40+ Effective Cold Calling Questions To Increase Positive Call Outcomes

You have a list of prospects to cold call.

You make calls to have meaningful conversations and assess if the prospects have any interest in your solution. 

But you struggle to engage the prospect in the conversation, and they hang up even before you make your pitch. Why?

You’re not asking the right questions.

Without the right questions, your pitch falls flat, and your prospects remain unresponsive. 

The result? You’ll book fewer meetings and generate less pipeline. 

To strike up a meaningful conversation, naturally make way for your pitch, and book more meetings, you need to ask the right questions during cold calls. 

In this blog, we provide you with 40+ effective cold calling questions that you can ask prospects in various cold-calling scenarios. 

1. Cold Calling Questions To Ask While Opening a Call 

You’ve got only a few seconds to make a good impression on your prospect. How do you grab their attention in these few seconds and keep them from hitting the end call button?

Ask Questions To Inquire About Prospect’s Well-being:

Some sales reps make the mistake of getting right into their sales pitch without greeting the prospect. Asking these open-ended questions makes you appear personable and someone who can hold a conversation as opposed to just a pushy salesperson. 

These questions also help gauge the prospect’s interest in your offer. If their reply is engaging and polite, they may be willing to listen more. If they sound curt or hurried, maybe they’re not interested or engaged in some other important work. Based on their answers, you can tailor your next question to engage them in the conversation.

Here are the questions you can ask:

1. Hey [prospect’s name], I’m [your name] from [Your Company]. How are you today? 

2. Hey [prospect’s name], I’m [your name] from [Your Company]. How’s your day going?

Ask Questions That Reveal You’re Cold Calling

Starting the conversation by admitting it's a cold call establishes honesty and transparency. It shows that you respect the prospect's time and are upfront about the nature of the call. 

Once the prospects know it’s a cold call, you should assure them the call is worthwhile and give them the power to listen or hang up. This gives prospects a sense of control over the conversation and can create a more positive perception of the interaction.

Here are some questions:

3. I’ll be upfront, this is a cold call. It’s up to you: You can either hang up now or let me briefly tell you why I called and then decide.

4. Hey [Prospect’s Name], this is [Your Name] from [Your Company], and I’m not gonna lie, it’s a cold call. But I promise to deliver value before your screen saver kicks in. Does that sound fair?

5. Hi, we’ve never spoken before. I’m [Your Name] from [Your Company], a [Industry] company. Is now a good time to talk? I promise to be real quick.

6. Hey [Prospect’s Name], I’m [Your Name] from [Your Company], Can I brighten your day with a cold call?

Ask Personalized Opening Questions:

Starting the conversation by asking personalized questions could pique your prospect’s interest, prompting them to inquire about the reason you called. 

Here are some cold call openers you can start with:

7. Hey [Prospect’s Name], I came across your company’s [relevant piece of content] about [topic]. My name is [Your Name]. Mind if I take a minute to tell you why that [piece of content] got me to call you? 

Why does this work?

• By mentioning a specific piece of content, you demonstrate that your call is not generic or random. It shows that you have a genuine interest in their company and have taken the time to learn about their initiatives or challenges.
• You’re creating a sense of openness by expressing curiosity and asking for permission to share why the content prompted your call. It signals that you’re not there to push a product or service immediately but rather to have a meaningful conversation.

8. Hello, this is {name} with {your company name}. Congrats on your promotion!

<wait for their response>

From an SDR manager to VP Sales in 3 years. That’s super impressive. As someone with similar career goals, I couldn’t help but call you right away.

Why does this work?

By acknowledging the prospect's career growth and complimenting their achievement, you go beyond the traditional cold call script and make them feel valued. 

According to research, giving compliments can have a similar effect as handing out cash rewards. The part of the brain involved in decision-making functions gets activated when a person is rewarded with cash or a compliment.

This helps you build rapport with potential customers, position yourself as someone who can be trusted, and encourage them to engage in the conversation.

2. Cold Calling Questions to ask if the prospect says: “I’m not interested.”

When a prospect says, “I’m not interested”, there’s always more to the surface. And to continue the conversation, you need to know why they aren’t interested. Is it because their current priorities have changed? Or because they don’t trust you enough?

Ask Questions About Prospect’s Priorities:

By asking questions about priorities, you get to the heart of the matter. It helps you understand if solving the mentioned challenge is currently a priority for the prospect. This clarity allows you to tailor your pitch or discussion based on their immediate needs.

When you frame your question in a way that implies a genuine interest in understanding the prospect's situation, the prospect will feel more inclined to share information without feeling pressured.

9. Do you think I can touch base with you sometime later? Do you think your priorities would change?

10. I appreciate your honesty. Just asking this out of curiosity, is solving [mention challenge] not a priority for you right now?

Ask Questions that include Social Proof:

When you sprinkle social proof, it adds credibility and demonstrates the tangible benefits your solution can offer. It shows that you have experience addressing challenges similar to theirs and have successfully worked with businesses in their industry. 

This will make the prospect consider your solution as valuable, and they might be willing to listen more. Here are some of the cold calling questions with social proof:

11. Do you think I could email you the recent case study we did on {prospects competitor}? {Solution} helped them drive {business metric} by 40%? 

12. Hey [Prospect’s Name], I totally understand. Just wanted to let you know that we helped [Prospect’s Competitor] solve [Biggest challenge] and achieve 200% more [business metrics]. And I think we could do the same for you. If you’re willing to know more, can we discuss it briefly?

3. Cold Calling Questions To Ask if the Prospect Says: “I’m Busy Now.”

Since this is a cold call, there is a high chance you might catch your potential clients when they’re in the middle of something important. The challenge is to get their attention while being respectful of their time.

Ask Duration-Based Questions

When your questions include a commitment to a very brief time frame, like 30 seconds or 27 seconds, it demonstrates respect for the prospect's time and reduces the perceived risk of a lengthy conversation. People are often more willing to engage when they know the interaction will be concise.

13. I believe we have something valuable to discuss regarding [specific pain point]. Would you like to hear more about that? I promise to take only 30 seconds of your time.

14. I understand. I was calling to talk with you about our product that does XYZ, which will help you solve [mention challenge]. Can I take 30 seconds to explain how?

15. Can I take just 27 seconds to tell you why I called?

Ask Questions To Schedule Follow-ups

Here’s how you can politely ask your prospects for a follow-up call when they’re busy: 

16. Sure, I understand you’re in the middle of something important. But while we’re on the line, when’s the best time to call you back? 

This question works because:

• You acknowledge that they’re busy and value their time.
• You’re politely asking them for a suitable time to follow up
• You’re not pushing them to listen to your sales pitch.

17. I understand you have a busy schedule. Would it be helpful if I send you a brief email with more information about how our solution addresses [specific pain point] and we can schedule a follow-up call when it suits you?

This open-ended sales question proposes a low-pressure next step by suggesting sending more information via email. This allows the prospect to review the information at their own pace, without feeling obligated to make an immediate decision during the call.

4. Cold Calling Questions to Ask After the Introduction

It’s a great sign if the prospective buyers speak in a positive tone and stay on line to hear what you have to say. At this point, it would seem too pushy if you get right into your scripted sales pitch. You need to tread carefully and segue your way naturally into the pitch.

People won’t buy what they don’t need. So, at this stage, you need to ask questions that will make prospects understand what’s in it for them if they go with your solution.

Ask Questions With Permission 

When you’re asking the prospect a question they’re not obliged to answer, you need to ask permission and be less pushy. Most prospects don’t share their company’s internal processes with a stranger. 

Using phrases like “May I...” and “If you don’t mind…” makes your question sound polite. When you ask your prospects such questions politely with permission, it helps you build trust, and they might consider sharing such information with you.

Here are the questions you can ask:

18. If you don't mind me asking, are you doing [specific process] manually, or is it automated?

19. May I ask how you have been managing your [Pain Point]?

20. I was curious to know, do you face [pain points that your product solves] when you try to do [a specific activity of their work process]?

Ask Hyper-personalized Questions 

When you ask these personalized questions, it shows that you've done your homework by learning about the prospect's goals, industry, challenges, and more. This, in turn, can impress the prospects, helping you break the ice and build trust to form a genuine relationship with them.

21. So [prospect’s name], you shared in your recent LinkedIn post that you plan to achieve [Goal] in 2 months. How are you planning to do that? I’m asking because I’ve heard that [X, Y, and Z] are among the most common reasons for [pain points].

22. I know a lot of [companies in prospect’s industry] are using [common but ineffective solution] to manage [common challenge], or maybe a custom system. Is that what you're using, and what do you think of it?

5. Cold Calling Questions To Ask After Giving an Overview of What You Offer

Once you’ve given an overview of what you offer, you need the prospects to say “yes” to hop on a meeting. How do you convince them that your offer is genuine and worth their time?

Here are 3 questions you can ask:

23. I'll tell you a bit more, and then, if you’re interested, we'll set up an appointment before we get off our call today to go over it in more detail. Sound good?

Here, you’re giving your prospect control over the conversation and politely asking for a meeting. Now, it is up to them to decide whether they want to schedule an appointment or not. Since there is no pressure on the prospect and they’ve stayed this long on call with you, there are chances they may say yes when you ask this. 

24. If you are interested, I would like to show you how exactly our product solves [their problem] on a 30-minute call next time when you’re free. Any thoughts?

Asking this question can be effective because:

• You respect the prospect's time and preferences by seeking permission before proceeding.
• By referencing the prospect's specific problem, you demonstrate that you've done your homework and tailored your pitch to address their needs.
• You’re inviting the prospect with a soft CTA, offering a 30-minute call without being pushy. It allows the prospect to express interest or disinterest without feeling pressured.

25. I’m curious to know how you do [Process X] and [Process Y] together because according to [mention relevant stat/study], companies find it challenging to do these together and often compromise on any one of them. We can help you execute [Process X] and [Process Y] efficiently. If you like the idea, shall we schedule a 30-minute call later to discuss this in detail?

Here, you are targeting a specific problem the prospect is facing and providing social proof. You are also clearly stating the duration of the call and giving the prospect the power to decide. 

6. Cold Calling Questions To Ask if the Prospect Says: “Send Me More Information Over an Email.”

This is a positive sign, but to increase the chances of getting the meeting booked, you can ask prospects specific questions related to what they want in the mail. 

When you ask for specific information, it may seem to prospects you are making a genuine effort to help them and want to provide valuable information. This helps you hold on to the conversation longer and get the exact details that will help you personalize the email and your subsequent follow-ups better. 

Here are the questions you can ask the prospect in this case: 

26. I'd be glad to do that. Can you tell me specifically what kind of information will help you?

{Prospect responds} 

That’s interesting. Why is that important?

27. Would you like to read a case study of how we helped [competitor] to achieve [prospect goals]?

{Prospect says yes} 

We can also help you show how we could do the same for your company. Would you be interested in that?

7. Cold Calling Questions to Ask After Someone Says ‘Yes’ to a Meeting

Bravo! You got the prospect to agree to a meeting. But is that the end of the call? End of questions? No, you still have to get the meeting confirmed and ensure the prospect gives you a meeting time or agrees to your proposed schedule. 

Here’s what you can ask: 

28. I’ve sent you some calendar slots for you to choose from, and we have availability on [range of dates]. Does any of that work for you?

When you present yourself to be flexible with whatever time the prospect is comfortable scheduling the meeting, it shows them that you respect their time and are not too desperate to make a sale. 

29. Would there be a suitable time anytime this week or early next week? 

{Wait for the prospect’s answer and send calendar invite}

Also, to make the most out of the next meeting, could you share any specific requirements or preferences your team has when it comes to [Problem they want to solve]? 

Asking this works because:

• You are respecting their time and convenience.
• You are making an effort to deliver a personalized experience with value. 

8. Cold Calling Questions To Avoid Asking During Your Calls 

So far, we’ve focused on the right cold call questions you can ask in different scenarios. While well-crafted questions can open doors to meaningful conversations, certain questions can derail your interaction. Steering clear of inappropriate or off-putting queries is essential to build a positive rapport with prospects and have quality conversations.

In this section, we'll explore the questions that should be avoided during your cold calls, helping you refine the approach and enhance your chances of building meaningful connections with prospects.

Avoid Negative Questions

These questions can create resistance, discomfort, or a negative perception, making it challenging to build rapport and establish a positive interaction. 

30. Is this a bad time to talk?

The person you're calling might be open to your pitch or message, even if they are busy at the moment. By assuming it's a bad time, you give the other person an easy opportunity to reject the call. 

31. Hey, you didn’t read the email about [XYZ] I sent you yesterday? 

Your prospect has various priorities to manage in their daily routine. When you pose this question, it might give the impression to the prospect that you’re not only inconsiderate of their time but also that you’re being self-obsessed and arrogant, assuming that the prospect would open any email you send their way.

32. I know you are busy, but do you have a few minutes to talk about [topic]?

Asking this sales question to prospects comes off as rude. You chose to call your prospects and ask them for their time, knowing that they were busy.

33. Are you confident that your current strategy will lead to success?

When you ask this, it sounds like you’re questioning your prospect’s capabilities. This is an impolite way to ask, as it appears that you are assuming that the strategy they have in place is ineffective.

34. Are you struggling with your current solution?

Here, instead of asking the prospects their actual problem, you’re just assuming that your prospect is unhappy with their current solution. Plus, this is too salesy, as it's obvious you'll pitch your solution after asking this. Good cold calling questions are personalized and organic, not forced and salesy.

35. You’re interested in saving money, right? Let’s get on a meeting tomorrow same time and discuss how we can help you. What do you say?

The problems with this question are:

• You’re posing a generic question, assuming the prospect would be interested.
• You’ve not introduced yourself or your solution.
• You’re pushing the prospect to book a meeting without considering their availability.  

36. So, you just want a solution that can solve problem Y, right? Given our unique features, it seems we outshine the competition. Would you agree?

Here, even when you’re aware of the prospect’s problem, the question focuses more on talking about the features of your solution instead of how it can help the prospects solve their problems. This makes you sound too salesy and annoys your prospects.  

Avoid Uninformed Questions

Research is the bedrock of sales, especially when you’re cold calling you need to know everything about your prospects because this is the only way you’ll be able to make a sale is by building trust and rapport.

Skipping the research and asking uninformed questions can make you appear unprofessional and may lead to a negative impression of your company.

Here are 6 example questions that reflect poor research:

37. Have you heard of us?

38. Can you tell me what are the problems you are facing?

39. What are your company’s goals? 

40. What CRM do you use?

41. How many members are there in your team?

42. Are you in the market for [solution]?

Ace Your Cold Calls With The Right Questions

The effectiveness of your cold sales call hinges on the way you approach prospects, making it either highly productive or ineffective.

The key to getting the most out of cold calling lies in knowing what to say to your prospects, as well as what not to say.

By employing thoughtful and strategic questions in your cold calls, you can establish a genuine connection with prospects, understand their needs, and position your product or service as a potential solution.

Use these 42 cold call questions to strike a thoughtful balance between curiosity and respect for the prospect's time, have meaningful conversations, and book more meetings.

FAQs