I’m going to venture out to say no, it’s not dead. I get two or three calls a week about a car warranty that doesn’t even target 🎯 a specific person or car. So even the most basic form of cold calling (dialing for dollars) must still be working.
I’ve seen the posts. Some say social selling has saved the sales profession. I hear the talks; you need to be known, liked, and trusted. All that is undoubtedly true, but it is tough to be known, liked, or trusted before it gets real. Cold calling or a first hello has been the first step to many lasting business relationships for me.
Sometimes my cold calls don’t payoff until years later. But, the cold call was an initial step toward the desired outcome. The cold call only happens once per prospect. Each call will become warmer and warmer in the future.
Here’s how I see it. Cold calls were never for selling. They were the beginning of a relationship. Cold calling is my way of investigating and choosing. I viewed cold calling 25 years ago as I do now. Cold calling is the first step in taking charge of my destiny. There’s a lot of people that are looking for answers. Many excellent customers and clients are looking for a solution to a want, a need, or a problem. I still like cold calling. I see it as valuable, and I see it as a way of getting started toward the future I choose. I believe it’s always better to pursue the best, rather than take a chance on not ever being found or noticed by my ideal client.
It’s all about choosing how others will get their first impression of you, your products and services, and the company.
