Cold call script template for B2B reps: opener, pitch and close

A good cold call script is not a speech to read aloud. It is a structure for the first 30 seconds: say who you are, give a reason you are calling, ask for permission to continue and ask one question. Use it as a guide you can say in your own words, and rewrite it until it sounds like you.

When to use it

Use it when you have a reason to call that is true today, such as a new role, a hiring push or a reply to an email. See warm calling.

The template

Opener: "Hi (first name), this is (your name) from (company). I know I am calling out of the blue. Do you have 30 seconds, and then you can tell me to go away?" Reason: "I am calling because (specific trigger: you started as head of sales last month, you are hiring three reps, I saw your post about topic)." Pitch: "We help (type of team) with (problem) by (one plain sentence)." Question: "Is (problem) something you are looking at right now?" Close: "Would it make sense to talk for 15 minutes on (day), or should I send a short note first?"

Why it works

• It asks permission, so the person keeps control of the call.
• The reason is about them, and the pitch is one sentence followed by a question.

Two variations

After an email:

"Hi (first name), (your name) here. I sent you a note on (day) about (topic). I am calling to see if it was the right thing to send to you. Is now a bad time?"

For voicemail:

"Hi (first name), this is (your name) from (company). I am calling about (reason). I will send a two-line email so you can reply if it is useful. My number is (number) and my email is in the note."

What to check before you call

1. You can name a real reason for the call in one sentence.
2. You have the right person and the right number from a source you can account for.
3. You know the rules for calling where the person is. Calling rules differ by country and state, so check them for the region you call before you dial a list.
4. You will log the call, the outcome and the next step in your CRM right after.

Mistakes to avoid

• Reading the script word for word.
• Not leaving a next step. Always end with a time or a note to send.

How Rodok helps

Rodok does not dial calls. It helps before and after the call. A tracker finds the people showing a signal you describe, such as a new head of sales, and fills in their company, website and LinkedIn page, so you know what to say in the reason line. After the call, the CRM keeps notes, tasks and the email thread on the same record. The trigger events that make calls easier are covered in sales trigger events.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a cold call be?

The first 30 seconds are what matters. If the person is interested, the call can run longer. If not, end politely and log what you learned.

Should I follow a script word for word?

No. Use the structure and say it your way.

Should I send an email before I call?

Often yes. A short email gives you something to refer to on the call.