7 Quick Pointers to Succeed at Cold Calling

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7 Quick Pointers to Succeed at Cold Calling

Recently, I received a query from one of my global learners from Peru. She is a brilliant scholar and an aspiring entrepreneur. She tried to approach and 'cold called' a renowned economist from Peru. Unfortunately, all her efforts went in vain. Here is my response to her email where I shared 7 quick pointers with her, to succeed at cold calling. 

Here is what she wrote to me, 

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Dear Mr. Gaurav,

I have a question. You talked in your presentation about seeking mentors. I have previously tried to reach out to people, perhaps not for mentorship but just a piece of brief advice. More than a week ago, I submitted an essay for the John Locke institute essay competition, since I am passionate about economics. In my essay, I cited and based my main idea on a book from a renowned economist from my country (Peru), but when I tried to reach out to him I didn't get any response. I emailed him, his research group, his wife (who is kind of in the public eye too), congressmen that are from his political party (we founded a party), and a congressman that is a great economist too. As you might have guessed, I called and emailed but have gotten no real response.
My question is: How can I be successful at cold emailing or calling? How can I get an answer? 

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And my response to her:

Dear Lucia, 

Greetings from India!

Thanks for your query. Good to hear that you have previously tried to reach out to people for a piece of brief advice. It's nice that you submitted an essay for the John Locke institute essay competition, since you are passionate about economics.

It's impressive that you cited and based your main idea on a book from a renowned economist from your country (Peru). Unfortunately, you tried to reach out to him but you didn't get any response.

I appreciate your efforts that you emailed him, his research group, his wife (who is kind of in the public eye too), congressmen that are from his political party, and a congressman that is a great economist too.

It's quite unexpected that you called and emailed but have gotten no real response. As far as your question (How can I be successful at cold emailing or calling? How can I get an answer?) is concerned, there are so many factors that play a crucial role in getting a positive result out of such cold calling, 

Here are 7 of those important pointers that need urgent attention to be successful in cold calling,

1. First and foremost, research your prospect. It should be a pre-call ritual. Your outreach strategy should always begin with research. By tracking down key information about them, you can create content (for your request to connect) with value and keep their attention.
   
   
2. Write an outline of what you want to say/ request. Leverage the right words. Write up a quick (30 seconds or less) script that is appealing as well as convincing. 
   
   
3. Prepare a strong opening sentence. You have 10 seconds to prove that you’re worth talking to, so differentiate yourself. After introducing yourself, turn the focus to your prospect by weaving in your research and personalizing the phone call.
   
   
4. It's true that rejection brings emotional pain. Let the rejection motivate you. Don’t take it personally. Keep a positive attitude and continue learning from your mistakes. 
   
   
5. Practice makes perfect. Never go into a cold call completely, well, unprepared. The more confident you become, the easier cold calling will be.
   
   
6. Leave a voicemail. If you leave a voicemail with your name, the reason for calling, and your phone number, it’s more likely that the prospect will call you back. Voicemails should be short, clear, and straight to the point. 
   
   
7. Last but not least, don’t give up…too fast. Be prepared to follow up. 
   
   
   
   Best,
   Gaurav

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