So what is the best way to open a cold call?

1. Permission based?

"Hi X this is cold call - so did you wanna hang up or give me 30 seconds?"

"Hi X we haven't spoken before, but did you have 30 seconds? I promise I'll be brief."

2. Straight in with a strong hook to demonstrate insight?

"Hi X, I wanted to reach out as I work with *Job title* in solving *Problem X/Y*

3. 'Normal' platitudes?

"Hi this is X, how are you?"

Having tried dozens of openers over 20+ years I can honestly say, they all work.

The most crucial aspect?

Your tone.

If you say each of the above with the appropriate delivery & confidence they can all be effective.

The real impression you make is through the sound of your voice.

Do you sound...

- Salesy?

- Self-assured?

- Self-deprecating?

- Self-conscious?

- Some argue that a permission-based opener lowers status.

I'd only agree with this if your tone is 'off'... otherwise I see it as courteous. You are interrupting someone after all.

Asking for 30 seconds manages expectations. Not a bad thing.

And a pattern interrupt can work wonders, again if you have the right tone...playful & assertive.

- Straight in with valuable insight?

If this is genuinely what they care about, it can work.

- "Hi how are you?"...some would argue this is to be avoided at all costs, or that it's disingenuous.

It kind of is, but this is generally how we greet people in the UK. It's cultural.

And yes it can sound salesy, if your tone is salesy. Otherwise it may just serve as a polite lead in.

So anyone who says 'only this works' or 'only that works' is dogmatic.

Anything can work.

As long as it's done in the right way, with the right intention, using the right tone.

It also depends on what type of person you're calling, their industry, country and culture.

So try different things through trial & error and use whatever works for you.

Just make sure you sound natural, relatable, credible and interesting.

This will ensure people engage with you and open up...which is after all our sole objective during a cold call.