Cold calling can be terrifying. Your palms get sweaty, your heart races and your mind goes blank. The fear of rejection looms large. But cold calling is also one of the most effective ways to generate new business. So how can you get over this fear quickly?

As a journalist who has interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs, I’ve picked up some great tips for conquering cold call dread.

Here are the top 7 techniques to try:

1. Understand the Odds Are in Your Favor

It’s easy to obsess over the possibility of rejection. But let’s look at the numbers.

According to statistics, most cold calls do not end in outright rejection. Only about 20% of people will say “no.” Many will politely decline or say they’re too busy right now. Some will even be interested and engage with your pitch.

So when you make 100 calls, you’ll likely get at least 20 positive conversations. Those are good odds! Go into cold calling knowing the math is on your side.

2. Remember “No” Rarely Means “Never”

When someone says “no” on a cold call, it usually just means “not right now.” It’s not personal. There are many reasons a prospect may turn you down:

• They’re busy when you call
• It’s bad timing in their business cycle
• Your offer doesn’t fit their current needs

But this doesn’t mean they’ll never need your product or service. Follow up with an email to keep the relationship warm. Call again down the road. Many “no’s” turn into “yes’s” eventually.

3. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Fear grows in the shadows of the unknown. The more you cold call, the more normal it becomes.

Make it a goal to cold call every workday. Start with just 5 short calls per day. Over time, increase your call volume. You’ll become desensitized to the discomfort.

It’s like exposure therapy. Face your fears head on and they lose their power. Cold calling gets easier after just 2-3 weeks of pushing through the anxiety.

4. Stop Making It Mean More Than It Does

Often we exaggerate the stakes of cold calling in our minds. We tell ourselves that stumbling on a call means we’re a failure or we’ll go out of business.

But each call is just one short interaction. Nothing more. Mess up? No big deal. Hang up and move to the next call.

When your inner critic screams, remind yourself that cold calling is simply a skill to learn, not a measure of your self-worth.

5. Use a Script and Stick to It

Knowing exactly what to say takes the stress out of calls. Scripts prevent awkward silences and rambling.

Write out a loose script that includes:

• A short opening statement
• A brief description of your company
• A summary of your product/service’s benefits
• A call to action like a free trial

Practice the script until it sounds natural. Then use it as a guide for all your cold calls. You’ll come across as polished and professional.

6. Focus on the Prospect’s Needs

If you’re worried about sounding salesy or pushy, keep the focus on the customer. Ask smart questions to understand their pain points. Then explain how you can help.

This customer-centric approach builds trust and rapport. It shows the prospect you care about their needs rather than just making a sale. You’ll get less resistance this way.

7. Visualize Success

Our minds believe what we repeatedly tell them. That’s why athletes visualize winning. It builds the neural pathways for actual success.

Before cold calling, spend 5-10 minutes visualizing ideal calls:

• Picture yourself confidently delivering your script
• Hear the prospect thanking you for the helpful information
• Envision setting up the next steps like a demo

This mental rehearsal primes you for achievement in real calls. Expect success and your brain will make it happen.

The fear of cold calling is normal. But by reframing your mindset and practicing consistently, you can master this pivotal sales skill quickly. Use these 7 techniques to turn cold calling into a breeze. The more leads you call, the less intimidating it becomes. You’ve got this!