Cold calls go well when the rep stops reading a script and starts asking the right questions. This template gives a rep a clear route through the first conversation: a short opener, the reason for calling, permission to continue, pain and impact questions, the replies that come up most often and a booked next step. It works for SDRs and for consultants who need a first meeting.

The sample is for Cinderfield Solutions, a fictional software company that books meetings with finance teams. Its figures, names and reply counts are sample data. Replace the reason for calling, the questions and the replies with your own, and rehearse the call with a colleague before you dial anyone.