The main goal is to call when they are most likely to answer. It's also about calling when they are most likely to listen. You do australia email list not want to call when they are super busy. You do not want to call when they are on their way home. Finding a good time is a bit like a puzzle. When you figure it out, your calls will be more successful.
Why Timing Matters So Much
Timing is everything in sales. A call at the wrong time can be a total failure. A call at the right time can lead to a new customer. If you call someone right before a big meeting, they will be rushed. They will be annoyed. They will likely not listen to you. If you call them when they are relaxed, they might be more open.
Think about your own day. When are you most focused? When are you most distracted? Most people are busy in the morning. They are trying to get their day started. They are drinking coffee and checking emails. So, calling them at 8:00 AM might not be a good idea. By finding the right time, you respect their time. This makes a good first impression.
The Golden Hours for Cold Calling
Many sales experts agree on a few "golden hours." The first golden window is usually from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on weekdays. By this time, people have settled into their work day. They have finished their morning tasks. They are more likely to have a moment to talk. They are not yet thinking about their lunch break. This is a great time to make your first batch of calls.
The second golden window is in the afternoon. This is typically from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. People are back from lunch. They might be in a good mood. They are trying to get things done before the day ends. This can be a very productive time for calls. You should avoid calling at the very end of the day. For example, after 4:30 PM. People are winding down and getting ready to go home.
The Worst Times to Call
Just as there are good times, there are bad times. You should try to avoid calling on Mondays. Many people are busy on Monday mornings. They are catching up on emails from the weekend. They are planning their week. It's a very hectic time. Likewise, Fridays can also be tough. People are often distracted. They are thinking about the weekend.
You should also avoid calling during lunch time. This is usually from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Many people are away from their desks. Even if they are at their desk, they are eating. They will not want to talk to you. You should also never call too early or too late. Calling before 9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM is usually a bad idea. These are personal hours for most people.
What About Different Industries?
The golden hours can change based on the industry. If you are calling a doctor's office, their hours are different. They might be busy with patients during the day. A good time to call might be during their break. Or you could call just before they open. You need to do some research on your target industry. It's about thinking like your customer.
For example, a restaurant owner is busy during lunch and dinner. A good time to call them might be in the mid-afternoon. This is a very slow time for them. If you are calling a school, they have different hours. They are very busy when class is in session. The best time might be during their lunch break or after school ends.
Tips for a Better Cold Call
Knowing the best hours is a great start. But you can do more. Try calling the same person at different times. If they do not answer at 10:30 AM, try 2:00 PM. This can help you figure out their personal schedule. Also, leave a short and clear voicemail. Tell them who you are and why you called. This can help them remember you.
You can also use email. Send a short email before you call. This turns a cold call into a warm call. They will have seen your name before. They will be more likely to answer. This simple step can greatly increase your success rate.
The Importance of Tracking Your Calls
To find your perfect hours, you need to track your calls. Keep a record of when you call someone. Write down if they answered or not. Write down if the call was a success. Over time, you will see patterns. You will learn what works best for you. What works for one person might not work for another. By tracking your calls, you can create your own personal "golden hours."