8 Non-Cheesy Cold Calling Tips Refined From 80,000 Calls (Proven Results)

Summary

This video highlights effective cold-calling techniques, focusing on overcoming hesitation and maximizing productivity. The speaker shares personal experiences, including how fear of failure once hindered their progress. Key tips include making calls during optimal times, controlling the conversation, handling objections, and maintaining etiquette. The speaker emphasizes that cold calling, while challenging, remains a powerful tool for setting meetings and closing deals in 2024. With a focus on persistence, assertiveness, and improving one's skills, the video provides actionable advice for both beginners and experienced sales professionals.

Takeaways

• 📞 Cold calling can be daunting at first, but taking immediate action without over-researching helps overcome the fear.
• 🚀 Pressing the call button quickly is more effective than over-preparing—learn what to say as the phone rings.
• ⏰ The best times to make cold calls are early mornings (7:45 CST) and late afternoons (3:30-4:00 CST) to catch prospects before or after meetings.
• 🎯 Start calls with a friendly, conversational tone, and explain clearly who you are and why you're calling to build rapport.
• 🔑 No matter how good your pitch, some prospects simply won't be interested. Accept this and focus on those who are open to conversation.
• 🎤 Control the pace of the call. Don’t rush or let the prospect's interruptions throw you off. Maintain a steady, calm demeanor.
• 💼 Be assertive in the call’s opening seconds. Introduce yourself confidently, especially if using an auto-dialer.
• 🤝 Use empathy and positivity when dealing with objections or rudeness. Don't take negativity personally, and aim to leave the prospect feeling better.
• 🙋‍♂️ Overcoming objections is key—acknowledge the interruption, ask for 30 seconds to explain, and aim to set a follow-up meeting.
• 📊 Cold calling has low conversion rates, but it remains the most effective way to directly set meetings and make personal connections in 2024.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial challenge with cold calling?

The speaker hesitated before making cold calls due to fear of failing in front of teammates, leading to self-sabotage and procrastination by over-preparing instead of making calls.

What advice did the speaker's teammate give that helped overcome cold call anxiety?

The speaker's teammate advised them to stop over-researching and just make the call, emphasizing that it’s better to figure out what to say while the phone is ringing.

What is the speaker’s general approach to cold calling?

The speaker views cold calling as a conversation with a friend. Even though the prospect doesn’t know them, they approach the call with a friendly tone and a direct purpose to create a comfortable interaction.

What is the best time to make cold calls according to the speaker?

The best times are early in the morning (around 7:45 CST) and late in the afternoon (around 3:30-3:45 CST), as people are more likely to be available and in a better mood during these periods.

What is one effective technique for handling cold calls, as mentioned in the script?

One effective technique is to be assertive from the start, controlling the flow of the call with the right tone, pitch, and pace. This helps prevent being rushed or losing control of the conversation.

How should you handle objections at the beginning of a cold call?

When faced with objections like ‘I’m in a meeting’ or ‘Who are you?’, the speaker suggests acknowledging the interruption and politely asking for 30 seconds to explain the reason for the call.

What is the average answer rate for cold calls, according to the speaker?

The average answer rate for cold calls is around 6%, meaning that out of 100 calls, only about six prospects will pick up the phone.

What is the primary purpose of a cold call?

The primary purpose of a cold call is to ‘sell time’ by setting a meeting. The goal is not to provide all the details but to spark curiosity and secure a follow-up conversation.

What is the speaker’s strategy for dealing with rude responses during cold calls?

The speaker advises staying positive and empathetic, understanding that rudeness often reflects the prospect’s stress, not a personal attack. Maintaining a friendly attitude can leave the prospect feeling better after the call.

Why does the speaker believe cold calling is still effective in 2024?

Despite low conversion rates, the speaker believes cold calling remains the most effective way to set meetings because it allows for direct, personal communication that builds an emotional connection with the prospect.