Cold email gets most of the attention, but for certain industries — particularly home services — cold calling converts faster and more directly. A plumber who never checks his email will answer his phone.
When Cold Calling Makes Sense
- Home services: Plumbers, HVAC, roofers.
- Trucking and freight: Managers live on their phones.
- Small retail: Owners make quick decisions.
The Cold Call Script
Opening: "Hi, is this [Name]? My name is [Your Name] — I'm a virtual assistant. I know this is out of the blue — do you have about 60 seconds?"
The Pitch: "I help [industry] businesses manage their inbox and schedule jobs remotely. Most owners I talk to are so busy that leads slip through. Is that something you handle yourself now?"
"The business owner who says no in the first 15 seconds is not going to change their mind because you keep talking. End professionally and quickly."
Handling Responses
- "We're all set": "No problem at all — thanks for your time."
- "Where are you from?": Be honest. "I'm based in the Philippines and work remotely with US businesses."
- "Email me info": Treat this as a warm lead. Get their direct email and follow up within the hour.
Getting Comfortable
Comfort develops through volume. Set a daily target (even just 5 calls) and hit it regardless of results. Rejection is information, not failure.