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Stop Pitching. Start Asking for Permission!

Written by McDonell Consulting Group | Oct 6, 2025 7:05:10 PM

The Real Problem with Cold Calls Isn’t the Call, It’s the Approach.

Listening as a Competitive Advantage

Most salespeople hate cold calling because it feels like an interruption. And it is! But what if that interruption could actually become an invitation?

In 2025, buyers are busier, more skeptical, and more guarded than ever. Traditional cold call scripts: “Hi, my name is… I represent…”, trigger instant defense mechanisms! The moment prospects sense a pitch, they tune out.

The fix isn’t another perfect script. It’s permission!

Why Permission Changes Everything

When you ask for or earn permission to continue, you shift the power dynamic. The prospect becomes curious. They invite you to speak, which creates an entirely different tone for the conversation.

It’s not about control, it’s about respect for the person on the other side of the phone. And respect builds trust faster than any clever opener!

How to Earn Permission on a Cold Call

  1. Start with who you are. “Hi, this is Nick with Double & Associates.” Then stop.
  2. Use a pause. Silence signals confidence, it gives the other person room to respond.
  3. Acknowledge the interruption. A line like “It sounds like you don’t know me” disarms tension and invites curiosity.
  4. Engage, don’t pitch. Ask, “Would it make sense to take 30 seconds to see if this is relevant?”

These small shifts change how prospects perceive you, from pushy to professional. To make this easier, we’ve created a simple Cold-Call Script Tool you can download and customize for your own outreach, helping you plan openings that earn permission instead of resistance.

The Takeaway

Permission isn’t just polite—it’s powerful. In a world where everyone’s fighting for attention, the salesperson who asks to be heard stands out!

The question is: are you still forcing people to listen, or are you earning the right to start a real conversation?

Good Selling, Great Leading! – The MCG Team