Cold calling remains an integral part of the tech sales process in 2023, though perceptions around it have evolved. Thanks to increased data and insights to support sales development representatives (SDRs), cold calling scripts are evolving from rigid, word-for-word outlines into more conversational frameworks. The key is crafting scripts that sound natural while conveying value and piquing interest.
The Need for Structure in Tech Sales Calls
Cold calls with no clear direction often meander without making a strong impression. Scripts provide SDRs with a blueprint to efficiently communicate key selling points and value propositions. Especially for complex tech solutions, scripts ensure that critical details are conveyed accurately while allowing customization based on the prospect’s needs.
While some may view scripts as limiting spontaneity, the truth is that few people can effectively cold-call complex products without some form of guidance. Data shows that even experienced SDRs convert more appointments when armed with concise yet compelling scripts. Authenticity stems from the representative’s cadence, active listening, and the ability to adapt their messaging to individuals.
Transitioning from Rigid Scripts to Flexible Frameworks
Whereas early cold calling scripts were word-for-word templates, savvy sales leaders now create more flexible frameworks. This empowers SDRs to internalize the core narrative and have natural conversations. The focus is guiding the flow versus dictating verbiage.
Impactful cold-calling frameworks have several common elements, no matter the product. They…
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Start with a relevant pain point or industry insight
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Introduce the company and product value quickly
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Incorporate active listening and invitation for two-way dialogue
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Use natural language suited to the target persona
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End by proposing the next steps if interest and fit seem strong
Within this basic flow, SDRs can flex their knowledge and emotional intelligence to customize interactions. Modern tech sellers focus less on “sticking to the script” and more on aligning to the prospect’s needs.
Data-Driven Script Optimization
Technology allows sales leaders to analyze call transcripts and mine the phrasing, messaging, and techniques that perform best. AI can track common words, conversational patterns, talking speed, language level, and more.
Leading organizations use these insights to optimize scripts instead of merely guessing what works. This ensures scripts resonate with today’s savvier, more skeptical buyers.
Often sales leaders uncover gaps between their assumptions and reality:
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Buyers may understand technical capabilities but doubt integration feasibility, while scripts focus solely on functionality. Optimized messaging addresses integration concerns.
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Scripts assumed buyers had more workflow knowledge than they did. Updated frameworks embed more workflow education.
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Buyers connected more with relatable analogies versus abstract tech terminology. New scripts incorporated more consumer and frontline worker analogies.
Without listening tools and analytics, these key insights are missed. Tech leaders must continually test and refine scripts as buyer sentiments, economic conditions, and competitors evolve.
Situational Script Customization
While core messaging and flow patterns reveal themselves through analytics, sales success also requires adaptation. Experienced SDRs tailor approaches to individuals by:
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Modifying terminology based on assumed familiarity: using more basic or more advanced language as appropriate
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Highlighting capabilities that resonate most with their industry
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Addressing objections or process frustrations common in their roles
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Discussing use cases more relevant to their business model
This level of situational customization separates average reps from superstars. Technology assists through pre-call research and buyer persona insights, but human discernment and empathy drive connections. The blend of script direction and personalized appeal wins appointments.
Still, even superstars stick to efficient scripts that cover key points early. They artfully weave customizations around this established framework – knowing rambling loses listeners.
Scripting for Different Cold Call Channels
Cold calling now spans multiple channels beyond phones – including email, social media, and ads. Savvy sales leaders create tailored scripts for each route.
Since prospects engage differently across channels, messaging and offers should align. For example:
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LinkedIn – Lead with industry insight and only briefly mention offerings in the invite. Rushing product pitches fails here.
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Email – Share more details on capabilities but focus heavily on tangible value since inboxes are cluttered. Lead with clear subject lines.
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Facebook – Frame offerings around consumer experiences and everyday pain points. Avoid technical jargon.
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Trade Shows – Discuss recent innovations that set you apart from competitors and exhibitors. Make capabilities relatable through hands-on demo offers.
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Phone – Establish relevance quickly as attention spans are short. Actively confirm understanding and discuss the next steps before the call closes.
Just as core narratives adjust across verticals, scripts should align to channel norms in order to resonate. What engages via email falls flat over the phone.
Optimizing FAQs for Buyers
FAQ pages build buyer trust and confidence. When crafted effectively, they consolidate common questions sales reps hear daily into one helpful, easily scannable resource.
However, many company FAQs remain generic and marketing-influenced rather than buyer-focused. They often pose little relevance to key purchaser reservations.
The first step in optimizing FAQs is gathering unfiltered prospect questions through sales call transcripts. Look for common themes around capabilities, integration, workflows, TCO and results.
Secondly, speak directly to buyer hesitations, not just product strengths. Address concerns through:
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Empathy – “Many customers once wondered if our analytics modules would truly integrate with their CRM.”
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Clarity – “Our platform offers flexible deployment, from on-premise to public cloud variants depending on security needs.”
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Proof – “As evidenced in this Total Economic Impact study by Forrester, customers achieve full ROI in less than 8 months.”
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Specificity – “For mid-sized retailers with 5-15 locations, our POS solution delivers 87% annual customer retention on average.”
Avoiding superficial, marketing-style FAQs in favor of candid conversations with buyers builds authenticity and trust in your solutions. The tone should resonate with tech buyers versus end-consumers. Back claims through client examples, data, and validation by trusted research firms.
Focus on the reasons buyers hesitate, not what your marketing team assumes. Regularly optimize content based on insights from sales calls to adapt to changing buyer sentiment. Avoid buzzwords for clarity. FAQs should convince purchasers that you understand their reality and can deliver measurable outcomes.
The Bottom Line
Cold calling remains a staple of tech sales in 2023, but rigid old-school scripts no longer suffice. Sales leaders must provide flexible frameworks for having natural dialogues that communicate value quickly.
Through call monitoring technology and analytics, organizations can now data-drive script optimization based on actual buyer conversations instead of guesses. This allows continual evolution.
Experienced SDRs further personalize calls through contextual customization while still covering key details. They also adeptly adapt messaging across cold-calling channels each with distinct engagement patterns.
Likewise, FAQs should directly tackle buyer hesitations shared candidly with sales reps. They should be convinced through empathy, clarity, proof, and specifics for one’s industry.
By striking the right balance between scripting structure and human personalization, sales teams can engage in authentic yet impactful cold-calling conversations. They can continually optimize scripts based on purchasing trends, economic shifts, and data.
Combining this agile approach with persistent effort is key to converting more cold calls to sales conversations in 2023 despite perception challenges around cold outreach. Effective scripting will distinguish thriving sales organizations in a dynamic technological landscape from those that lag behind.
