6 Ice Breakers Sales Reps Can Use To Ramp Up Conversions [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re looking for ways to boost your phone game, here are ice breakers sales reps can use for any prospect.

RELATED: Learn How To Double Call Volume And Drive Higher Conversion Rates

In this article:

1. What Are Ice Breakers?
2. Be Prepared
3. Remember, Never Call to Sell
4. Ice Breaker Concepts for Sales Cold Calling
5. Other Tips to Help Break the Ice With Prospects
6. Conclusion

6 Ice Breakers Sales Reps Can Use to Ramp up Conversions

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What Are Ice Breakers?

Selling anything over the phone is no easy feat. You never know when your prospect is in the middle of something important and you have about three seconds to state your business before the person either ends the call or allows you to continue.

If you get it right, you should have more of your phone leads listening intently, and it all comes down to just how well you break the ice.

A successful “ice breaker” can be a relevant comment, a comedic quip, or an observation that suddenly makes the person sit up and take notice. These aren’t cookie-cutter “pick-up lines” for sales or anything like that.

As any veteran salesperson will tell you, no two prospects are alike, just as no two phone calls are ever the same. Therefore, these are more like ice-breaker concepts that you can personalize to your prospects to boost your phone game and sales conversion rates.

Be Prepared

Before you can hope to break the ice, you should have a firm understanding of the person you’re speaking with, their position at the company, what you hope to accomplish with this phone call, and how you can help the prospect achieve their goals.

Even though you’re using these powerful ice breakers in your phone presentations, expect to be rejected. It comes with the territory, and you must realize it’s nothing personal.

The person may be busy, not in the mood, not in the market, or already speaking to another sales rep about the same product or service.

The important thing is to keep calling, keep getting rejected, and make these ice breakers your own by learning from your mistakes and honing your skills over time.

Remember, Never Call to Sell

One more reminder before we get to breaking the ice: 80% of deals are closed after the 5th follow up, so you shouldn’t expect to sell on the first call anyway.

People answering the phone can sense a salesperson quickly, which comes from years of dealing with telemarketers. You must set yourself apart.

Instead of hitting the individual with a sales pitch right away, focus on building a relationship.

Be mindful of the person’s mood and time-table. If they’re not interested in forming a business relationship now, leave the door open so you can pursue a relationship later.

Always be professional, courteous, and genuine.

Just as phone prospects can sense salesmanship, they can also sense fakery. To project the opposite, do your best to form a genuine sense of curiosity about the other person, attempt to be interested, and engage them in friendly conversation.

Ice Breaker Concepts for Sales Cold Calling

1. Point to Something Familiar

Effective salespeople know that part of being prepared is digging into social media, such as LinkedIn to learn more about your prospect, his or her company, and pain points you can help them solve.

Example:

Did the person recently get promoted? Bring that up first.

People love praise and a little buttering the muffin may get you an “in” you can use to close the deal.

2. Offer a Compliment

Flattery will get you everywhere, and people love to get kudos for something they inherently own.

Example:

This might be the sound of their voice, the authority in their tone, or the unique spelling of their name. However, you can also mention that you appreciate how quickly they answered the phone or that you’ve heard a lot about the person and their reputation (make sure you have facts to back it up).

3. Current Events

If through all your digging you can’t find much on the individual, use something the person can immediately relate to.

Example:

This might be an upcoming holiday (be mindful of religious affiliations!), news in the prospect’s area, or anything else that will set you apart. Make sure to always use the person’s name when speaking.

Remember, you’re trying to build a relationship, not sell a product or service. Speak friendly and accordingly.

Try to avoid cliché ice breakers like mentioning the weather (unless it’s severe or unusual) or sports. Stick to topics that are more in line with the person’s business and goals.

For instance, when mentioning an upcoming holiday, you can ask if they’ll be working or taking time off.

RELATED: The Best Times For Scheduled Sales Calls And Demos

4. Find Commonality

People love to do business with people who are similar to them, so find something you and the prospect share.

Example:

You might live in or originate in the same state/area as the prospect, or went to the same school – or even pursue similar hobbies. Finding common ground can both put you on the same level, which is a great way to form a business relationship.

5. Tell a Story

Do you have a compelling case study that the prospect may find interesting? Why not start with that?

If you can help the prospect relate to the hero of your story and if the two are aligned as far as their concerns, objectives, obstacles, and visions of success, then your prospect’s ears will certainly perk up.

6. Show Your Knowledge of the Prospect with Your Ice Breakers

An excellent ice breaker that helps create a connection with your prospect immediately especially during a meeting is when you showcase your knowledge of the prospect in a casual manner.

Example:

If you find out that your prospect has an event coming up that they’re preparing for, you can bring that topic up by saying that you’re thankful for their time. Mention that you’re glad that they choose to meet with you despite the fact that they’re busy since they’re probably prepping for the event coming up.

It’s one of many simple meeting ice breakers that helps communicate that you’re not only there for fun. You’re there to introduce yourself and how you can help them reach their current goal.

It shows that you have experience enough to do your research beforehand. Plus, these ice breakers are great conversation starters that will help you segue easily into the main topic which is the reason why you’re there.

Other Tips to Help Break the Ice With Prospects 

Aside from the ice breakers mentioned above, here are other tips to help you break the ice with a prospect.

1. Always Do Your Research Before a Meet and Greet

Whether you’re creating an ice breaker for sales meetings or calls, having a working knowledge of your prospects is important.

One goal you should have in any sales conversation is to try to build a relationship with the person on the other end of the line. And, in any relationship-building initiative, it’s important to know some things about your prospect to help you find common ground with them.

This will also make it easier for you to understand their motivations, which will ultimately help ramp up your conversions.

2. Ease up on Your Prospect

If you want your prospect to relax and warm up to you, you have to do the same. Don’t be in a rush and try to ease your nerves, if you’re feeling nervous.

Don’t start your presentation right away as well. Take some time to get to know your client and listen to them first before diving into business.

3. Create a Connection Even Before You Contact Them

Do you know what’s a great way to break the ice? Familiarity.

By establishing yourself as a pillar in their social network, you’re already developing your presence in their radar even before the sales call.

Social media makes this much easier. You can connect with a lead on their social media account, and from there, you can both keep tabs on each other.

To make your social selling work, make sure you create content relevant to your prospects. If they interact with you, make sure to send a response.

Social Selling Definition: This is a part of the sales process where you develop a relationship with a prospect first to establish a connection.

4. Consider Giving a Heads Up

Before you start calling your prospect, it’ll be a good idea to leave a message first about why you’re calling them. An unsolicited call from someone, especially in this day and age, won’t be appreciated.

Plus, it’ll also give you an idea of when they can talk. Ask them what time will work best for them to ensure your timing’s right.

5. Don’t Force a Canned Ice Breaker If It Doesn’t Work

Sometimes, you find that a particular ice breaker works well for one prospect. Great, but it doesn’t mean you should use it for every single one.

It’s important that you still gauge the conversation and the mood of your prospect to find one that’s best for that particular situation.

The ice breakers listed above aren’t scripts. Instead, use these as a guide to keep in the back of your mind if you find yourself at a loss for words.

Don’t forget to download, save, or share this handy infographic for reference: