Cold call - Rebuff

"I don't take sales calls!"

How best to handle this on a cold call?

I'd firstly empathise and then ask a disarming question (using a self-assured, non-needy tone)...something like this:

"I don't blame you - there are so many terrible cold calls out there.

But just out of curiosity - does that include good ones?"

(pause to allow for their response)

And if they lower their defenses & allow you to continue - it goes without saying - just make sure your next part is good.

•