Cold calling was scary as hell when I first started as a 22 year old selling cleaner, more efficient homes. After a day’s training, I was taken to a residential street in a nearby city and told “Ok Bill, get out and start knocking on doors.”
Too proud to quit on the spot, I knocked on the first door. An angry, snarling housewife answered. “I don’t know what you’re selling, BUT I’M NOT INTERESTED AND IF YOU DON’T LEAVE IMMEDIATELY I’M CALLING THE POLICE!”
“Don’t give up Bill! Go around to the back door and knock again!” instructed my insane sales manager. “Tell the lady you don’t know who the lady was who answered the front door but she must be having a really bad day. Tell her it’s her lucky day, you’re prepared to clean and shampoo her entire living room carpet for free plus a no strings attached set of Sheffield Steak Knives! Tell her you are on a guaranteed salary but must make three demos a day to qualify for each weekly paycheck!”
“Well, that’s not lying. So why not?” I thought. Cold calling can be fun and rewarding if you know how.
12 Cold Call Openers By Mike Gallardo
1. Hey [Name], This is [Your Name] over at [Company], I noticed [Relevance], did you see the email I sent you or does the name ring a bell?
2. Hey [Name], This is [Your Name] over at [Company], the reason I’m calling you specifically is [Relevance], did you see the email I sent you or does the name ring a bell?
3. [Name], This is [Your Name] with [Company], I know you didn’t expect me to call you this afternoon, do you mind if I take one minute to tell you why I called you specifically, and then you can tell me whether or not it makes sense to speak?
4. [Name], This is [Your Name] with [Company], I know you didn’t expect my call. Do you have a moment? I promise to be brief.
5. [Name], This is [Your Name] with [Company]. I’m cold-calling you right now. It should take me about 30 seconds to tell you why I called and about 30 seconds for you to tell me if you want to keep talking. Sound fair?
6. Hi [Name] it’s [Your Name] from [Company], just saw [Relevance] and wondering if you had a second?
7. Hey [Name], it’s [Your Name] with [Company]. I know I’m probably catching you in the middle of something, but was hoping to make your day with a cold call here. Do you happen to have 30 seconds?
8. Hey [Name], it’s [Your Name] with [Company]. Not going to lie. This is a cold call. Want to hang up now or roll the dice and see why I called?
9. Hey [Name], this is [Name] with [Company], you weren’t expecting me to call but that’s half the fun of a cold call, can I steal a minute to share why I’m calling?
10. Hey [Name], it’s [Your Name] with [Company]. I’ll be upfront with you. This is a cold call about [Relevance]. Do you have 30 seconds to hear why I’m reaching out to you specifically?
11. Hey [Name], this is [Your Name]. We’ve never spoken. Maybe you could help me out for a moment?
12. Hey [Name], This is [Name]. We’ve never spoken and I know you’re probably in the middle of something but was hoping to speak with you. Do you have 2 minutes?
Which one’s your favorite?
