How to Start a Cold Call: The Basics

A good cold call opening line needs to fulfil two purposes:

• Catch a prospect’s attention.
• Start a conversation.

If you can master this, you will be well on your way to booking more B2B deals in the U.S. market in no time.

But success in outbound sales in the USA comes with a few rules you should follow when it comes to your call intro:

1. Do call prep

The best thing you can do for a U.S. cold call is research your prospect before you pick up the phone. The more prepared you are, the less nervous you will feel.

Being aware of a customer’s wins, pain points, and company news is especially valuable in the U.S., where buyers expect relevance and speed. This level of prep helps you upsell your product and build rapport with a potential lead right from the start.

2. Stay friendly

The worst thing you can do during a sales call in the U.S. is come across as rude or overly aggressive.

Prospects should feel comfortable talking to you and should not regret the time they have set aside to listen to you. A friendly, positive, and inviting tone is far more effective in the competitive U.S. business culture.

3. Say hello

It may sound obvious, but the very first thing you should do on a B2B cold call in the USA is say hello. After that, ask how they are and introduce yourself and your company clearly.

Simple human connection goes a long way in the U.S., where relationship-building is a big part of business.

4. Do not sell to the gatekeeper

Many U.S. outbound calls are answered by a receptionist or gatekeeper.

Whatever you do, do not pitch to them. They might listen politely, but they are not the ones making the decisions. Save your sales pitch for when you make it through to your target prospect.

5. Stay on top of the latest opening lines

What works in cold calling today might not work tomorrow. U.S. buyers adapt quickly, so keep checking updated lists like this one to stay current on cold calling opening lines that convert in the U.S. market.

6. Say thank you

When a prospect agrees to take your call, they are giving you valuable time. Respect that by thanking them at both the start and end of your conversation.

A simple “thank you” goes a long way in B2B sales in the USA, showing respect and professionalism that can set you apart from pushy competitors.

Read more about B2B Sales in Konsyg’s E Book.

13 Best B2B Cold Calling Opening Lines to Win in U.S. Deals

You are here because you want to know what the best cold call opening line is, right?

The truth is, there is no single magic line. The best opening depends on what you are selling and who you are selling to.

To help, we have curated some of the most effective B2B cold calling opening lines in the USA, which have been tested in real outbound campaigns with strong results. These will provide you with proven methods for booking meetings and building a pipeline with U.S. companies.

1. Introduce yourself clearly

When you are unsure how to start, the simplest way is still the most effective: introduce yourself.

Depending on who you are calling, you can keep it casual with a “hello” or “hi,” or make it more formal with a “good morning” or “good afternoon.”

Example:

“Hi [Name], this is Sarah from [Company]. Are you free for a quick chat?”

2. Be upfront and transparent

U.S. buyers value honesty and efficiency. Being upfront at the start of a call shows respect for their time.

Example:

“Hi [Name], this is James calling from [Company]. To be transparent, this is a well-prepared B2B sales call. I know it’s out of the blue, but is now a bad time for a quick two-minute chat?”

It may feel unconventional, but it often breaks the ice and even earns a laugh.

3. Ask how they are

Research shows that asking a simple “how are you” can increase cold calling success rates. It signals you see the prospect as a person, not just another number.

Example:

“Hi [Name], I’m Michael from [Company]. How are you doing today?”

4. Give a reason for the call

U.S. prospects want to know why you are calling right away. State your reason, and check you are speaking with the right person.

Example:

“Hi [Name], thanks for taking my call. I wanted to see if you are the right person to speak with about connecting with more decision-makers in [industry].”

5. Emphasise the importance of the call

Acknowledging that someone is busy while signalling value shows respect and confidence.

Example:

“Hi [Name], I realise I may have caught you in the middle of something important, but the reason for my call is…”

6. Show you are glad they picked up

Cold calling in the USA is all about tone. Expressing gratitude for their response makes prospects feel valued and sets a positive tone.

Example:

“I’m glad I reached you, [Name]. I know you are busy, but the reason I am calling is…”

7. Ask for help

Psychologically, people are wired to want to help. Framing your call as a request for input lowers resistance and gets conversations started.

Example:

“Hi [Name], this is Andrea from [Company]. Could I get your opinion on something?”

8. Thank them for their time

No list of B2B cold calling opening lines would be complete without a thank you.

In the U.S., time is money. By thanking your prospect right at the start, you show respect and set a positive tone for the conversation. It is not only a strong opening but also the foundation of a relationship.

Example:

“Thank you for picking up my call, [Name]. I really appreciate it.”

9. Open with a referral

Referrals go a long way in U.S. outbound sales. If someone the prospect knows shared their details, mentioning that upfront boosts your credibility. It creates instant trust because you are not a total stranger.

Example:

“Hi [Name]. I am Alex from [Company]. I got your number from [Referral Name], who thought you might be interested in solutions for scaling sales in the U.S. market.”

10. Mention their competitor

Competition is fierce in B2B sales in the USA, and no decision-maker wants to fall behind. Highlighting what a competitor is doing often motivates prospects to stay on the call and hear you out.

Example:

“Hi [Name], this is Jordan from [Company]. I noticed [Competitor] recently expanded into new regions, and we help similar companies get ahead with faster lead generation in the U.S.”

11. Create intrigue

Curiosity is one of the most effective tools in cold calling. A short, intriguing opener can keep prospects on the line because they want to know what comes next.

Example:

“Hi [Name], this is Taylor from [Company]. I think you will be interested in what I have to share about cutting outbound sales costs in the U.S.”

12. Promise to be 30 seconds

U.S. executives are busy, and time efficiency matters. By promising to make your pitch in 30 seconds, you lower their resistance and make them more willing to listen.

Example:

“Hi [Name], this is Monica from [Company]. Do you have 30 seconds to hear how we are helping U.S. companies book more qualified meetings?”

13. Tell them they don’t know you

Sometimes, direct honesty works best. Acknowledging that you have never spoken before makes your outreach more authentic and transparent, which resonates well with U.S. buyers.

Example:

“Hi [Name], I am Joan with [Company]. We have never spoken before, but I wanted to share how we are helping U.S. sales teams cut call time and close more B2B deals.”

Best Practices for Cold Calling Opening Lines

While the above are some of the best cold call openers, what matters most is how you deliver them. A strong opening line can only work if it is supported by good habits and consistent execution.

Here are some best practices to follow for B2B cold calling in the USA:

• Research before you dial: The more you know about your prospect, the smoother your call will go. In the U.S. market, where buyers expect relevance, having context about their recent wins, challenges, or company updates makes a big difference.
• Define your goal: Before making a call, know exactly what you want to achieve. Whether it is setting up a demo, qualifying interest, or securing a follow-up meeting, having a clear outcome keeps the conversation focused.
• Keep your tone confident but friendly: In U.S. outbound sales, tone matters as much as words. A steady, friendly voice creates trust and prevents you from sounding pushy.
• Call at the right time: Timing can make or break a cold call. Studies have shown that the best days to call U.S. prospects are Tuesday and Thursday, with the highest pickup rates between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. local time.
• Prepare for objections: Every prospect will have concerns. Keep a list of common objections and clear, customer-focused responses. This preparation will keep you calm under pressure.
• Practice your script: Even the best cold calling opening lines fall flat without delivery. Rehearse your script until it sounds natural, not robotic.
• Focus on the customer, not yourself: U.S. buyers want to feel understood. Instead of talking too much about your product, ask open-ended questions that let prospects explain their challenges. This shifts the conversation from a pitch to a discovery.

Watch this explainer by William Gilchrist if ‘The Art of Sales is Dying?’