10 ways to start a successful sales call

How do you feel when sellers call you that out of the blue? You have to stop everything you're doing and attend to them, or the simplest way: you don't answer. But most of the time you get a call from a number you don't know, you tend to answer because maybe it's an important call.

Reality: Most of these times you don't know how to cut off communication because you know they want to sell you something (The same thing happens to those you call). So to start a successful sales call you must have a strong conversation starter.

Your call should achieve the following (the objective):

• Customize what you say after the "Hello?", so say goodbye to those pre-arranged speeches that are very tiring (A unique opportunity that you can't miss for only $$$).
• Make the call process easy, understandable, and honest for your prospects.

To make a good sales process, in this case, with the beginning of the conversation with someone who does not know you and you do not know either, we leave you 10 ways to start this call successfully so that they do not cut you off and you stay talking only:

Note: Anything you see between { } is because you should replace it with data from your lead.

1."I did a previous investigation, and I realized that {Company} is in the process of {Some new process or product}..."

This shows that you have already investigated, that you are calling for a reason, not because you have a list and calling for no reason. These types of conversation starters show empathy, the prospect will be open to listening to you, because of course, you are talking about their company and it is real, they are going through a process X and they want to continue listening to you.

2. "One of my customers, {Name} from {Company}, told me that you are {Looking for a solution to X problem}"

With this start, you show a clear start of trust, credibility, and listening. You are mentioning someone they know, so this is automatically like a call between acquaintances, there are no X people anymore. And not to mention that you are mentioning a problem they have, then. What else? The conversation started successfully.

3. "I saw your profile on LinkedIn and one of the biggest projects you have this year is {Project Name}"

This also generates empathy, it is much more effective than calling directly to offer a product, don't you think? Of course, we are talking about concrete things, nothing random.

4. "I've been working with a couple of companies in {Industry} and they have these two main issues: {Issue 1}, {Issue 2}. I was wondering if maybe {Company} was going through something similar..."

If you already work with a particular industry, this type of start does not denote that it is a sales call, but rather a call from your prospects' industry, which is more likely to keep you talking about these general issues and how they affect them.

5. "A few days ago I read your post on [Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn} about..."

You've done your homework, prospects know you're talking to them for a reason, not just because. And on an interesting topic or at least one that they are interested in.

6. "I saw the {Research, report, analysis} of {Company} and saw that they are looking to expand this year..."

Giving recommendations and/or tips of a high degree of value in a process similar to a company is of great help, reading the materials that they publish, in addition to feeling proud of having published it, brings certain uncertainties to us and(The representatives of sale) gives us more context about a business opportunity.

7. "{Name}, reading your blog, I see that you have good feedback from customers about {Product/service} and I was wondering if..."

A company blog can be a great channel of key information for you because they publish what they are working on, so you can use this as a good conversation starter.

8. "A few days ago, speaking with {Person from the company}, they told me that they are working on {X project/product}, and I can help them with..."

Talking about a co-worker that your prospect knows is a key factor because we are talking about something serious, something that the company has already been working on, and the conversation with the prospect becomes pleasant and productive.

9. "Hello {Name}. Yes, it is a sales call but different. How about we talk about how {Your product} can help you with {Problem}?"

Saying this, you expose yourself and as much as you say it like that, this provokes laughter, as instead of joking talking about reality, this helps to decontract the conversation, but without losing focus on a problem that you know your product/service will solve.

10. "Hi {Name}, this is {Your Name} from {Your Company}. I've been working with {Competitor} and we achieved {Results Achieved} with them. Will you have 5 minutes to talk about how {their Company} can achieve what same?"

Tell me if someone calls you that, and names your competition: Wouldn't it be interesting to at least hear it? Of course, giving specific and accurate data will allow you to generate a clear interest from your prospect.

Remember that the main focus is to add value and have those minutes where you can talk with your potential customer and generate an interest that you have not been able to generate in the past. With this in mind, while we are looking to close sales, forget about this goal at this point. No one buys something for no reason, so focus on listening, adding value, and of course: don't let them hang up on you. 

Do you have any other way to connect successfully?
Have these 10 ways been useful for you? Tell us!