
💸 Hey friends!
In episode 78 of the Sales Mates Podcast, we break down why cold calls in 2025 are still more effective than email. Artem Honcharuk (Unicrew) shares a case where 72% of leads in Germany pick up the phone if you start the conversation the right way.
We show the formula for the first minute of a cold call, how to get past a gatekeeper in DACH, which scripts actually work, and how to handle objections. We also cover tools for finding phone numbers, the “double touch” technique (voicemail + email), and the key KPIs every sales rep should track.
🎁 Prize from Artem:
Leave your comment under this episode. The author of the best comment will receive a personal 1-2 hour mentorship session with Artem on cold calling. This is your chance to get a tailored breakdown of your scripts and advice from real DACH cases.
🔗 Guest contact: LinkedIn
🔥 If you want to understand how to make cold calls that actually lead to meetings and contracts – this episode is for you.
00:00:00 – What cold calling in 2025 looks like in DACH
00:02:10 – How the first 5 seconds decide connection in Germany
00:04:50 – Call triggers: job openings, investments, LinkedIn activity; when to call and what to say first
00:05:45 – CTO/CEO vs recruiter and how to adapt the script for a technical decision-maker
00:13:20 – Conversation technique: pace, pauses, and how to sound confident without “pressure”
00:24:40 – Where to find mobile numbers in DACH (ZoomInfo, Lusha, Casper, Kohaga)
00:25:16 – Gatekeepers in Germany: how to ask for a warm transfer and avoid the “secretary filter”
00:28:37 – 15-second voicemail and 3-sentence follow-up to boost replies
00:41:27 – Prize for best comment: personal 1-2 hour mentorship session with Artem on cold calling
In this podcast episode, the methodology of cold calling is discussed – in particular, how to effectively reach decision-makers, strategies for successfully closing calls, and the importance of preparation before each call. Artem shares his experience, emphasizing that the first five seconds of the conversation are critical to success, as well as the importance of understanding the client’s needs.
The discussion covers the challenges salespeople face during cold calls, the optimal length of a dialogue, the importance of introductions and building trust, and the participants’ personal experiences in this field. They also touch on cultural differences in the perception of cold calls, analysis and preparation before calling, follow-ups and ongoing communication, as well as tools for generating contacts.
Key aspects of sales are highlighted, including the importance of timing in client interactions, the role of scripts in sales, experiences from real cold calls, humorous situations, transparency in sales, the average team setup, and discipline in organizing work.
The speakers share their insights and approaches to successful selling. The episode also covers the main KPIs for cold calls, advice for beginners, the importance of mentorship and support, and the impact of cold calls on business. Guests share their personal experiences, successes, and future plans, emphasizing that cold calling remains a vital tool in sales.
Artem makes at least 20 calls per day.
The first five seconds of the conversation determine whether the prospect continues talking.
Cold calling conversion equals about two to three meetings per week.
Artem spends 90% of his time on cold calling.
It is crucial to understand who the decision-maker in the company is.
Open positions on a company’s website are a strong trigger for a call.
C-level managers are always busy, so it’s important to respect their time.
Research before the call helps you prepare for the conversation.
Closing the call should be clear and straightforward.
You must understand whether you have a real match with the potential client.
People often underestimate the number of calls required for success.
The optimal dialogue length is 3-4 minutes.
Proper self-introduction builds trust with the prospect.
Experience in cold calling builds self-confidence.
Attitudes toward cold calls vary depending on culture.
Analysis and preparation before calls are critically important.
Follow-ups can be the key to successful communication.
Short and clear messages are more effective.
It’s important to send relevant information after the call.
There are many tools for generating contacts.
Many sales reps fail because they don’t sense the right timing.
Scripts are important, but they need to be adapted.
Communication with clients should be natural and engaging.
Funny situations can help ease the tension.
Transparency in sales builds trust.
Discipline is key to sales success.
Organizing calls often depends on personal rhythm and intuition.
The first successful contract can be a powerful motivator.
It’s important to understand how you can help the client.
The average team setup can vary from one to twenty people.
Main KPIs: discovery meetings, intro calls, contracts.
Beginners should just start calling.
Don’t take rejections personally.
Success in cold calling comes with practice.
Mentorship can help newcomers.
It’s important to share experiences with others.
Cold calling can lead to significant business results.
You must constantly improve your skills.
Don’t be afraid to ask about the client’s budget.
A community can support you during tough times.
Practical advice from two successful sales managers who reveal the secrets of their success, share personal experiences and strategies, plus interesting guests and funny stories about the everyday life of sellers – watch and listen online on our YouTube channel Sales Mates Podcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel: Sales Mates Podcast – /@salesmatespodcast
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