The Power of Cold Calling: How I Started Cold Calling at 9 Years Old

Cold calling can be intimidating for many people, but it was through this intimidating activity that I realised what I wanted to do in the future. It all began when I was just nine years old, living in Ukraine. In my hometown Kyiv, there were telephone cabins where people could make calls using prepaid telephone cards.

One day, while out with a friend, I noticed that one of these cards had been left in a telephone and nobody was around to use it. Being resourceful, I decided to check if there were any available minutes left on the card and, if so, to use them to try and find the person who had left it behind.

As it turned out, there were still a few minutes left on the card. So, I began dialing random numbers, determined to find the person who had left the card in the telephone. My friend wasn't as enthusiastic about this idea, but I was determined to complete my mission.

To my surprise, I had a good conversation on the first call I made, although it wasn't with the person I was looking for. I continued to call other numbers, and each person I spoke with was excited about my mission and eager to help. After several calls, I finally found the person I was looking for – a man who had intentionally left the card in the telephone so that someone like me would call him - this is what he said :) Only after few years I understood how good the person on the other end of the line was to help me to accomplish my mission.

That experience taught me the power of the telephone and how it can be used to connect with people and accomplish goals. It also showed me the importance of persistence and adaptability to every person I spoke with being just nine years of age. I didn't let my friend's lack of enthusiasm stop me, and I was able to turn a random call into a meaningful conversation with a stranger.

With no doubt cold calling can be a powerful tool for finding leads and building relationships. It requires strong communication skills and the ability to think on your feet, but it can be incredibly rewarding.

In today's world, it's common to hear that cold calling is a thing of the past. But as someone who has found success through cold calling, I can confidently say that it's still a valuable tool in the sales world.

Of course, it's important to use a variety of methods to connect with potential clients and leads – social media, email, and phone calls all have their place. But for me, there's something special about picking up the phone and having a direct conversation with someone. It's a chance to build a strong professional relationship and establish trust.

If you're in sales or any other field that requires engaging with people, don't be afraid to pick up the phone and make a call. Cold calling may not be for everyone, but it can be an effective way to grow your business. So don't be discouraged by the naysayers – keep dialing and building those relationships!