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.