5 Simple Phone Scripts for Cold Sales Calls

Despite what you’ve read, heard, or seen, cold calling is not dead. Today’s business still has a lot to gain from the cold sales call when it is properly executed. The first part of that comes in finding the best scripts for your team to follow. 

The scripts that you choose will vary depending on the type of business you have, whether you’re a B2B or B2C company, and what kind of conversion you’re trying to make. In the list below, you’ll see five simple, straightforward phone scripts designed especially for sales calls. 

Cold calls can be tricky because they need to strike a delicate balance between generating interest and not being too pushy. Fortunately, when you do it right, the chill will wear off much sooner and you’ll lose fewer leads along the way. If you don't have an internal team to do your cold calling, you can outsource your sales outreach to qualify the leads for you.

Here are some examples of scripts you can customize for your cold sales calls. 

Example #1: Get past the gatekeepers

Sometimes, the hardest part of your call is getting to the decision-maker in the first place. Fortunately, you can play to the nature of people by being friendly and extra-polite:

Hello, my name is [Name]. I was hoping you could help me… I looked up [Company] online, but I couldn’t find the information on who usually answers the phone—is that you? Can I get your name? 

[Repeat name}. Thank you so much, now I feel much better about asking you a small favor. 

[Response]

I’m trying to reach [Prospect]/the person in charge of X. What is the best way that we can make this happen?

Essentially, you’re showing them that you’re working with them, not trying to get past them and onto your business at hand. It’s important to build rapport with everyone, and especially with the gatekeepers who may make or break your communication. 

Example #2: The “cold” voicemail

You’re not always going to get people on the first try. You’ll probably leave more messages than you think, and that is an art in and of itself. That’s why we wanted to include a simple voicemail script in our list. Here’s how we advise proceeding:

Hello [Prospect], this is John with XYZ Corp. I’m calling because I have an idea to assist your organization with improving the recruitment process, and I’d hoped we could have a quick conversation because I really think you’ll benefit. 

You can reach me at [Phone/email/etc.]. Feel free to call, text, or email anytime. And again, this is John with XYZ Corp. calling about a recruitment solution we think will work for you. Thanks, [Prospect], and have a great day. 

It’s short, it’s sweet, and it lets them know you’re calling for their benefit, not your sales revenue. 

Example #3: The inquisitive call

This is a script for a little later in the call. Once you’ve gotten past the meet and greet and built a little rapport, you’ll be ready to ask some more specific, directed questions that help elicit answers and convince people at the same time. 

So, [Prospect], what would you say are your biggest challenges with retention right now?

[Response] 

Ah yes, it’s often difficult to… (this is where you empathize with their struggle, giving you a segue into the solution you offer) 

Now, I know you’re probably not in the mood for another sales pitch, but that’s perfect because I’m not either. I just wanted to share our solution for recruitment and employee retention because I really think that you might like what it offers. Do you have time now or would you prefer if I email you our info?

(If they agree, you can move on to discussing your product/service)

This allows you to lead into exactly what people’s pain points are. And it gives them the choice of how to proceed without making “no” an option. 

Example #4: Persistent, but polite at all times

Sometimes, people try to just say “no” or brush you off. “I’m not interested” is often the first thing out of people’s mouths before they even know whether they would be interested or not. Here’s a script with some great rebuttals to consider. 

I just wanted to share with you a few details about our new [Product]. Is now a good time?

[No, not interested, etc.]

[Prospect] I know that you’re busy and probably don’t want to listen to one more sales pitch this week, but I wouldn’t have called if I didn’t think that this could benefit you. I promise that if you give me five minutes or let me send you an email, you’ll see just how our solution can help you save and make more money. 

Usually, at this point, they’ll agree and you can move forward. Make sure that if they ask for an email, you let them know you’ll call to follow up at a certain time and date, or arrange one that works for them. Polite persistence often pays off. 

Example #5: The follow-up voicemail 

So, you’ve left a message, or talked to them and were told to call back and now you’re making that call. Voicemail picks up. How do you leave a good message that doesn’t sound like a repeat of the first one? 

Hey, [Prospect], it’s John calling from XYZ Corp. again. I’m sure you’re busy so I won’t keep you, but I wanted to see if you’d had a chance to go over the details of our last conversation. I figure the sooner I can help you get this resolved, the sooner you can be onto the next challenge.

In this example, you’re politely encouraging them to call you back, but in a way that makes it a benefit for them. Then, you won’t seem pushy, and they’ll feel like they’re getting special attention. Everyone wins. 

Or, leave the sales calls to Smith.ai and forget the scripts

You can also partner with the dedicated virtual agents at Smith.ai, who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for all of your inbound and outbound sales calls and support, along with plenty of other solutions for admin and communications like after-hours answering, live chat support, scheduling and intake, and so much more.

To learn more, schedule a consultation to discuss what the 24/7 virtual receptionists can do for your sales calling needs. You can also reach us at hello@smith.ai or (650) 727-6484.