"How are you today?" Nothing defines you as a telemarketer or salesperson more than that opening delivered in an obligatory, insincere way (the way 80% of your competition delivers it).

If you want to separate yourself from your competition and actually connect with your prospect, then please use any of the following after you give your name and company name:

1. "Can you hear me OK?" My personal favorite. This opening does a number of things A - it elicits a yes response, B - it gets them saying yes, and it gets them to really listen. Not a bad way to start the call.

2. "Happy Monday!" (or Wednesday, or Thursday - whatever day it is). You get a lot of traction with this opening, and it really opens your prospect up.

3. "Is it raining there, too?" (or hot or foggy, etc.). Immediately connecting with your prospect on an issue unrelated to sales really gets them talking and takes the pressure off.

4. "I'm so glad I reached you, I need a little bit of help. Are you the person who handles XYZ?..." This is a great technique because you immediately make them feel important. Works every time.

5. "How's your day going?" This is the alternative to "How are you today," and it only works if you are sincere and if you actually listen to how their day is going. Please, listen and respond accordingly.

So there you have it - five openings that will separate you from your competition when cold calling a prospect.

Have some fun with these, vary them, find the one you're most comfortable with. But most of all, use them. Believe me, your prospect will be happy you did, and so will you!

Written by Mike Brooks