When cold calling for sales, we can often get concerned with knowing what is best to ask and when. We can get very technical and philosophical with a call plan to try to get the most out of the conversation. Although, one of the best questions to ask is not very technical nor advanced. It should go without saying, but one of the best questions to ask is "have I caught you in the middle of anything?" at the very beginning of the cold call. More at http://www.coachingyou.org/best-questions-when-cold-calling-sales-a-104.html
Why not just ask them, "Can I take a couple of minutes your time buy asking you a couple of questions regarding marketing." It's still respecting their time. But it's doing it more effectively I believe. I think if you just ask them point blank 'Have I caught you in the middle of anything'? 9x's out of ten of course they are going to say no. However while I still might get a no for how I asked them. But at least I know I would have a better chance that way.
Itsapartyinhere 6 months ago