Don't use a generic opener. Lead with a specific trigger or context about the prospect, acknowledge it's a cold call, and then ask for 30 seconds of their time. This personalized approach makes every opener unique and more engaging, increasing the chances they'll listen.

After addressing a prospect's concern, don't assume you've solved it. Explicitly ask if your explanation was sufficient by asking, "Was that enough to satisfy your concern?" This simple check ensures the issue is truly resolved and prevents it from resurfacing later to kill your deal. Most reps answer and move on, which is a critical mistake.

To truly understand a prospect's decision-making process, ask for more than you expect to get, such as requesting to be part of their internal evaluation meeting. Even a "no" often prompts them to reveal more about their process, criteria, and stakeholders than a standard discovery question would.

A study of 300 million cold calls found that asking for permission to speak (e.g., "Got a minute for me to share why I'm calling?") is ten times more effective than standard pleasantries. This approach allows the prospect to consciously opt-in to the conversation.

Acknowledge that prospects are evaluating competitors. Instead of fearing this, proactively schedule a follow-up call specifically to help them compare your solution against others. This builds trust, positions you as an advisor, and keeps you in control of the sales cycle.

A cold call is not a discovery call. You haven't earned the right to ask probing questions. Your goal is to articulate a problem, pitch a solution, and ask for the meeting. Save your questions for after they object, using them to uncover the real issue.

Reframe voicemails not as a request for a callback, but as a strategic preview for your next action, like an email or text. This guides the prospect to an easier response channel and makes the multi-touch sequence feel more cohesive and intentional.

Instead of a direct "just following up" message, tag your prospect in a relevant industry post on LinkedIn. This provides value, gives them visibility, and serves as a subtle reminder, positioning you as a helpful resource rather than a persistent seller.

In the first minute of a cold call, resist the urge to pitch your product. Instead, lead with a 'reverse pitch' that focuses entirely on the prospect's potential problems. This approach is three times more effective than using solution-focused language, as it speaks to what the buyer actually cares about.