Cold Calling – What’s Worked for You?

searcher profile

June 04, 2025

by a searcher from Purdue University in Indianapolis, IN, USA

Hi all, I’m a self-funded searcher working on sourcing deals and recently started cold calling owners directly. It’s been a challenge getting traction, especially nailing the first 30 seconds. What’s worked for you? --How do you introduce yourself without sounding like a spam call? --What’s your go-to opening line or positioning? --How do you handle gatekeepers or voicemails? Appreciate any scripts, tips, or lessons learned. Thanks! Nick
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Reply by a searcher
from Babson College in Syracuse, NY, USA
Happy to chat. Shoot me at message at redacted I've purchased three businesses, and sourced all three thru cold outreach (the first and third were initially contacted during my search).
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Reply by a searcher
from INSEAD in San Francisco, CA, USA
In my experience, cold calling is mostly a numbers game. It’s less about exactly what you say, and more about how you say it. E.g. with confidence, calmness, and clarity. Most of my early struggles were solved by simply doing more reps. How many calls have you done so far? If it’s under 50, that’s a tiny sample size. You need volume to build pattern recognition (especially for handling objections) and to start developing your own personal style. To answer your question directly - I simply tell them who I am and why I'm calling. When it comes to gatekeepers, I just ask to be transferred to the owner. For voicemails, these days I prefer to leave one if they don't pick up. I feel like it builds familiarity. Bonus tip - record yourself. Its painful, but essential for growth.
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