When making a cold call to a prospect, you need to have multiple opening lines available. You need to read the person in a split second of them saying “Hello?” or “Mark Speaking” or whatever. Are they coming accross as formal? busy? stressed? happy? From that, you tailor that opening line, you match their enthusiasm and raise it ever so slightly. Below I’m going to share some opening lines that I have used that have been successful and my opinion on some typical opening lines.

The Credibility Opening Line (If they sound professional, intelligent)

“Jack? Jack it’s Mark here, I’m one of the directors here from XYZ company, how’s things? Yes I’m good mate..(Match their tone, raise it slightly) Jack.. the reason for my call today.. At XYZ company we have helped ABC Company(Have a similair scope to their company XYZ) to achieve SOLUTION, is that something that you have considered yourself?(lower tone, sound mysterious almost like you are telling them a secret)”

I like the credibility opening line because it comes at them from their level, you have commonality that you are both directors, you understand each other. The implication that you have helped similar companies gives them peace of mind you have the right experience and that they should probably should utilise your solution if their competitor has, if they are in the market ofcoarse. By refining the opening approach in this manner, one can cultivate rapport and instill confidence in the prospect, fostering a more fruitful conversation.

The Humerous Honesty (If they sound stressed)

“Hello Jack? Jack it’s Mark here XYZ Company, this is a cold call admittingly… Have I caught you at a bad time? Look Jack, I know you probably get hundreds of these CALLS a day and it’s annoying right? I get it trust me, but atleast I’m not from an overseas call center right? So that’s a start… “

Directors get plummeled with marketing calls all day everyday. If they answer the phone and sound frustrated or busy, you need to break through to them by making them laugh. Humour can give you the valuable time that you need to connect with them and put your solution accross. A good personality, being funny, goes a long way in sales. You need to be able to get away with things that most people can’t get away with, such as disrupting people(lol).

The Curious Local Line

“Hello Jack, Jack It’s Mark from XYZ company here, how are you? Jack, I keep seeing your company vehicles around and about my area and I had to give you a call, is now a good time?”

Only do this if it’s true. Perhaps you can add that you have worked with some similair companies or you have a particular connection in common. It gives common ground in regards to locality so the prospect will feel obliged to listen to what you are saying.

I just had to call Line

“Hello Jack, Mark here from XYZ company, how are you? Jack I was just checking your website and I can see that you do OBSERVATION with CLIENT OBSERVATION. My Company specialises in SOLUTION, is that something you need help with?”

This opening line shows that you have done your research. The tone required is one of curiousity, raising your pitch towards the end of each sentence. Though, never raise your tone too high, you will sound unsure of yourself and diminish yourself.

Make sure prior to cold calling that you are preparing by researching their company, the scope, their recent social media posts, who their clients are. Spend a good few minutes on that. Be polite, you are potentially interrupting their day they might be busy so unsure your tone carrys the implication of “Sorry to interrupt” initially, almost awkwardness. You don’t want to sound too smooth, over confident, it’s a fine line and you need to read the play.

The intriguing Opening Line

“Hello Jack, How are you? Jack, I’m glad you answered because I really want to talk to you about something that I’m absolutely certain is going to be of interest…”

This does exactly what the title states, creates intrigue. Now they need to know what you do and what you sell and how it can help. It is just how our brains are wired.

The Complimentary Line

“Hi Jack. Mark from XYZ company, How are you? I saw your recent post about OBSERVATION, I love what you guys do, it’s quite inspiring really… Anyway…”

This shows you have researched the company and the prospect will love the compliment. Opening you up to more time to discuss your solution.

Look don;t beat yourself up about disrupting Business Owners and Managers day, they love the attention, trust me.