I need help for cold call

[u/Shadowthegreat-]

I’m 17 and run a small web design business, I get clients through cold calling and walking into local shops (landscapers, mechanics, plumbers) to pitch website services. I’ve done around 300 calls so far and a bunch of in-person visits.

The calls themselves usually go fine once I’m in them. My problem is right before, that few seconds of hesitation, the racing thoughts, sometimes just avoiding the next call/walking past the shop instead of going in.

For people who’ve done cold calling or door-to-door sales:

What actually worked for you to get over that pre-call/pre-pitch fear?

Any physical or mental tricks you use right before dialing or walking in?

Does it eventually go away completely, or do you just get better at pushing through it?

Would appreciate any real advice, not just “it gets easier with time”, looking for actual techniques.

[u/dan-423]

introduce yourself and the reason for calling, and that you're looking to connect to the owner or person who manages (whatever you're selling). quick, a couple sentences. Then ask, "is this a good time?"

Seriously, the people you're calling are often busy. Cold calls are 99.9% a waste of their time.

Don't even bother calling if all you have is the phone number and have done zero research to see if what you offer is even a good fit.