The Ultimate Guide to Cold Calling for Commercial Cleaning Services
Introduction: Why Cold Calling is Essential for Commercial Cleaning Businesses
Cold calling remains one of the most effective ways to generate commercial cleaning contracts. While online marketing and referrals play a role, nothing replaces direct outreach to decision-makers who may not be actively searching for a cleaning service but still need a better solution.
The challenge? Most businesses already have a cleaning provider, and gatekeepers are trained to block sales calls. That’s why using the right script, tone, and approach is critical. Your ability to capture attention in the first 10 seconds and communicate value determines whether the call leads to an opportunity—or a hang-up.
✅ How This Guide Will Help You Increase Appointments & Contracts:
🟢 How to identify and reach the right decision-makers
🟢 Cold calling scripts that actually work—from gatekeeper introductions to voicemails
🟢 Handling common objections (like “We already have a cleaner”)
🟢 How cold calling aligns with marketing and PR to boost success
🟢 Follow-up techniques that turn cold calls into appointments
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a proven framework to increase your appointments, contracts, and revenue using cold calling. Plus, you’ll learn how to use powerful words in your commercial cleaning script to influence decision-makers and improve your call success rate—check out our in-depth guide here: How to Use Powerful Words in a Commercial Cleaning Script.
💡 Let’s dive in and start booking more cleaning contracts!
📞 What You’ll Learn in This Cold Calling Guide
Master the **art of cold calling for commercial cleaning** with actionable strategies, scripts, and techniques to help you **book more appointments and close more deals.**
- How to identify and reach the right decision-makers
- Cold calling scripts that actually work (gatekeeper, decision-maker, voicemail)
- Handling objections like “We already have a cleaner”
- How cold calling aligns with marketing and PR for better results
- Follow-up techniques that turn cold calls into appointments
- Advanced cold calling techniques to improve response rates
- Who should handle cold calling – owner, sales rep, VA, or AI?
- How to track, measure, and improve cold calling performance
Concept: How Cold Calling Fits into Your Sales Strategy
Cold calling isn’t just about dialing random numbers and hoping for the best—it’s a strategic sales tool that, when executed correctly, can bring consistent revenue growth for your commercial cleaning business. To make cold calling effective, you need to understand how it fits into your overall sales and marketing strategy and how to structure your efforts for maximum ROI.
📈 What to Expect from Cold Calling in Terms of Revenue Potential
- Commercial cleaning contracts are high-value deals. Even one successful cold call can lead to a long-term recurring contract worth thousands per year.
- Expect conversion rates between 1% and 5% depending on your targeting, script quality, and follow-up process.
- Cold calling is most effective when part of a multi-touch sales process (calls + emails + direct mail + LinkedIn).
- Consistency matters—successful companies make cold calling a daily or weekly habit, not a one-time push.
Account-Based Marketing vs. Mass Cold Calling
Not all cold calling strategies are the same. There are two main approaches to commercial cleaning sales over the phone:
1️⃣ Account-Based Marketing (ABM) Approach (Quality over Quantity)
- Highly targeted → You focus on specific, high-value prospects like corporate offices, medical facilities, or property managers.
- You research each company before calling, making your pitch personalized and relevant.
- Ideal for landing large contracts and building long-term relationships.
- Works best when combined with email marketing, networking, and direct mail.
✅ Best for: Companies targeting high-value, long-term contracts with fewer, but more qualified prospects.
2️⃣ Mass Cold Calling Approach (Quantity over Quality)
- Higher volume → You make a large number of calls without deep research on each prospect.
- The goal is to find businesses that are ready to switch cleaning providers quickly.
- Works well if you have a refined script and a strong objection-handling strategy.
- More effective for small businesses, independent offices, and low-barrier sales.
✅ Best for: Companies looking for quick leads and a high number of small-to-medium contracts.
🔺 Strategy → Tactics → Tools Pyramid Explained
To maximize your cold calling success, follow this structured approach instead of making random calls.
🔹 Step 1: Strategy (The Foundation) → Your Overall Sales Plan
- Define your goal: Are you setting appointments or closing deals on the call?
- Decide on ABM vs. mass calling: Choose the approach that fits your business model.
- Align with marketing: Ensure ads, email campaigns, and direct mail support your cold calling efforts.
🔹 Step 2: Tactics (Execution) → How You Approach Calls
- Cold call scripts: What you say when reaching gatekeepers and decision-makers.
- Objection handling: Pre-planned responses for common pushbacks like “We already have a cleaner.”
- Follow-up strategy: How you keep prospects engaged after the call.
🔹 Step 3: Tools (Enhancement) → The Resources That Make It Scalable
- CRM software → Tracks leads, calls, and follow-ups.
- Power dialers → Automate dialing to improve efficiency.
- AI-powered assistants → Can help with lead qualification before a human rep takes over.
- Direct mail/email automation → Helps reinforce cold calls with additional touchpoints.
📌 Key Takeaway:
Cold calling is most effective when integrated into a broader sales strategy, not as a standalone effort. Whether you focus on account-based targeting or mass outreach, using the right tactics and tools will help you maximize results, close more deals, and grow your commercial cleaning business.
Learn how to turn customer profiles into a goldmine of commercial cleaning accounts by identifying high-value prospects and improving your sales strategy in this guide.
🔺 Strategy → Tactics → Tools Pyramid
To maximize cold calling success, follow this structured approach instead of making random calls.
- Define your **goal** (appointments vs. direct sales).
- Choose **Account-Based Marketing vs. Mass Calling**.
- Align cold calling with **email, ads, and direct mail**.
- Use **proven cold call scripts** for different situations.
- Master **objection handling** techniques.
- Follow a **multi-touch follow-up strategy**.
- Use a **CRM** to track leads and follow-ups.
- Implement **power dialers and AI assistants**.
- Automate **email and direct mail follow-ups**.
2. Pre-Call Preparation: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Cold calling isn’t just about picking up the phone—it’s about preparing to make every conversation as effective as possible. The right preparation ensures you’re speaking to the right people, with the right message, in the right way. Here’s how to set yourself up for success before making a single call.
🔎 Identifying Target Industries & Decision-Makers
Not every business is a good fit for your commercial cleaning services. Targeting the right industries and decision-makers ensures you’re spending time on prospects that are more likely to convert.
✅ Best Industries for Cold Calling:
- Office buildings – High turnover, multiple tenants, need for routine cleaning.
- Medical facilities – Strict cleanliness requirements, compliance needs.
- Warehouses & industrial spaces – Large facilities, ongoing maintenance needs.
- Schools & universities – Regular cleaning schedules, long-term contracts.
- Property management firms – Multiple locations, responsible for multiple buildings.
- Restaurants & hospitality – High-traffic areas, health inspections, and guest experience concerns.
✅ Who Makes the Cleaning Decisions?
- Facility Managers / Operations Directors – Directly oversee cleaning and maintenance.
- Property Managers – In charge of multiple buildings and contract management.
- Office Administrators – Handle vendor selection for small-to-mid-sized offices.
- Business Owners – If no facility manager is in place, the owner makes the decision.
🎤 Building Confidence: Tone, Speed, and Energy
The way you sound on the phone is just as important as what you say. A confident, professional tone makes prospects take you seriously and keeps them engaged in the conversation.
✅ Tone Tips for Cold Calling:
✔ Sound natural and conversational—not robotic or overly scripted.
✔ Speak clearly and at a moderate pace—don’t rush or mumble.
✔ Match your energy level to the prospect—formal for corporate, casual for small businesses.
✔ Use a strong but friendly voice to convey professionalism and warmth.
🚀 Pro Tip:
If you smile while talking, your voice naturally sounds more warm and engaging, even over the phone!
💡 Crafting a Strong Value Proposition
A great value proposition tells the prospect why they should care about your cleaning services—quickly and clearly.
✅ Formula for a Strong Value Proposition:
“We help [business type] with [specific problem], which leads to [specific benefit].”
✅ Examples:
- “We help office managers reduce employee complaints about cleanliness, creating a healthier workspace.”
- “We help warehouses keep their floors dust-free and compliant with safety regulations.”
- “We help property managers simplify their cleaning contracts with reliable, scheduled services.”
💡 Your value proposition should be clear within the first 10 seconds of your call!
📌 Key Takeaway:
Before dialing, make sure you know your audience, control your tone, and lead with a compelling value proposition. With the right preparation, every call has a better chance of turning into an appointment or future opportunity.
Learn how to attract more commercial cleaning clients by using implied value propositions that showcase your services without aggressive selling.
📞 Pre-Call Preparation Checklist
Before you start dialing, make sure you're **fully prepared** to maximize your chances of success.
- 🎯 Identify the **right industries** and decision-makers.
- 📍 Research **facility managers, property managers, and business owners**.
- 🎤 Practice your **tone, pacing, and energy levels**.
- 😃 Smile while speaking—it improves your voice tone!
- 💡 Craft a **strong value proposition** (Why should they care?).
- 📌 Have a **clear goal** for each call (Appointment or Follow-Up?).
- 📊 Use a **CRM or call tracker** to log conversations.
Cold Calling, Marketing & PR Alignment
Cold calling is most effective when it’s aligned with your overall marketing and PR strategy. Instead of making cold, unsolicited calls, you can warm up prospects using marketing efforts, credibility boosters, and a multi-channel approach. This section explores how to increase success rates by integrating cold calling with SEO, content, PR, and direct mail.
📢 How Marketing Efforts Warm Up Prospects Before Calling
A well-planned marketing strategy makes cold calls feel warmer because prospects are already familiar with your brand. Before making a call, ensure your business has a strong online presence so potential clients can quickly verify your credibility.
✅ Marketing Tactics That Support Cold Calling:
SEO & Content Marketing:
- If a prospect Googles your company, they should find a professional website, blog posts, and testimonials.
- Writing content on commercial cleaning challenges positions you as an industry expert.
- Learn more: how to get healthcare accounts with seo
Paid Ads (Google & Social Media):
- Running Google Ads & LinkedIn Ads helps prospects recognize your brand when you call.
- Retargeting Ads can follow up on past interactions, reinforcing your message.
Email Marketing:
- Sending an introductory email before calling makes prospects more receptive.
- After a cold call, a follow-up email reinforces your offer.
🚀 Pro Tip: “Brand Familiarity = Higher Call Success Rates.” When prospects recognize your business name, they are more likely to listen instead of dismissing your call as spam.
🏆 Using PR & Credibility Boosters in Cold Calls
One of the biggest challenges in cold calling is establishing trust quickly. PR and credibility markers make a huge difference in making prospects feel comfortable and interested.
✅ How to Leverage PR in Cold Calling:
Case Studies & Success Stories:
- Mentioning similar businesses you’ve worked with builds confidence.
- Example: “We recently helped [Local Office Building] reduce cleaning complaints by 40% in six months.”
Testimonials & Online Reviews:
- If a prospect asks, “How do I know you’re reliable?”, you can point them to Google reviews or client testimonials.
Awards, Certifications, and Press Mentions:
- If your company has been featured in local news, industry blogs, or received awards, mention it!
- Example: “We were recently recognized as a top janitorial service by [Industry Publication].”
🚀 Pro Tip: “People trust what others say about you more than what you say about yourself.” Use social proof to your advantage!
📡 Multi-Channel Strategy: How Cold Calling Complements Email & Direct Mail
Cold calling shouldn’t work alone—it should be part of a multi-channel approach that increases touchpoints and builds relationships over time.
✅ How to Use Cold Calling with Other Channels:
Email Before & After Calls:
- Before the Call: Warm up leads by sending an introductory email.
- After the Call: Send a follow-up email with key details and next steps.
Direct Mail for Reinforcement:
- After a call, sending a brochure, proposal, or postcard keeps your business top of mind.
- Learn more: Selling Commercial Cleaning Accounts: Combining Voicemail & Direct Mail
LinkedIn & Social Selling:
- Connecting with decision-makers before and after calls adds a personal touch.
- Posting educational content on LinkedIn increases credibility.
🚀 Pro Tip: “More touchpoints = More conversions.” A well-timed email, call, and direct mail piece makes you stand out from competitors.
📌 Key Takeaway:
Cold calling works best when integrated into a broader marketing and PR strategy. Instead of making completely cold calls, use marketing efforts, credibility boosters, and multi-channel outreach to increase appointment rates and close more deals.
📊 Cold Calling, Marketing & PR Alignment
Cold calling is **most effective** when combined with **marketing and PR efforts**. Here’s how they work together to increase your **appointment rates and conversions**.
| Cold Calling | Marketing | Public Relations (PR) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct outreach to decision-makers | SEO, Ads & Content warm up prospects | Establishes brand credibility |
| Voicemails & follow-ups drive engagement | Email nurturing sequences support calls | Customer testimonials reinforce trust |
| Personal conversations create relationships | Social media visibility increases awareness | Awards & recognitions add credibility |
| Timing & persistence drive success | Retargeting ads reinforce cold calls | Media mentions & press releases provide authority |
Want more expert strategies for growing your cleaning business?
🚀 Visit Method Clean Biz NowCold Calling Scripts for Commercial Cleaning
A successful cold call isn’t about hard selling—it’s about getting a conversation started. That means using the right script for the right situation, whether you’re speaking with a gatekeeper, a decision-maker, or leaving a voicemail.
Below, we’ll cover proven scripts to help you get past gatekeepers, engage decision-makers, and leave voicemails that generate callbacks. Plus, we’ll explore the difference between a soft ask vs. a direct ask to maximize your appointment-setting success.
📞 Getting Past the Gatekeeper
A gatekeeper (receptionist, assistant, or front desk) has one job: filter calls to protect their boss’s time. Your goal isn’t to sell to them—it’s to get transferred to the decision-maker.
✅ Key Strategies for Gatekeeper Success:
✔ Sound local, confident, and polite.
✔ Keep it simple—don’t overshare details.
✔ Use authority-building phrases to make them take you seriously.
📝 Script:
“Hi [Gatekeeper’s Name], this is [Your Name] from [Company]. We specialize in commercial cleaning in [City]. May I speak with the person who handles that for your company?”
💡 Why This Works:
- Sounds natural and non-salesy.
- Uses the phrase “handles that for your company” instead of “decision-maker”, which feels less aggressive.
- If they ask what it’s regarding, say: “We work with [similar businesses] in [City] to improve their cleaning process. I’d love to quickly introduce myself.”
🎯 Speaking with the Decision-Maker
Once you’re connected to the right person, you have 10 seconds to keep them on the line. The key is to grab their attention with value and engage them in a conversation instead of just pitching.
✅ Key Strategies for Decision-Maker Engagement:
✔ Lead with value—how your service helps their business.
✔ Use relevant pain points—speak to their needs.
✔ Pause after asking a question—let them talk.
📝 Script:
“Hi [Decision-Maker’s Name], this is [Your Name] with [Company]. We specialize in helping businesses like yours improve their cleaning process while saving time and money.
A lot of companies we work with told us their biggest challenges were [pain point #1] and [pain point #2]—does that sound familiar?”
(🔥 Pause and let them respond.)
💡 If they engage:
“We recently helped [Similar Business] improve their cleaning process and reduce costs by X%. I’d love to see if we could do the same for you. Would a quick call on [Date/Time] work for you?”
💡 If they object (“We already have a cleaner”):
“I totally understand! Many of our clients felt the same before seeing how we helped them improve efficiency. Just out of curiosity, is there anything you’d change about your current service if you could?”
📢 Voicemail Script That Increases Callbacks
Most decision-makers won’t answer on the first call, so your voicemail needs to:
✅ Be short & clear (under 20 seconds).
✅ Give them a reason to check their email or direct mail.
✅ Include a light CTA (not a hard sell).
📝 Script:
“Hello [Decision-Maker’s Name], this is [Your Name] from [Company]. We specialize in [Value Proposition Specific to Prospect], and I wanted to see if I could stop by sometime and introduce myself (or we could stop by and introduce our company to you).
I’ll be sending over a quick [direct mail piece/email] with some details for you to look over. Feel free to check it out, and if you have any questions, you can reach me at [Your Phone Number]. Looking forward to connecting!”
🚀 Pro Tip:
Follow up within 48 hours with:
“Just following up on the [direct mail/email] I sent over. Did you have a chance to look at it?”
🔀 Soft Ask vs. Direct Ask in Scripts
There are two ways to ask for an appointment:
✅ Soft Ask (Less Pressure, Higher Engagement)
- “Would it make sense to chat for a few minutes?”
- “Would you be open to exploring how we can help?”
✅ Direct Ask (More Direct, Faster Close)
- “Does [Date/Time] work for a quick visit?”
- “Let’s set up a 10-minute call. How’s your availability tomorrow?”
🚀 Pro Tip:
🔹 Use soft asks for hesitant prospects to keep them engaged.
🔹 Use direct asks for interested leads who just need a push to commit.
📌 Key Takeaway:
Using the right cold calling script for each situation helps you:
✔ Get past the gatekeeper without resistance.
✔ Engage the decision-maker instead of sounding pushy.
✔ Leave voicemails that actually get callbacks.
✔ Use soft asks vs. direct asks strategically to increase appointments.
💡 Want a downloadable version of these scripts? Top 3 cold calling scripts for commercial cleaning services
📞 Get Your Free Cold Calling Script!
Boost your commercial cleaning sales with a **proven** cold calling script. Customize it for your business and start booking more appointments today!
📥 Download Now5. Overcoming Objections & Handling Rejections
Cold calling comes with objections, but a well-prepared response can turn a “No” into a future opportunity.
🚫 Common Objections & How to Respond
✅ “We already have a cleaner.” → “That’s great! Many of our clients felt the same but switched when they saw how we improved efficiency. Is there anything you’d change about your current service?”
✅ “We’re not interested.” → “I completely understand! Would it be okay if I sent over some information to keep on file for future bids?”
✅ “We have no budget.” → “I hear that a lot. The good news is, we often help businesses reduce costs without increasing expenses. Would you be open to exploring how?”
🔄 Turning Rejections into Future Opportunities
- Always ask: “Who should I follow up with in the future?”
- Send a follow-up email summarizing your call.
- Add the prospect to your lead nurturing list for future check-ins.
6. Follow-Up Strategies That Convert Leads
Most deals don’t close on the first call—it takes multiple touches to win a contract.
📌 The Law of 7 Touches
On average, it takes 7 interactions before a prospect takes action. Follow-ups increase trust and familiarity over time.
📩 Multi-Channel Follow-Up Plan
✅ Email After the Call: “Thanks for your time today! Here’s a quick summary of how we help businesses like yours.”
✅ Direct Mail Piece: Send a brochure or case study to keep your company top-of-mind.
✅ LinkedIn Connection: Engage with their content and send a message to stay visible.
✅ Follow-Up Call: After a week, check in: “Just following up—have you had a chance to review the info I sent?”
🚀 Pro Tip: Track all follow-ups in a CRM to ensure consistent outreach.
📢 Words to Avoid in Cold Calling
Using the wrong words can turn prospects away. Avoid these phrases in your sales calls to increase success rates.
Want to improve your cold call success?
🚀 Read More & Improve Your ScriptAdvanced Cold Calling Techniques
Cold calling is more than just reading from a script—it’s about breaking patterns, building trust, and making your message relevant. These advanced techniques will help you capture attention, establish credibility, and increase engagement with decision-makers.
⚡ Pattern Interrupts: How to Break Through the Noise
Most decision-makers get dozens of sales calls a week and instinctively tune out salespeople. A pattern interrupt disrupts their autopilot response and makes them pay attention.
✅ Examples of Effective Pattern Interrupts:
✔ Unexpected Openers: Instead of “How are you?”, try “I’ll keep this super quick—can I ask you a question?”
✔ Acknowledging Their Busy Schedule: “I know you weren’t expecting my call, so I’ll be brief.”
✔ Using Humor (If Appropriate): “I promise I’m not another sales call trying to waste your time.”
🚀 Pro Tip: A simple pause after introducing yourself also works as a pattern interrupt—it creates curiosity and lets them lean into the conversation instead of tuning out.
🛡️ Using Social Proof & Storytelling to Build Trust
People trust what others say about you more than what you say about yourself. Using social proof and storytelling makes your pitch more persuasive.
✅ How to Incorporate Social Proof in Cold Calls:
✔ Mention similar businesses you’ve helped: “We recently helped [Local Office] reduce complaints about cleaning quality by 40%.”
✔ Use testimonials or case studies: “One of our clients in [Industry] had the same problem you’re facing, and we helped them cut cleaning costs by 20% while improving service.”
✔ Highlight awards, certifications, or reviews: “We’ve been recognized as one of the top janitorial providers in [City].”
🚀 Pro Tip: If a prospect hesitates, reinforce credibility by offering to send a case study or testimonial from a business like theirs.
🔎 Pre-Call Research: How to Personalize Your Approach
Decision-makers don’t want generic pitches. Pre-call research allows you to personalize your message and increase engagement.
✅ How to Research Before a Cold Call:
✔ Check LinkedIn – See if the decision-maker has shared any updates or insights.
✔ Google the Business – Look for recent news, expansions, or hiring trends that might indicate a need for better cleaning services.
✔ Review Their Website – Check for mentions of sustainability, employee wellness, or cleanliness standards that tie into your pitch.
🚀 Pro Tip: Mention something specific about their business: “I saw your company just expanded to a new office—how are you handling cleaning for multiple locations?”
📌 Key Takeaway:
To stand out in cold calling, break patterns, build credibility, and personalize your message. When you use pattern interrupts, social proof, and targeted research, decision-makers pay attention, engage, and are more likely to book a meeting.
📊 Advanced Cold Calling Techniques
Use these **proven techniques** to break through resistance, build trust, and increase appointment rates.
| Pattern Interrupts | Social Proof & Storytelling | Pre-Call Research |
|---|---|---|
| Use unexpected openers: *"Can I ask you a quick question?"* | Mention similar businesses you’ve helped. | Check LinkedIn for insights on the decision-maker. |
| Acknowledge their time: *"I know you weren’t expecting this call, so I’ll be brief."* | Use testimonials & case studies to build credibility. | Look for recent company news, expansions, or hiring trends. |
| Pause after introducing yourself to create curiosity. | Highlight awards, certifications, or industry recognition. | Review their website for cleaning needs (sustainability, compliance, etc.). |
Cold Calling Success Checklist
Cold calling is most effective when you follow a structured process and avoid common pitfalls. Use this step-by-step guide to make your calls more productive and close more commercial cleaning deals.
✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Making Effective Cold Calls
1️⃣ Prepare Before Dialing
- Research the prospect’s business, industry, and potential cleaning needs.
- Have a clear goal (appointment setting, follow-up, or information gathering).
- Use a script as a guide, but don’t sound robotic.
2️⃣ Get Past the Gatekeeper
- Be polite and confident, using phrases like:
“May I speak with the person who handles that for your company?” - If they ask what it’s regarding, keep it brief and value-driven.
- Don’t pitch to the gatekeeper—they’re not the decision-maker.
3️⃣ Engage the Decision-Maker Quickly
- Open with a pattern interrupt to grab attention:
“I know you weren’t expecting this call, so I’ll be brief.” - Lead with a value statement:
“We help businesses like yours improve their cleaning quality while saving time and costs.” - Ask a question to start a conversation:
“Does that sound like something you’ve been looking to improve?”
4️⃣ Handle Objections Professionally
- “We already have a cleaner.” → “Many of our clients felt the same way before seeing how we could improve efficiency. Is there anything you’d change about your current service?”
- “Not interested.” → “I completely understand! Can I send some information for future bid opportunities?”
- “No budget.” → “That makes sense. The great thing is, we often help businesses reduce costs without increasing expenses. Would you be open to exploring how?”
5️⃣ Close the Call with a Clear Next Step
- Soft ask: “Would it make sense to chat next week to go over some options?”
- Direct ask: “Does [Date/Time] work for a quick visit?”
- If they decline, ask if you can send a follow-up email or direct mail piece.
6️⃣ Track & Follow Up
- Log the call details in a CRM or call tracker.
- Send a follow-up email summarizing the conversation.
- Schedule a check-in call or email if they show interest for the future.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Talking too much – Let the prospect speak. Ask engaging questions.
❌ Sounding scripted or robotic – Use a natural, conversational tone.
❌ Selling too early – Focus on building a conversation first.
❌ Arguing with objections – Instead, redirect and offer value.
❌ Not following up – Most deals require multiple touches.
📌 Key Takeaway:
Following a structured cold calling checklist helps you stay organized, confident, and focused on results. By engaging decision-makers, handling objections smoothly, and following up consistently, you can turn more cold calls into real commercial cleaning contracts.
📞 Cold Calling Success Checklist
Follow this **step-by-step checklist** to improve your cold calling results and book more appointments.
- 🎯 **Prepare Before Dialing** – Research the business and decision-maker.
- 📍 **Get Past the Gatekeeper** – Be polite and use authority-building phrases.
- 🎤 **Engage the Decision-Maker Quickly** – Lead with value and ask engaging questions.
- 🛡️ **Handle Objections Like a Pro** – Redirect concerns with confidence.
- 📅 **Close with a Clear Next Step** – Use a soft or direct ask.
- 📊 **Track & Follow Up** – Log calls in a CRM and send follow-up emails.
Want a full marketing plan to grow your cleaning business?
📢 Get the Winning Marketing PlanWho Should Handle Cold Calling for Your Commercial Cleaning Business?
Choosing the right person (or tool) for cold calling can make the difference between wasted time and booked appointments. Should the owner handle calls, should you hire a salesperson, or would a virtual assistant (VA) or AI-powered system work best? Let’s break down the options.
🧑💼 Owner vs. In-House Salesperson
✅ Business Owner:
✔ Best for smaller cleaning businesses or startups with limited resources.
✔ Builds personal relationships with potential clients.
✔ Higher credibility—decision-makers take the owner more seriously.
❌ Takes time away from running the business.
❌ Requires sales confidence & persistence.
✅ In-House Salesperson:
✔ Focuses exclusively on selling, leading to higher call volume.
✔ Trained in cold calling techniques for better conversion rates.
✔ Scales better for growing businesses.
❌ Higher salary and commission costs.
❌ May require sales training & CRM management.
🚀 Best Choice: If you’re just starting, the owner handling calls can be effective. If you’re scaling, hiring an in-house salesperson improves efficiency.
📍 Local Appointment Setters vs. Virtual Assistants (VAs)
✅ Local Appointment Setters (In-House or Remote)
✔ Understand local business culture and industry needs.
✔ Can visit prospects in person, strengthening relationships.
✔ Typically higher conversion rates than offshore VAs.
❌ Higher hourly pay than overseas alternatives.
✅ Virtual Assistants (VAs) – Overseas or Remote
✔ Lower costs (especially if outsourced to the Philippines, India, or Latin America).
✔ Can handle high-volume dialing for lead generation.
✔ Works well for initial prospecting (but may not close deals).
❌ Cultural & language barriers can affect engagement.
❌ May struggle with local industry knowledge.
🚀 Best Choice: If you want local relationship-building, a local appointment setter is ideal. If your goal is high-volume lead generation, an offshore VA can be a cost-effective option.
🤖 AI-Powered Cold Calling: Pros & Cons
AI and automated cold calling tools are becoming more popular, but do they really work for commercial cleaning businesses?
✅ Pros:
✔ Can automate initial outreach, handling hundreds of calls per day.
✔ Reduces costs by replacing human callers.
✔ Integrates with CRM systems to track interactions.
❌ Cons:
🚫 Lacks the human touch needed to build relationships.
🚫 Many decision-makers hang up on AI-generated calls.
🚫 Limited ability to handle objections or adjust scripts in real-time.
🚀 Best Choice: AI works best for mass outreach & voicemail drops but struggles with closing deals. Use AI alongside human sales efforts for better efficiency.
📌 Key Takeaway:
Your cold calling strategy should match your business size and goals:
✔ Owner-led calls are great for smaller businesses.
✔ In-house sales reps work best for growth & scalability.
✔ Local appointment setters build stronger relationships.
✔ VAs offer a low-cost way to generate leads.
✔ AI is useful for automation but lacks personalization.
Best practices for telemarketing and appointment setting for cleaning services
📊 Who Should Handle Cold Calling?
Compare the **best cold calling options** for your commercial cleaning business and choose the right approach.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | ✅ Builds trust, ✅ Higher credibility, ✅ Direct client connection | ❌ Time-consuming, ❌ Requires sales skills |
| In-House Salesperson | ✅ Focused on sales, ✅ Higher call volume, ✅ Better scalability | ❌ Higher salary, ❌ Requires training |
| Local Appointment Setter | ✅ Understands local culture, ✅ Stronger relationships | ❌ Higher hourly pay than offshore VAs |
| Virtual Assistant (VA) | ✅ Lower cost, ✅ High call volume, ✅ Good for lead generation | ❌ May lack local knowledge, ❌ Language barriers |
| AI-Powered Cold Calling | ✅ Automates outreach, ✅ Handles large call volumes | ❌ Lacks personalization, ❌ Poor for relationship-building |
🚀 Conclusion & Next Steps
Mastering cold calling takes practice, strategy, and the right resources. Get started with a **free script template** or schedule a **one-on-one consultation** to refine your approach.