What shouldn't you say on a cold call?

• A. The reason for my call is
• B. Hi, (first name)
• C. Because
• D. How are you doing?

Answer: (D)

When making a cold call, it is vital to create an immediate connection and establish a tone that drives conversation toward business purposes. Saying "How are you doing?" can be seen as inauthentic or overly casual in this context and may not contribute effectively to the goal of the call. Cold calls often have limited time to engage the prospect, and focusing on the business reason for the call right away is generally more effective.

In contrast, starting with a direct introduction or stating the reason for the call can set a professional tone and indicate respect for the prospect’s time. Using the prospect's first name in the greeting personalizes the interaction and can help to establish rapport. Therefore, the best practice in cold calling is to minimize small talk and be concise in clarifying the purpose of the call.