Cold calling in sales is the practice of contacting potential customers who have not previously expressed interest in a product or service. It typically involves making unsolicited phone calls to introduce and promote offerings with the goal of generating leads or making sales.
Synonyms: telemarketing, outbound calling, unsolicited sales calls, prospecting calls
Cold calling remains a fundamental sales technique because it allows businesses to reach new prospects directly. It helps expand the customer base and can lead to immediate sales opportunities.
Sales representatives use cold calling to introduce products or services, qualify leads, and set appointments for further discussions. It requires preparation, a clear script, and the ability to handle objections.
A salesperson calls a list of potential clients who have never heard of their company to pitch a new software product. Another example is a real estate agent calling homeowners to offer property valuation services.