Cold Call Opening Lines for Senior Buyers: A Cold Call Script for Named Accounts

Account: [company]            Tier: [1 / 2 / 3]
Person: [name, title]
Role in the decision: [decision maker / budget owner / evaluator / day-to-day owner / unknown]
Reason for calling today: [trigger, initiative or referral, with date and source]
What it probably means for their team: [one line]
One question only they can answer: [ ]
Others we know in the account: [names, and what was said]
If they say "send me an email", I will send: [one specific thing]

"Hi [First name], it's [your name] from [your company]. I'm calling because of [trigger, e.g. the distribution centre you announced in March]. Have you got two minutes for one question about it?"

"Hi [First name], [your name] from [your company]. In [source], [company] said it plans to [initiative]. I think part of that lands on your team, and I have one question about it. Is now workable?"

"Hi [First name], it's [your name] from [your company]. I spoke with [colleague] on [day] about [topic]. They said [specific part] sits with you. Could I ask you the question I asked them?"

"Hi [First name], it's [your name] from [your company]. You weren't expecting this call. Can I take 30 seconds to say why I rang, and then you decide whether we carry on?"

"Hi [First name], [your name] from [your company]. Congratulations on the move to [company]. New [function] leaders often start by reviewing [area]. I rang to ask whether it's on your list yet, or too early."

"Hi [First name], it's [your name] from [your company]. I wrote to you on [day] about [topic]. A call is quicker than another email, so here is the short version: [one sentence]. Is that relevant to you, or to someone else at [company]?"

"Hi [First name], [your name] from [your company]. I noticed [signal, e.g. you're hiring three planners in Leeds]. When we see that, it often means [problem]. I may be wrong about [company]. Am I close?"

"Hi [First name], it's [your name] from [your company]. I speak with [role]s in [sector] most weeks, and [problem] keeps coming up. I rang to find out whether it's a live issue at [company] or already solved."

"Hi [First name], [your name] from [your company]. To be open with you, I've been speaking with [name or team] about [topic]. A decision like that usually involves [their function], and I didn't want you to hear about it second-hand. Can I ask how you look at [their concern]?"

"Hi [First name], it's [your name] from [your company]. We spoke in [month] and you said [what they said]. I'm calling back because [what has changed since]. Is it worth two minutes now?"

REASON: "[Company] [fact]. When that happens, [role]s usually end up dealing with [specific pressure]."
WHAT WE DO: "We help [type of company] with [problem]."   (one sentence, no product names)
QUESTION: "How are you handling [specific part] today?"

Then stop. Count to three before you speak again.

"Hi, it's [your name] from [your company], calling for [First name Last name]. It's about [trigger or initiative, in five words]. Is [First name] the right person for that, or would you point me to someone else?"

If asked "Is this a sales call?":
"Yes. It's specifically about [trigger], which is why I asked for [First name]. If there is a better time or a better person, I'll take your advice."

"[First name], it's [your name] from [your company]. I'm calling about [trigger or initiative]. I have one question on how it affects [their team]. I'll send a two-line email with the question so you can answer it either way. [Your name], [your company]."

"[First name], [your name] from [your company] again, about [topic]. I won't keep ringing. If [problem] moves up the list, my details are in the email I sent on [day]. If someone else at [company] owns it, a name would help. Thanks."

Date	Account	Person	Role	Opener used	Outcome	What they said	Others named	Next action	Due