What do you say on a cold call? Many sales techniques have been tried and most end up alienating the gatekeeper. Instead of attempting to get around the gatekeeper, build credibility by using this opening line.
How do you start a cold call with a gatekeeper? This is a challenge that haunts salespeople the world over. If you struggle with cold calling, you might find this technique helpful and one to build upon over time.
This is not a stand-alone opening line. It’s not to be rattled off by a mediocre sales rep intending to waltz by the gatekeeper on the way to the executive lounge. Nope, this one requires homework. However, when done properly, it can and will make a significant improvement in your cold calling efforts.
Here are the steps to prepare you for using the opening line:
Step 1: Leverage your verticals
In order for the opening line to work, divide up your customers into verticals (industries, subsets, groupings, etc.) In other words, group them by kind, however you may define it – demographic, size of company, industry, location, etc. The more connections these groups have, the better. They will serve two primary purposes: building vertical call lists and creating customer one-sheets.
Step 2: Collect customer names and testimonials
Ask your satisfied customers for a quote, case study, testimonial or simply permission to use their name. Collect these and create a vertical one-sheet. Get as many as you can to fill up the page.
Remember, only one vertical per page. If you sell into five different verticals, then you should have five different one-sheets – one sheet for each vertical with the names and quotes from only those customers in that vertical. This will be used as your validation piece once you engage the gatekeeper. Be sure to make color copies to bring with you when door knocking and have an electronic version to email when making phone calls.
Step 3: Prepare your cold call lists and one-sheets
When cold calling, divide your call lists by the same verticals as your one-sheets. Start with one vertical. For this example, let’s say it’s software companies. You’ve got 12 customers who are software companies and nine agreed to either give you a quote, testimonial or agreed to have their name on your customer one-sheet. Create the one-sheet and then do the same for the other verticals.
Step 4: Make your cold call
After introducing yourself to the gatekeeper, (I’ll use the software example again) open with this line:
My purpose for calling is to let you know that we work with 12 software companies in the U.S. helping them to lower their insurance costs and that’s why I wanted to connect with you.
Why does this work?
- States the most credible thing you can say to a gatekeeper – we have experience with people just like you.
- Shows that you know something about their business
- Communicates specific language (not vague) regarding the number of industry customers you have
- Demonstrates a legitimate benefit (not a trumped up benefit) since you already work in their industry
- States a clear purpose – creating conditions for you both to connect
Customization
You can modify words to suit your vertical:
- 350 retail stores in the southeast
- 6 insurance companies in the area
- 23 manufacturing plants in the state
- You can modify words to suit the benefits:
- Reduce system downtime
- Improve employee retention by 15%
- Reach more potential customers in the region
Your conversation after this can go in many different directions. Regardless, be prepared to use your customer one-sheet to answer the gatekeeper when they say: Exactly which software companies do you work with? Thank them for asking that question and pull out your customer one-sheet and show them. Chances are they will know some of the others on your list – instant credibility. This is much better than giving them a product brochure.
Cold Call Final Tips
The most important thing you can do as a cold calling salesperson is to be credible in the mind of a gatekeeper. That’s what get’s you into the executive lounge. Gatekeepers see and hear lame sales techniques every week. Avoid that by using good words delivered well.
Don’t attempt to sell to the gatekeeper – go for credibility. Nothing is more credible to a gatekeeper than a calm, confident, friendly salesperson whose company already has an established track record in their industry.
Be sure to practice the conversation all the way through to the end – asking to speak with the manager, decision-maker, etc. Yes, practice before you cold call – a lot. Confidence comes from good words and plenty of practice.