C-Suite Cold Calling Script
The exact script for cold calling CEOs, CFOs, and C-suite executives. Includes word-for-word openers, objection handlers, and tactics from enterprise sales professionals.
1The Opener
Hi {{executive_name}}, this is {{your_name}} with {{your_company}}. I know you're busy, so I'll be brief—do you have 30 seconds?
[If yes:]
I'm reaching out because I've been following {{their_company}} and noticed {{specific_observation}}. I work with {{role_peers}} at companies like {{reference_company_1}} and {{reference_company_2}}, and we've helped them {{specific_outcome}}.
I'm not sure if this is relevant to your priorities right now, but I'd love to find out. Is {{pain_point_area}} something that's on your radar?2Discovery & Pitch
[If they engage:]
Great. What's driving that as a priority for you right now?
[LISTEN - C-level execs think strategically. Let them frame the problem.]
That's really interesting. When you think about the ideal outcome, what does success look like?
[LISTEN - Understand their vision]
Got it. So here's why I reached out—we've worked with {{role_peers}} who had similar priorities, and we helped them {{specific_result}}.
For example, {{reference_company}} was dealing with {{similar_challenge}}, and after implementing {{your_solution}}, they saw {{quantified_result}}.
Now, I don't know if we could do the same for {{their_company}}—I'd need to learn more. But based on what you just shared, it might be worth a conversation.
What I'd suggest is this: let's schedule a 20-minute call where I can share more about how we've approached this with other {{their_industry}} companies, and you can tell me more about your situation. If there's potential fit, we'll discuss next steps. If not, I'll tell you honestly.
Do you have time this week, or would next week work better?
[If they're interested but too busy personally:]
I completely understand. Who on your team would be the right person to have an initial conversation with? I'd want to make sure we're exploring this properly before taking more of your time.
[Get referral and permission to mention the executive's name]3Objection Handlers
Click an objection to see the response. Practice these until they're automatic.
Your Response
I appreciate that. Who on your team would own {{pain_point_area}}? [Get name] Perfect. Would you be willing to make a quick introduction? Coming from you would carry a lot more weight than a cold call.
4Closing Options
Can we schedule a 20-minute call this week to explore this further?
Who on your team should I speak with to get the ball rolling?
I'll send you a one-pager on what we've done for {{reference_company}}. If it's interesting, let's talk. What's your email?
Would it make sense to loop in your {{relevant_vp_or_director}} for an initial conversation?
Voicemail Script
{{Executive_name}}, this is {{your_name}} with {{your_company}}.
I'm calling because we've helped {{role_peers}} at companies like {{reference_company}} with {{pain_point_area}}, achieving {{specific_outcome}}.
I'd love to see if there's potential relevance for {{their_company}}. My number is {{your_phone}}. Again, {{your_phone}}.
I'll try you again on {{day}}. Thanks.Variables to Customize
{{executive_name}}The executive's full name{{your_name}}Your first and last name{{your_company}}Your company name{{their_company}}The prospect's company name{{their_industry}}Their industry{{specific_observation}}Something specific you noticed about their company{{role_peers}}Their peer group (e.g., 'CEOs', 'CFOs', 'CROs'){{reference_company_1}}First reference company{{reference_company_2}}Second reference company{{reference_company}}Reference company for examples{{pain_point_area}}The strategic area you address{{specific_outcome}}Result you helped similar companies achieve{{specific_result}}Specific result for peer group{{similar_challenge}}Challenge faced by reference company{{your_solution}}Your solution name{{quantified_result}}Specific metrics from your success story{{your_phone}}Your callback number{{day}}Day you'll follow upPerfect For
- Enterprise sales reps calling CEOs, CFOs, CROs, and other C-suite executives
- Founders selling high-value solutions to executive buyers
- Consultants and advisors targeting C-level relationships
- Private equity and investment professionals
- Anyone selling strategic, board-level solutions
- Account executives managing enterprise accounts
Not Ideal For
- Transactional or low-value sales
- Products that don't require executive sponsorship
- Solutions without clear executive-level ROI
- Very early-stage companies without credible references
- Reps without experience handling executive conversations
Pro Tips
Call before 8am or after 5:30pm—executives often answer their own phones early and late
Research extensively: know their company's recent news, earnings, priorities, and challenges
Be confident but not arrogant. Executives respect directness and preparation.
Speak in outcomes, not features. Executives care about strategic impact, not product details.
Name-drop appropriately. If you've worked with their peers or competitors, mention it.
Keep it brief. Executives have short attention spans for sales calls. Get to the point fast.
If they delegate you down, ask for permission to use their name as a referral
Follow up with a brief, personalized email—not a long pitch deck
Common Mistakes
Being too casual or too formal. Match their communication style.
Talking too much about your product instead of their business outcomes
Not having specific, relevant examples ready
Failing to research the executive and their company
Asking too many junior-level questions
Not being prepared for a quick conversation—they may only give you 2 minutes
Pitching before understanding their priorities
Forgetting to ask who else should be involved
Practice Exercises
Practice your opener until it's under 30 seconds and sounds natural
Role-play with a senior colleague playing a dismissive executive
Prepare 3-5 strategic questions appropriate for C-level conversations
Practice transitioning from the opener to a business conversation quickly
Drill handling 'I'm not interested' with confidence, not desperation
Study your target executive's LinkedIn, interviews, and company filings before calling
Tone & Delivery
Confident, concise, and peer-to-peer. You're not selling to them—you're exploring a business opportunity together. Executives respect people who are prepared, direct, and don't waste their time. Don't be nervous; they're just people with big jobs. Speak at their level: strategic outcomes, competitive advantage, ROI. Leave the tactical details for later conversations.
Related Scripts
Scripts Are Just Words Without the Reps
We make thousands of calls every week. Let us handle the prospecting while you close deals.
Book Your Strategy Call