I have been doing a little cold calling recently. One thing I have understood from the various introduction statements is
1. Ask for the person's name or company's name first thing: this tells the person you are indeed looking for them
2. Do not sell in the first 20 seconds. Tell them you are looking for someone in their line of business and ask them if you can ask them a couple of questions
3. Ask them questions relating to their business
Only then do you explain how your business solves the problems. I have found that this recipe almost always makes it impossible for the target to say 'no' and cut the call. Once they answer your questions, they are interested to know how exactly you come into the picture. This process seems more successful than anything else for me.
1. Ask for the person's name or company's name first thing: this tells the person you are indeed looking for them
2. Do not sell in the first 20 seconds. Tell them you are looking for someone in their line of business and ask them if you can ask them a couple of questions
3. Ask them questions relating to their business
Only then do you explain how your business solves the problems. I have found that this recipe almost always makes it impossible for the target to say 'no' and cut the call. Once they answer your questions, they are interested to know how exactly you come into the picture. This process seems more successful than anything else for me.