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Cold Calling Done Right: What to Avoid – and What to Do Instead

Cold calling is still one of the most direct ways to connect with potential clients – when done right. But there’s a fine line between creating an opportunity and burning a bridge. Here’s a clear guide on what not to do, and what makes a cold call truly effective.

❌ What NOT to Do: Cold Calling No-Gos

1. Calling at the Wrong Time

  • Sundays: This is sacred personal time – don’t intrude.

  • Lunch break (12:00–13:00): No one likes being interrupted during their meal.

  • After 17:00: When the day ends, so does the willingness to take sales calls.

2. Using Shady Tactics

  • Don’t start with “I have something free for you” – it screams sales trick.

  • Never lie or create fake urgency – trust, once lost, is hard to rebuild.

  • Avoid calling without knowing who you're talking to – it shows disrespect and lack of preparation.

3. Rushing or Faking the Conversation

  • Jumping into your pitch too fast makes you sound pushy.

  • Forced small talk feels inauthentic.

  • Persisting when there’s clearly no interest wastes everyone’s time.

✅ What Works: Cold Calling Best Practices

1. Choose the Right Time

Call during working hours, preferably:

  • Morning: 9:30–11:30

  • Afternoon: 14:00–16:30
    Avoid mealtimes and end-of-day fatigue.

2. Be Authentic and Respectful

  • Introduce yourself clearly and explain the reason for your call.

  • Be honest – people can spot fake enthusiasm a mile away.

  • Ask: “Is now a good time?” – it shows you respect their schedule.

3. Make It Personal

  • Start with a genuine reference: “I saw that you…”

  • This shows you've done your homework and aren’t just cold-dialing a list.

4. Listen More Than You Talk

  • Let the prospect speak.

  • Show real interest, not rehearsed responses.

  • Empathy beats any pitch script.

5. Follow Up – Always

  • Even if there’s no immediate yes, leave the door open.

  • Objections are chances to build trust, not roadblocks.

  • Use your CRM to schedule the next step.

6. Use the Right Tools

A solid CRM system keeps you organized and consistent.
👉 We recommend HubSpot – it helps us manage conversations, track progress, and stay personal even at scale.
Have questions about using HubSpot effectively? Get in touch – we’re happy to help!

7. Keep It Human

  • Speak like a real person, not a script-reading robot.

  • People buy from people – not from templates.