last name> from <company>. Did I catch you in the middle of something?
Prospect "yes, always in the middle of something" or "no, im good what's up"
"chuckle...completely understand me too/great....was just reaching out because I noticed you are the <title> at <their company> Could I take 30 seconds to let you know why i'm calling?"
prospect - not interested/yeah go ahead
"yeah I know this is out of nowhere but I work with <titles> in <industry> and have been helping them solve <name a few common challenges>. not sure if this is anything you are working on or how familiar you are with <your company>......
prospect - yes to challenges - "yeah i am not surprised we have been hearing that alot...
or
prospect no to challenges "oh wow thats great you are on top of it! if you had some time i'm curious to learn more about your roadmap as we lead all things in <what company does relevant to prospect>"
could we set up some time to dive deeper into it?"
- thank me later
I see you're way ahead of any objections with this approach! Nice!
"Hey Billy, this is Mikey from ABC - you and I haven't spoken before but could I have a moment to explain why I called?"
I've had maybe two people over the last year that have said "no"
I've had maybe two people over the last year that have said "no"
You can get a good look at a t-bone steak by sticking your head up a bull's ass, but wouldn't you rather take the butcher's word for it? Hi, I'm (Name)
Lawl that’s a new one 😂
Once upon a time before my sales rapping days, I would literally rap on cold calls. Got some laughs and bought me some time.
Cold calling is 2 things:
1. Pattern interrupt well
2. Be relevant, succinct, and sell the meeting
Cold calling is 2 things:
1. Pattern interrupt well
2. Be relevant, succinct, and sell the meeting
‘Hi (name), it’s Bob from the Company and I’m following up after the email I’ve recently sent you. Do you have a minute?”
Prospect:
- minute for what?
- how did you get mu number?
- who is this?
Well, as I said, it’s Bob, and I saw on LI that you’re in charge of (relevant detail). Since we’re one of the leaders in the (field), I’d like to schedule a short call to share how we can help you and see if there’s any alignment...
etc, etc
Prospect:
- minute for what?
- how did you get mu number?
- who is this?
Well, as I said, it’s Bob, and I saw on LI that you’re in charge of (relevant detail). Since we’re one of the leaders in the (field), I’d like to schedule a short call to share how we can help you and see if there’s any alignment...
etc, etc
This is classic and does work fairly well. I typically will lead with an email as well to make sure they're still there and have an "excuse" to call.
The winning by design method,
who are you?
whats in it for me?
how can you help?
who are you?
whats in it for me?
how can you help?
Hi prospect, it's your doctor calling...
I like to keep it short, sweet and to the point - state who I am, What company I'm calling from and why.
Hi (Prospect name) - This MSP Sales from the Best BCDR company.
How's it going?
Reason I'm calling is the Best BCDR company is expanding our partnership program and we are looking for MSPs such as yourself.
Have you heard of the Best BCDR company before?
If yes (they usually get it wrong and go into elevator pitch) If no (I still go into elevator pitch)
Follow up with - What are you currently doing for BCDR?
Uncover pain points. Talk about how my solution can help.
Assumptive close for time for initial presentation
Hi (Prospect name) - This MSP Sales from the Best BCDR company.
How's it going?
Reason I'm calling is the Best BCDR company is expanding our partnership program and we are looking for MSPs such as yourself.
Have you heard of the Best BCDR company before?
If yes (they usually get it wrong and go into elevator pitch) If no (I still go into elevator pitch)
Follow up with - What are you currently doing for BCDR?
Uncover pain points. Talk about how my solution can help.
Assumptive close for time for initial presentation
Hi Prospect, this is Rep from Company. I know this is unexpected, do you have a quick moment?
Once I get permission to continue...
I appreciate your time, I'm calling because I work with a lot of similar organizations that have {relevant challenge} and helped them achieve {relevant result}. How are you managing those challenges?
I haven't had any hang ups, and the idea is lead to a conversation. Then after a couple minutes of chatting I can push them to a scheduled call because "i know I'm interrupting your day"..
Most of the time even if I don't get a meeting I learn about their current solution, how they are managing a specific challenge, or just have a good conversation with someone in my industry.
Once I get permission to continue...
I appreciate your time, I'm calling because I work with a lot of similar organizations that have {relevant challenge} and helped them achieve {relevant result}. How are you managing those challenges?
I haven't had any hang ups, and the idea is lead to a conversation. Then after a couple minutes of chatting I can push them to a scheduled call because "i know I'm interrupting your day"..
Most of the time even if I don't get a meeting I learn about their current solution, how they are managing a specific challenge, or just have a good conversation with someone in my industry.
If it's 100% cold call, I usually find their company on LinkedIn, find a recent advert they have been running and use that.
"Hi prospect! I'm reaching out to you because I saw you advert concerning x on LinkedIn. It caught my attention and I was wondering" - What software/hardware do you use (vendor), how has this product/service been received by your clients, etc.
You can probably see where I'm going with this. It's harder for the prospect to decline talking to me if he (his company) hypothetically reached out to me first with an ad.
"Hi prospect! I'm reaching out to you because I saw you advert concerning x on LinkedIn. It caught my attention and I was wondering" - What software/hardware do you use (vendor), how has this product/service been received by your clients, etc.
You can probably see where I'm going with this. It's harder for the prospect to decline talking to me if he (his company) hypothetically reached out to me first with an ad.
Really good idea!
Hahaha - “your website contact us section said you would love to hear from me? Judging by your tone, I’m gonna say that’s a hard no” 🤣
Haha 😂
How have you been? - tip from gong
I've been loving the "what's changed since the last time we talked/connected/met etc?"
"Hey {{prospect name}}, this is donjuandelasventas from Bravado on a recorded line - how have you been?"
pretty standard but answers the prospects "who is this?" and "where are they from?" questions quickly and sets me up for the "why are they calling?" immediately after.
I also put off getting a tool like Gong for a long time out of fear of the "on a recorded line" requirement but surprisingly hasn't impacted many of our conversations at all (we call into IT primarily).
pretty standard but answers the prospects "who is this?" and "where are they from?" questions quickly and sets me up for the "why are they calling?" immediately after.
I also put off getting a tool like Gong for a long time out of fear of the "on a recorded line" requirement but surprisingly hasn't impacted many of our conversations at all (we call into IT primarily).
Come in right away with value. I don't say my name or company at all.
"Hi JuicyClay, we are helping Development leads empower their devs to spend more time innovating in turn allowing them to create new services and deliver more value to your customers. Does your team get bogged down by the noise of false positives?"
Then they usually ask who are you with? Which lets me know I bought more time with them.
"Hi JuicyClay, we are helping Development leads empower their devs to spend more time innovating in turn allowing them to create new services and deliver more value to your customers. Does your team get bogged down by the noise of false positives?"
Then they usually ask who are you with? Which lets me know I bought more time with them.
I know you weren't expecting my call
The Chicken is in the Pot.
"Just making sure I'm in the right place. You oversee ___ at ____, is that correct?" "Great well that's the reason I'm reaching out. Typically we work with people in your role to help them (pitch)".... Thank me later
This one isn't for everyone, but intro like they're my best friend enthusiastic an casual at the same time, on a successful call outcome 1 is they feel awkward that they can remember you and listen, outcome b is I sense them thinking who is this, and i say 'you don't know who I am do you in a joking friendly tome? then start laughing - they laugh also , think this takes alot of balls
This happens when I am the receiver of calls all the time. I'm always thinking, how do I know this guy lol?
Suhhhhhh dude
“Oh shit.. you answered?”
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