Getting past call reluctance is one of the keys to successful cold calling. Understand what's causing the reluctance and work on a solution. The three main causes of cold calling reluctance are lack of a plan, attitude and fear of rejection.

Cold Calling Tip #1: Have A Plan

Planning is a key to success in anything you do in sales. Know who you're cold calling. Write a thumbnail sketch of the people you're cold calling. What I mean is get specific about the group of prospects in your target market. How old are they, what kind of work do they do, where do they live, and what kind of challenges do they have. The better picture you get of who you're cold calling the better you'll understand and relate to them.

The second part of this cold calling tip is know what the big picture is for you. Why are you in sales and what benefit does your product or service bring to your target market? Decide what your objective is for the cold call, get the appointment, name, etc.

Plan out what you're going to say. Have a written cold calling script that tells you exactly what you'll say. Know what objections may arise during the conversation and how to handle each one. Understand how and when to close.

It's not just picking up the phone and hoping for the best. Put your plan on paper so you can see it and internalize it and your cold calling success rate will increase.

Cold Calling Tip #2: What's With Your Attitude?

Improve your attitude and you'll improve your results. I've seen a dramatic difference in my phone success based on my attitude. When my attitude is bad, people are less receptive and my success rate goes down. When I'm feeling good, my success on the phone goes up. I guess it's not that everyone else is having a bad day.

Work on your attitude everyday. Make a decision to have a good attitude. If you have a bad attitude don't pick up the phone. Stop watching the news and start reading positive books. Have fun on the phone, make someone smile.

Cold Calling Tip #3: Don't Take It Personal

Remember, not everyone you cold call will be interested in what you have to offer. So be prepared for rejection and understand they aren't rejecting you they're only rejecting the offer you're making them. Thank them and move on to the next.

Cold calling is time consuming and nerve racking for many sales people. If you expect and prepare for the best, you'll have a better chance of the best happening.