19 Game-Changing Cold Calling Openers to Start More Conversations
And book more demos.
Read time: 4 min
Get ready for 19 game-changing cold-calling openers from top SDRs, that you can start using today.
In my quest to master every channel, right now I’m working on my cold-call skills.
If you want to master a specific skill, you need to practice it in buckets.
For cold calls, it starts with the opener.
A strong opener sets the tone for the rest of the conversation.
While a weak one means lost opportunities.
Remember, prospects hang up instantly on cold calls because you act like a telemarketer, and because of your tone.
Stop asking "Did I catch you at a bad time?".
Use a pattern break opener.
Let’s go:
TL;DR
15 permission-based openers
2 non-permission-based openers
2 “Basic” openers
#1 - 15 permission-based openers
With those openers: the prospect can say yes or no.
If they say yes they give you permission to talk.
#1
This is the opener of Brad Norgate, Top SDR at Cognism, you can read his cold-calling framework, here.
Hi Elric. This is a cold call. Do you wanna hang up now or give me 30 seconds?
#2
This is the opener of Baptiste Kuciel, top SDR at Movework, you can listen to the episode here.
Hi Pete, this is Baptiste calling from Movework.
I’m going to be very honest with you, we never spover before.
Would you mind giving me 30 second of your time, so I can explain the reason of my call.
You are free to hang up if you are not interested.
#3
This is the opener of Dyanna Daryadel, Top SDR at Cognism, listen to the episode here.
Hey Elric, I was just on your LinkedIn, I can see you are a sales leader at Castor.
I now a good time to have a quick conversation?
#4
Hi Matt, I know you’re not expecting my call.
Do you have a brief moment?
#5
Hey Eddie, it’s Elric at Castor I probably caught you in the middle of something.
But would you be OK if I take 32 seconds to explain why I called and then you can let me know if it makes sense for us to chat?
#6
Hi Mary. This is Elric.
We've never spoken.
Maybe you could help me out for a moment?
#7
Hi Jim, This is Elric with Castor.
I know you weren't expecting my call, but I was hoping to speak with you briefly.
Do you have 2 minutes?
#8
Hi Tom. This is Elric.
We've never spoken but we're working with several head of data in the bay area and I came across your name.
Do you got a sec?
#9
Hi Robert. This is Elric.
We've never spoken and I know you're probably in the middle of something but was hoping to speak with you.
Do you have 2 minutes?
#10
Hi Janes. This is Elric. Full transparency, this is a cold call.
I know you hate getting them.
Would it be offensive for me to ask you a couple quick questions?
#11
Hey Mike. This is Kim. I know you weren't expecting my call. Do you mind if I steal 2 minutes to explain why I called?
#12
Hey John.
This is Elric with Castor.
Mary suggested I contact you.
Do you got a sec?
#13
Hi Hugo, this is Elric with Castor.
You were not expecting my call.
Do you have a moment? I promise to be brief.
#14
Hey Eddie, it’s Elric at Castor I probably caught you in the middle of something.
But would you be OK if I take 32 seconds to explain why I called and then you can let me know if it makes sense for us to chat?
#15
Hey Bob, it’s Elric at Castor.
Well you’re probably gonna hate me for this, but this is a cold call.
Could I get 27 seconds to tell you why I called, then you can hang up on me at the end if it’s not moderately interesting?
#2 - 2 Non-permission-based openers
On those ones, you don’t ask for permission, you give some content on what this is about and go straight to the call.
#1
Hi Denis, this is Elric with Chili Piper.
If I’m calling at the right time, this might be relevant to your data management process. (Pause)
#2
Hi {{First Name}}, this is Elric with Castor. If I’m calling at the right time, this might be relevant to what your team is doing to run impact analysis.
#3 - 2 “Basic” openers
I know that a lot of people hate those but it works for specific industries and buyer personas.
We talk about this opener on the podcast with Eddie Fang, Sales Development Team lead at Qualifi, listen to the episode here.
#1
Hi Bob, it’s Elric with Castor, how are you doing today?
#2
Hi Bob, it’s Elric with Castor, how’s your Tuesday going?
The goal of those openers is to see the tone and energy of the prospect and match their tone and energy after their reply.
The opener is important.
But don’t overthink which one you’ll use. Because your tone is the most important.
Now, pick one, practice it 100+ times, try it this week, and see if it works for you.
If it doesn’t work try another one.
Don’t forget that every tip your read online is specific to their buyer personas and industries.
On my side, I’m going to practice this one this week: “Hi Prospect, I know you’re not expecting my call. Do you have a brief moment?”
Let me know which one you'll pick, and try.
That's all for this Sunday. Let’s crush Q2!
Quick Reminder: If you like my emails please do “add to address book” or reply.
See you next week.
Happy prospecting ✌️
Elric
PS: Here're the 3 last issues if you miss them:
#39 - 3 Proven Sequence Frameworks to book more outbound meetings
#37 - How I Went From Laid Off to Hired in Less Than 60 Days: 7 Simple Steps
If you want to read the previous ones, here's the link.