Cold Calling – What’s Worked for You? - Searchfunder

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by a searcher from Purdue University
in Indianapolis, IN, USA

1yr ago

Cold Calling – What’s Worked for You?

Hi all, I’m a self-funded searcher working on sourcing deals and recently started cold calling owners directly. It’s been a challenge getting traction, especially nailing the first 30 seconds. What’s worked for you? --How do you introduce yourself without sounding like a spam call? --What’s your go-to opening line or positioning? --How do you handle gatekeepers or voicemails? Appreciate any scripts, tips, or lessons learned. Thanks! Nick

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reply by a searcher 8mos ago
in Las Vegas, NV, USA

Do some research on your prospect like checking out their company website and make some worthwhile notes on things that stand out. Please don't use scripts, otherwise you'd sound like another robot. I won't talk to script readers or give them the time or day. Make a friend with the main gatekeeper. Sell the gatekeeper on your vision. Be real. Exude confidence. Then maybe we'll talk. ;)

reply by a searcher 3mos ago
from University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in Virginia, USA

I have made tens of thousands of cold calls, and I have often made over 100 calls per day for years, and I have even made 200 cold calls per day, every day, for a 2-month period. 1. No one cares who you are or who you work for. "Hi, this is John Doe, and I am reaching out to you because you are Jane Doe, MP with Acme Group. I am calling you because... Are you interested?" Get the conversation started, and set a calendar invitation. The goal of a cold call is to set a meeting. So set that meeting and GET OFF THE PHONE!!! 2. If you are talking to a gatekeeper, you have the wrong number. 99 times out of 100, you are going to waste your time speaking with anyone other than a decision maker. 3. High volume always, always, always, beats research. Don't spend 30 minutes, 10 minutes, or even 5 minutes reading a LinkedIn profile when you could make 10 more calls. 4. In the world of prospecting, things have changed; you can't only make cold calls. Call, send an email right after, and reference the time and phone number you called in that email, so the prospect will know if you actually have the correct number and/or if you are a real person. Sending LI In Mail can help, but I think it is becoming more spammy as well. The bottom line is that a multi-pronged approach is necessary and not optional in today's environment, so do what works for you. Feel free to reach out to me. If you have made it this far, then I will leave you with this. I went on an awesome fishing trip in South Texas last fall with someone who was my client that I cold-called over 10 years ago. I moved to a new role, and there is basically nothing he can do for me, or I can do for him, but we consider each other friends. Cold calling isn't about selling or sales, but rather relationship building. How would you act on the phone if the person who picks up was hiring for your position, or wanted to invest in your passion project, or wanted to take you fishing? Keep casting and good luck!

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