You’ve probably heard that cold calling is a waste of time.
And while there’s some truth to that statement, it’s not always the case. Cold calling can be an extremely effective way to reach new customers and land unexplored business deals. But only if you do it right. If you don’t know how to cold call, you’re going to struggle and probably end up wasting a lot of time and energy in the process.
In this article, we will share how to ace your next cold call and give you tips on preparing for your call, making a good impression, and closing the deal.
The cold call mindset
It’s no secret that making cold calls can be a daunting task. You’re putting yourself out there, asking for something that you may not always get. But the key to success is to think of it as an opportunity, not a burden.
When you go into a cold call with the right mindset, you’re already one step ahead of the competition. You need to be confident and prepared, and most notably, you need to be genuinely interested in what the other person has to say. If you can manage to keep all of that in mind, cold calling becomes a lot less scary.
The perfect cold call script
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You know the feeling. You’ve just worked up the courage to make a cold call, and then you get tongue-tied as soon as you start speaking. It’s the worst. But don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The key is to have a solid script going in. That’s why we’ve put together this section on how to ace your next cold call.
First, let’s start with the basics. What should your opening sentence be? Well, a good way to start is by introducing yourself and then addressing the person you’re speaking to by name. This shows that you’re interested in building a relationship with them.
From there, it’s all about finding common ground and identifying needs. You want to make sure that you’re doing a fair share of listening and talking, and that you’re offering solutions, not just selling your product or service. Cold calling can be intimidating, but if you follow these fundamental tips, you will be able to increase your chances of making a sale.
How to sound like a human
You’ve likely heard that the most promising way to ace your next cold call is to be prepared. But what does that mean, exactly?
It means having a plan. Know what you’re going to say before you even pick up the phone. And more importantly, be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The person on the other end of the line can hear it in your voice, and they will pick up on it.
Instead, be genuine and honest. Talk to them like you would talk to a friend. Pretend you’re just having a conversation over coffee. It will make the call feel less scripted and more natural. And that’s something the person on the other end will appreciate.
How to overcome rejections
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We are sure you know the rejections that people always throw at you during a cold call: “I’m not interested,” “I’m not the right person,” and “I don’t have time right now.”
Don’t let them get you down. Instead, use them to your advantage. Anticipate the rejections that people are going to throw at you and have a response ready. Not only will this make you sound prepared and confident, but it will also show that you’re serious about making this deal.
Another way to overcome rejections is to ask questions. Get the person to talk about their needs. Ask them what their concerns are and go on to explain how you can address them. Ultimately, remember that not everyone is going to be interested in what you have to offer. Don’t take it personally. Move on to the next prospect and don’t dwell on the ones who said no repeatedly.
How to follow up after a cold call
Now that you’ve made the cold call, it’s time to follow up. You want to make sure that you stay top of mind, so the wisest way to do that is to send a quick text or email. Be sure to personalize it and reference something from your conversation.
For example, “Hi Jen, it was great to speak with you today about the upcoming project you’re looking to roll out next month. I’m looking forward to working with you.” This little touch will make you stand out from the competition and show that you’re invested in developing a lasting relationship with the customer.
So you’ve been tasked with making cold calls? You might be terrified, or you might be excited. But one thing is for sure: you want to make the most of this opportunity. In this post, we have shared with you almost everything you need to know about acing your next cold call. By following the abovementioned tips, you will be able to set yourself up for success and make the most of this chance. So now, go forth and do your thing!