A cold call script needs four beats: a permission opener under ten seconds, a one-sentence reason you called them specifically, a question that starts a real conversation, and a clear ask for a meeting. The goal is a booked call, not a sale on the spot. Here is the full script, plus voicemail and gatekeeper versions.
The opener, said at a normal speed, not a salesperson speed: "Hi [Name], this is [you] from [company]. You weren't expecting my call, so I'll be quick. Can I take 30 seconds to say why I called, and you decide if it's worth more?"
The reason, which must be about them, not you: "I called you specifically because [the trigger: I saw your post about chasing invoices, you're hiring a second rep, your reviews mention slow quotes]. We help [people like them] fix [that problem]."
The question that starts a conversation: "How are you handling [the problem] today?" Then stop talking. Whatever they say next is the real call.
The ask: "Sounds like it's worth a proper look. Are you open to 20 minutes Thursday, and if it's not useful you tell me to get lost?"
Voicemails rarely get callbacks, so do not ask for one. Use the voicemail to set up your email instead.
"Hi [Name], [you] from [company]. Calling about [the specific trigger], not a generic pitch. No need to call back. I'll send a two-line email today, and if it's interesting, just reply there. Thanks."
Honesty works better with gatekeepers than tricks do. They have heard every trick.
"Hi, this is [you] from [company]. I'm trying to reach whoever handles [the problem area]. Happy to tell you exactly why first, so you can decide if it's worth their time."
If they say send an email: "Will do. Whose name should I put on it so it doesn't read like spam?"
One calm line each. If two of these in a row land flat, thank them and end the call.
Orbit does not make calls for you, and it does not rent phone numbers. The dialing stays human, which is where cold calling actually works. What Orbit does is take the busywork off the block: keep your calling list in one pipeline, log the outcome of each call on the contact timeline, and set a follow-up task so nobody falls through. Ask Hiro, Orbit's one AI assistant, to draft the follow-up email after a good call, and to build the list from your CRM before you start. Every draft waits for your approval.
Under ten seconds. Say who you are, admit the call is unexpected, and ask permission for 30 seconds. Asking permission flips the dynamic: instead of holding the line hostage, you handed them control, which is exactly why most people grant it.
The goal of a cold call is to book a meeting, not to sell the product. Trying to close on a cold call forces you to pitch to someone unprepared to evaluate. Aim for one outcome: 20 minutes on the calendar with someone who agreed the problem is real.
Yes, but make it a setup for email rather than a callback request. A 15-second voicemail that names a specific trigger and promises a two-line email gets your message read. "Call me back" voicemails from strangers mostly get deleted.
For a solo founder, a steady block of 10 to 25 calls a day beats occasional 100-call binges. Consistency builds skill and keeps your pipeline fed. Set a number you can hit even on busy days, then protect that block on your calendar.
Stay calm and ask one clarifying question: "Is the problem already handled, or just not a priority right now?" The answers are different. "Handled" means move on. "Not a priority" means ask permission to check back next quarter, log it, and actually do it.
Orbit keeps your calling list, logs every outcome, and has Hiro draft the follow-up. You make the calls. Free CRM plan, no credit card.
Free forever plan. No credit card. No spam.