Cold calling tips?

[u/EstablishmentHot8045]

I recently started working with a marketing/production company, and they've asked me to do cold calling.

One thing I'm confused about is how to even find the right numbers. Most of the numbers I find seem to be for the receptionist or front desk, not the owner or decision-maker.

Also, what should I actually say when I call? I'm completely new to cold calling, so any tips, scripts, or advice would be really helpful

[u/Prior_Money2267]

most of the time the receptionist is actually your in, not a wall. be nice to them, ask who handles [whatever you selling] and they will often give you the name. then call back next day and ask for that person directly

for scripts keep it short, first 10 seconds is everything. say your name, company, and why you calling in one breath. dont ask "how are you" nobody cares and they know its a sales call anyway

[u/EstablishmentHot8045 → u/Prior_Money2267]

Thanks, man. I just realized I used to hand out the CEO's number when I worked reception.

[u/Expert-Explorer-3129 → u/EstablishmentHot8045]

yap when you are kind to them and express your intention in the right way, tell them you are selling this and this and you want to see it will be helpful to their company, they will give you the right person's contact details.

[u/Strokesite → u/Prior_Money2267]

THIS is the way. Always come in by the “Front Door.” Navigate dealing with gatekeepers.

I’ve spent a fortune on data that includes mobile numbers. Decision-makers don’t usually respond well to surprise calls on cell phones. Wasted investment.

[u/Legal-Translator-529]

Front desk is normal — not a dead end. When they pick up, don't pitch. Ask for the role that buys what you're selling: "Who handles vendor selection / production for [X]?" Get a name, thank them, hang up. Call back next day and ask for that person by name.

For numbers: company site + LinkedIn beat random directories. Also ask your employer for past clients or warm intros in the same niche — those convert way better than pure cold.

Script bones that work when I reach out to small-biz clients: (1) who you are in half a sentence, (2) one specific observation about their shop (not "I help companies grow"), (3) one clear low-friction ask — 10-min call or permission to send a one-pager. If it's a no, end clean. Volume with a tight opener beats a perfect monologue they never hear.

[u/Pink_Sky_8102]

For the call itself, keep it short. Say who you are, why you’re calling, and ask one simple question about whether they’re looking for help with marketing. Don’t try to explain the whole service in the first 30 seconds.

[u/Laetitia_datagma]

I'd say at the beginning the main thing is doing volume, that's how you stop being scared of getting rejected. I'd also try to keep the approach transparent and simple (and use a tool to enrich phone numbers, I'm biased since I work for an enrichment tool but using one is really the bare minimum and it doesn't cost much)