LeapJob tells us that 98% of cold calls fail. IBM argues that its more like 97% but here’s the bigger point;

Some use that as an excuse to avoid picking up the phone.

Others see it as an opportunity to look at where they might be lacking as far as their phone chops.

There’s another category of sales rock stars;

The ones that warm up the cold call PRIOR to the call with some CREATIVITY!

In order to use creativity, you don’t have to be the “creative type” or some Madison Avenue ad guy.

You don’t have to be brilliant or over the top clever;

Just different!

It all starts with a question, with pen and paper (I prefer this because I write slower than I type and it forces me to slow down my thinking and really ponder sh*t)

In what ways can I use creativity to warm up my calls?

Now you can be even more specific if you’d like with something like this;

In what ways can I use creativity to warm up my call to the ABC Company?

Sales Managers: This can be a useful team brainstorming exercise in your next sales meeting by changing the wording to;

In what ways can we use creativity to warm up our calls?

The key is to have everyone jot down their ideas in silence to avoid any of that “group think” crap. Once everyone has jotted down a few ideas, ask them each for a few thoughts to discuss. If you manage mucho reps, call on a few randomly and have everyone email you so you can compile a PDF for the team.

Here are a few ideas for you to kick around.

Is their something creative and fun you can do with food?

How about a kit?

Something visual like a video, PDF, a meme, picture of something?

Is there a way for you to make an intangible thing you offer more tangible?

Do you have a selling point that can be reinforced by sending them something?

Is there some kind of fun swag you can send to get someone’s attention?

How about a pre printed greeting card or better yet, one that you customize with your potential client’s name in a graphic or call out?

Is there something seasonal you can send?

How about taking a familiar phrase and doing a play on words?

Is there a fun holiday you can capitalize on like “National Chocolate Lovers Day” or something?

Is there a way for you to take a potential client “behind the scenes” and introduce them to the team?

Is there a way for you to have them get to know YOU prior to your call?

Is there a creative way for you to use a warm intro?

Is there a creative voicemail or email you can send prior to your call?

And just for sh*ts and giggles;

Give thought to the venue you will use to deliver your message. It’s a nice way to change it up and inspire additional ideas.

Think email, snail mail, FedEx, messenger, drop in, drop off, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, warm intro, phone, traditional networking, content, video, pre recorded WebEx etc.

And if you’d REALLY like to get better at getting a potential client’s attention;