Feeling nervous before picking up the phone? You’re not alone. Many sales reps experience a rush of anxiety when they finally get a live person on the other end of a cold call. But what if I told you that your nerves might stem from something as simple as how you introduce yourself?
If you want to feel calmer and more in control on your next call, rethink how to start a cold call—and start by skipping your name.
Why Does This Work?
In sales, we make so many calls – and most of them will go to voicemail. That’s why, when we do actually reach a live person, it can catch us off guard! This can lead to unwanted nervous energy that the prospect can pick up on in your voice. Sounding shaky or hesitant can make you come across as less confident. And if you don’t sound sure of yourself, why should the prospect trust you?
A Better Way to Open a Cold Call
Instead of immediately introducing yourself, try leading with a neutral, calming “bridge” phrase, such as:
✔️ “We’ve never met before.”
✔️ “This is my first call to you.”
This simple shift accomplishes two things:
- It steadies your voice. Removing the pressure of self-introduction helps you sound more composed and in control.
- It eases the prospect into the conversation. Instead of immediately putting up walls, they are more likely to stay engaged.
Mastering how to start a cold call is all about setting the right tone from the beginning. The next time you pick up the phone to dial, skip the nerves—and your name—at the start. You might be surprised at how much smoother the conversation flows.
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