Cold Calling Scripts

Disarm the prospect immediately by acknowledging the cold call and asking for permission. This builds trust and reduces hang-ups by 40%+.

Hi {{firstName}}, this is {{yourName}} from {{company}}. I know I'm calling out of the blue — do you have 30 seconds so I can tell you why I'm calling, and you can decide if it's worth continuing?

[Wait for response — if yes, continue:]

Appreciate it. The reason I'm calling is that we work with {{industry}} companies like {{similar company}} to help them {{value prop — e.g., "build predictable outbound pipeline without hiring more SDRs"}}.

We recently helped them go from {{before metric}} to {{after metric}} in {{timeframe}}, and based on what I've seen at {{company}}, I think there could be a fit.

[Pause — let them respond naturally]

Would it make sense to set up 20 minutes later this week to dig into whether this could work for your team?

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Pro Tips:
- The "30 seconds" framing is key — it feels low-commitment and respectful
- When they say yes, keep your pitch under 30 seconds. Honor the ask
- Pause after your pitch. Silence is your friend — let them process
- If they say "now's not a good time," ask: "Totally fair — is there a better day this week to call back?"

Start with something unexpected that breaks the prospect out of autopilot. The surprise element buys you 10 extra seconds of attention.

Hi {{firstName}}, this is {{yourName}}. You're probably going to want to hang up on me — this is a cold call.

[Pause — let them laugh or respond]

Still here? I appreciate that. I'll be quick.

I noticed {{observation — e.g., "your team posted 3 new AE roles on LinkedIn this month"}} and wanted to see if the challenge you're solving is {{pain point — e.g., "building enough pipeline to keep those new reps busy"}}.

We've been helping companies like {{similar company}} tackle exactly that — they {{specific result — e.g., "added $1.2M in pipeline in their first 90 days with us"}}.

Is that a problem you're actively trying to solve, or am I way off base?

[Let them talk — this is where the real conversation starts]

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Pro Tips:
- Deliver the opening line with a smile in your voice — confident, not apologetic
- The self-aware humor disarms them. Most prospects will laugh or say "okay, go ahead"
- The observation shows you did homework. Never skip this part
- "Am I way off base?" gives them an easy out, which paradoxically makes them more likely to engage

Leverage a mutual connection to instantly build credibility. Referral calls convert 4x better than pure cold calls.

Hi {{firstName}}, this is {{yourName}} from {{company}}. {{referralName}} suggested I give you a call — do you have a quick minute?

[Wait for response]

So {{referralName}} and I were chatting about {{context — e.g., "how B2B sales teams are struggling with outbound pipeline this year"}}, and your name came up. They mentioned you're {{their situation — e.g., "leading the sales org at {{company}} and growing fast"}}.

We helped {{referralName}}'s team {{specific result}}, and they thought it might be relevant for what you're building.

I don't want to assume anything though — is {{pain point}} something that's on your radar right now?

[Listen actively — take notes on their response]

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Pro Tips:
- Always ask the referrer for permission before name-dropping them
- Use the referrer's first name — it feels personal and warm
- Don't oversell. Let the referral do the heavy lifting and keep your pitch conversational
- If the prospect asks how you know the referrer, have a genuine 1-sentence answer ready

Sound like you already know the prospect personally. Gatekeepers are trained to block salespeople — not people who sound like colleagues.

[Phone rings, gatekeeper answers]

Gatekeeper: "{{company}}, how can I help you?"

You: Hey — is {{firstName}} around?

[Say it casually, like you've spoken before. Use their first name only.]

Gatekeeper: "May I ask who's calling?"

You: Sure, it's {{yourName}} from {{company}}. They'll know what it's regarding.

Gatekeeper: "What's this about?"

You: We've been working with a few companies in {{industry}} on {{value prop}} and I had something specific to run by {{firstName}}. Is now a good time or should I try back later today?

[The "try back later today" framing assumes the call will happen — just a matter of when]

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Pro Tips:
- Tone is everything. Speak like a peer, not a cold caller
- Use the prospect's first name — never "Mr./Ms." which screams sales call
- Avoid saying "I'm calling to discuss..." or "I'd like to introduce..." — these are gatekeeper alarm phrases
- If they push back, stay friendly: "Totally understand — when's the best time to catch them?"

Build genuine rapport with the gatekeeper and turn them into an ally. Assistants often influence who gets through.

[Phone rings, gatekeeper answers]

Gatekeeper: "{{company}}, how can I help you?"

You: Hi there! I'm hoping you can help me out. I'm {{yourName}} from {{company}}, and I'm trying to connect with the person who handles {{area — e.g., "sales development" or "lead generation strategy"}}. Would that be {{firstName}}, or is there someone else I should speak with?

[Asking for help is disarming. People naturally want to be helpful.]

Gatekeeper: "That would be {{firstName}}, but they're busy right now."

You: I totally get it — I'm sure they're swamped. I appreciate you letting me know. Would it be better if I called back at a specific time, or would email be easier? I just want to make sure I'm respectful of everyone's time.

Gatekeeper: "Try calling back around 2pm."

You: Perfect — 2pm it is. By the way, I didn't catch your name?

[Get their name. Next time you call, greet them by name and they'll remember you.]

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Pro Tips:
- Never lie or misrepresent yourself to a gatekeeper — it always backfires
- Getting the gatekeeper's name is gold. Next call: "Hey Sarah, it's {{yourName}} again — is {{firstName}} available?"
- If the gatekeeper asks what it's about, give a brief honest answer — don't dodge
- Thank them genuinely. They deal with rude callers all day — you'll stand out

Be completely upfront about who you are and why you are calling. Honesty and directness can be disarming when done confidently.

[Phone rings, gatekeeper answers]

Gatekeeper: "{{company}}, how can I direct your call?"

You: Hi, this is {{yourName}} from {{company}}. I'll be straight with you — this is a sales call, but I think it's one {{firstName}} would actually want to take.

Gatekeeper: "What's it regarding?"

You: We specialize in helping {{industry}} companies {{value prop — e.g., "book 30-50% more qualified meetings without adding headcount"}}. We just did this for {{similar company}} and I wanted to share the approach with {{firstName}}.

I know they get a ton of calls — is there a best time to reach them, or would it help if I sent a quick email first so they have context?

[Give the gatekeeper options. They appreciate not being put in an awkward position.]

Gatekeeper: "Let me put you through" / "Send an email to {{email}}"

You: That's really helpful, thank you. I appreciate it.

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Pro Tips:
- "This is a sales call, but..." is shockingly effective because nobody says it. The honesty earns respect
- Always have a specific result ready — "we helped {{similar company}} do X" beats "we help companies grow"
- Offering to send an email first shows respect and often gets you the prospect's direct email
- If they say no, ask: "I understand — is there a better way to get 2 minutes on {{firstName}}'s calendar?"

The most common objection is often just a reflex. Acknowledge it, then pivot to a specific pain point with one diagnostic question.

Prospect: "I'm not interested."

You: Totally fair, {{firstName}} — and I appreciate you being direct. Most people aren't interested in a cold call. But can I ask you one quick question before I let you go?

[Pause — 90% of people will say "okay, go ahead"]

You: Is {{specific pain point — e.g., "building enough pipeline to hit your Q3 targets"}} something your team is currently dealing with? I only ask because we keep hearing it from {{their role}} at {{industry}} companies.

[If yes:] That's actually exactly why I called. We helped {{similar company}} go from {{before}} to {{after}} in {{timeframe}}. Would it be worth 15 minutes to see if we could do something similar for {{company}}?

[If no:] Fair enough — what's the biggest challenge your team is focused on right now?

[This pivots the conversation from your pitch to their problems]

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Pro Tips:
- Never argue with "not interested." Agree with it, then redirect
- "One quick question" is a micro-commitment — small asks get yeses
- The diagnostic question should be specific to their industry and role. Generic questions get generic brush-offs
- If they give you a real answer to your question, you're now in a conversation — not a pitch

Turn the classic brush-off into a meeting. "Send me info" usually means "go away" — this script flips it into engagement.

Prospect: "Just send me some information."

You: Happy to, {{firstName}} — I want to make sure I send you the right thing though. Let me ask one quick question so I'm not just blasting you with a generic brochure.

[Pause]

You: When it comes to {{area — e.g., "outbound lead generation"}}, what's the biggest bottleneck for your team right now? Is it {{option A — e.g., "getting enough at-bats with qualified prospects"}}, or more on the {{option B — e.g., "converting those conversations into pipeline"}} side?

[Let them answer — this is where the real intel comes from]

You: Got it. That's really helpful. Here's what I'll do — I'll put together a quick one-pager showing how we helped {{similar company}} solve that exact problem. And to make sure it's relevant, why don't we jump on a 15-minute call when you've had a chance to review it? How does {{day}} look?

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Pro Tips:
- Never just say "sure, what's your email?" — that's a dead end 95% of the time
- The either/or question forces them to engage with substance
- Offering to customize what you send makes you sound consultative, not salesy
- Always anchor a follow-up time. "I'll send it over" without a next step = lost deal
- If they resist the meeting: "No pressure on the call — but I'll follow up Thursday to see if it resonated. Fair?"

Having a vendor does not mean they are happy. This script plants a seed of doubt and opens the door for comparison.

Prospect: "We already work with someone for that."

You: That's great — most of our best clients had a vendor when we first connected. I'm not asking you to switch. Mind if I ask one thing though?

[Pause]

You: How are you feeling about {{specific metric — e.g., "the volume and quality of meetings they're booking for you"}}? Are you hitting the numbers you expected when you signed on?

[Let them answer honestly — this is gold]

[If they express any dissatisfaction:]
You: That's actually what we hear a lot. The most common gap we see is {{specific gap — e.g., "vendors who focus on volume over quality, so you end up with a full calendar but a thin pipeline"}}. We take a different approach — {{your differentiator}}.

Would it be worth a quick 15-minute comparison call? No pressure to switch — but it might be useful to see what else is out there. Worst case, you validate that your current vendor is the right choice.

[If they're happy:]
You: Love to hear it — seriously. Not every call needs to turn into a deal. But if things ever change, can I be the first call you make? I'll shoot you a quick email so you have my info.

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Pro Tips:
- "Most of our best clients had a vendor" normalizes the situation and removes defensiveness
- Ask about results, not satisfaction. People will say they're "happy" out of habit but admit poor numbers
- "No pressure to switch" removes the threat. You're offering perspective, not a pitch
- Even if they don't convert now, getting permission to follow up later is a win

Reframe the conversation from cost to ROI and timing. Budget objections are often really priority objections.

Prospect: "We don't have the budget for that right now."

You: I hear you, {{firstName}} — and I respect that. Budget is real. Let me ask you this though: if budget weren't a factor, is {{outcome — e.g., "building a more predictable outbound pipeline"}} something your team would prioritize?

[If yes:]
You: That's what I figured. Here's why I bring it up — most of our clients actually find that the investment pays for itself within {{timeframe — e.g., "the first 60 days"}}. For example, {{similar company}} was in a similar spot and saw {{specific ROI — e.g., "$380K in pipeline from a $12K investment in 90 days"}}.

I'm not asking for a commitment today. But would it make sense to jump on a 15-minute call so I can show you the math? If the ROI doesn't make sense, I'll be the first to tell you.

[If no / it's not a priority:]
You: Appreciate the honesty. What is the biggest priority for your team this quarter? I just want to make sure that if I follow up down the road, I'm reaching out about the right thing.

[Take notes — this intel is valuable for your next outreach]

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Pro Tips:
- "If budget weren't a factor" isolates whether it's a money issue or a priority issue
- Leading with a concrete ROI example makes the budget objection feel less absolute
- "I'll be the first to tell you" builds trust — you're not just pushing for the sale
- If it's genuinely not a priority, get intel and set a calendar reminder to follow up next quarter
- Never discount or mention pricing on a cold call — save that for the meeting

Keep it under 30 seconds, lead with a specific result for a similar company, and give one clear reason to call back.

Hey {{firstName}}, this is {{yourName}} from {{company}} — quick message.

I'm calling because we just helped {{similar company}} — a {{industry}} company like yours — {{specific result — e.g., "book 47 qualified meetings in 60 days using a multi-channel outbound approach"}}.

I have a couple of ideas on how we could do something similar for {{company}}, especially given {{observation — e.g., "the new AE roles you're hiring for"}}.

I'll shoot you a quick email too, but feel free to reach me at {{your phone number}}. Again, it's {{yourName}} from {{company}}. Talk soon.

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Pro Tips:
- Keep the entire voicemail under 30 seconds — any longer and they'll stop listening
- Lead with the result, not your company name. Nobody cares who you are until they know what you've done
- The specific observation shows you did research — it separates you from every other voicemail
- Always mention the follow-up email. Most people won't call back, but they will check their inbox
- Smile while you talk — it genuinely changes how your voice sounds

Create intrigue without giving everything away. The goal is to make them curious enough to return your call or open your email.

Hi {{firstName}}, it's {{yourName}} from {{company}}.

I came across something interesting about {{company}} that I wanted to run by you — it's related to {{vague but relevant topic — e.g., "how your team is approaching outbound this year"}} and I think it could have a pretty big impact on {{desired outcome — e.g., "your pipeline numbers for next quarter"}}.

I don't want to ramble on a voicemail, so I'll send you a quick note. But if you want to chat, my number is {{your phone number}}.

Looking forward to connecting, {{firstName}}. Talk soon.

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Pro Tips:
- The "something interesting I came across" is intentionally vague — that's the point. It creates a curiosity gap
- Don't reveal your value prop on the voicemail. Save it for the conversation
- Keep it under 20 seconds — curiosity voicemails should be shorter than value voicemails
- Always pair this with a follow-up email that delivers on the intrigue
- Use their first name at the beginning AND end — it feels personal and helps them remember you