DON'T:
Be scripted.
Ask stupid questions that are supposed to be leading, like "Do you want to increase your revenue and cut costs?".
Go straight into pitch mode.
Call them so often that it pisses them off.
DO:
Keep it brief, don't give the full pitch.
Ask for 15 minutes on the calendar to explain in more detail.
Ask if you caught them at a good time. If not, ask when would be better to call back.
Leave a voicemail.
Be casual and genuinely excited to talk to them, like hearing from an old friend.
Send 3-4 sentence email, both for intro and to follow up ("My voicemail" subject lines get good open rates).
Call multiple people at different levels in the organization (and ask if they're the right person to speak to).
DO: Keep it brief, don't give the full pitch. Ask for 15 minutes on the calendar to explain in more detail. Ask if you caught them at a good time. If not, ask when would be better to call back. Leave a voicemail. Be casual and genuinely excited to talk to them, like hearing from an old friend. Send 3-4 sentence email, both for intro and to follow up ("My voicemail" subject lines get good open rates). Call multiple people at different levels in the organization (and ask if they're the right person to speak to).