The 20 Best Conversation Openers for Lead Generation

The way you initiate a conversation can significantly impact your success, and the right opener can set the stage for a productive dialogue, establish trust, and ultimately convert prospects into leads. The truth is, the first thing you say can make or break it, regardless of how good your offer or your arguments are.

In this article, we will explore the 20 best conversation openers that will help you and your business captivate your audience and drive your lead generation efforts, built based on research and data collected from feedback from thousands of users and agencies who dedicate to lead generation and prospecting on a daily basis.

What are the main objectives of a cold call or email?

The main objectives of a cold call are to initiate contact with potential clients, introduce them to a product or service, and generate interest. This initial interaction aims to gather information about the prospect's needs and pain points, qualify the lead, and set the stage for further engagement.

Ultimately, the goal is to build rapport, provide value, and pave the way for a follow-up conversation or meeting that could lead to a sale.

It is crucial that a first point of contact, either call, email of LinkedIn message, avoids being too salesy or pushy from the beginning as that can immediately put contacts off from progressing with the conversation.

1. Personalize your message

Hi [Name],

This is [Your Name] from [Your Company]. Do you have a moment for a quick chat?

Personalization is crucial for making your prospect feel valued and show yourself as a “real person” and not a robot. Beyond name and company personalisation, referencing a recent action or interest demonstrates that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in them. Most of all, it's essential to introduce yourself, as it's the best way to start a conversation, whether or not the person knows you, the same way you’d do if you just met someone face to face.

2. Compliment / value their work

Hi [Name],

This is [Your Name] from [Your Company] I really admire your recent post about [topic].

It was very insightful ! Do you have some spare time to talk about your [expertise] and how we can connect?

Compliments can break the ice. They show appreciation and can set a positive tone to the conversation, allowing you to get straight to the point. The idea is not to flatter the person, but to identify their expertise beforehand so once again that they don't feel like they're talking to a robot, making you sound more genuine and someone that spent a little bit of time to get to know more about that contact..

3. Question About Current Trends

Hi [Name],

This is [Your Name] from [Your Company],

(...) what do you think about [topic / brand new trend] in [industry]?

Starting with a question about industry trends not only engages the prospect but also positions you as someone knowledgeable and up-to-date. Most of the time when you’re working in the same industry it’s easier to connect so putting your knowledge in the conversation can be a good starting point and it also takes you away from looking like you’re immediately trying to sell something, which may not be well received.

4. Offer Value to the business

Hi [Name],

This is [Your Name] from [Your Company],

(...) from my recent data research, I have some insights on [specific topic] that I believe could benefit your business, as you operate in [specific industry].

Do you have a moment to talk about it and discuss your opinion maybe?

Offering something of value right off the bat can pique interest and demonstrate your willingness to provide useful information. In that way you’ll show your expertise but you’ll also identify a pain point that you can resolve with him/her. But you can also turn it around by showing how you solved a similar problem in your own company or for a client and it will be helpful.

You can also for example identify something in your contact’s business that you believe could be improved, like an issue with their website or something similar that the person will appreciate to know.

5. Share Connection

Hi [Name],

This is [Your Name] from [Your Company], I see we both know [mutual contact], who I highly admire.

Just curious on how you know them and is it to work with them?

A shared connection can establish common ground and make the prospect more receptive to your outreach. Sharing a contact can be a proof of trust: you both know this contact and therefore you share an affinity in some way and this is where you need to push.

Avoid being too forced and try to find a good hook to make the message make sense and sound genuine.

6. Curiosity

Hi [Name],

(...) have you ever wondered how [specific problem] might be impacting a [specific aspect] of your business?

Hi [Name],

(...) have you ever wondered how [specific solution] can improve [specific aspect] of your business?

A question that arouses curiosity can encourage the prospect to engage further to satisfy their curiosity. At worst, they won't reply, but they'll be intrigued enough to go and have a look, and at best they'll ask you to find out more. As in the examples above, you can either make it around something negative that they can’t look away or something more positive that will let them think of how it could help them. Typically, more negative and alarming messages tend to generate more reactions.

7. Metrics

Hi [Name],

(...) did you know that [statistics] in our sector?

It’s really impacting the market, don’t you think? how do you approach this in your business?

Presenting relevant statistics can highlight your industry knowledge and open up a discussion on how you can help address related challenges, particularly if it’s an odd/unexpected number that could cause surprise. You can also exchange your good practices and how your company and your tool can counteract this or increase this new data.

8. Offer Assistance

Hi [Name],

(...) I noticed your company is starting with [specific activity].

I have a few ideas I’ve tested that can help and I’m happy to share, do you have a minute?

Hi [Name],

(...) I noticed your website’s form is not working when I tried to subscribe to your newsletter.

Is that something you need help fixing maybe?

Offering assistance directly shows that you are ready to provide support and adds immediate value to the conversation but also shows that you have identified what they are working on.

However, don’t overdo it or become too pushy, try to sound natural, and offer help based on something specific you’ve already identified and know can be relevant for the contact you’re talking to.

9. Ask for input

Hi [Name],

(...). I believe there’s something you might be able to help me with.

Based on your experience, what do you think about [specific topic]?

Asking for their opinion confirms and shows respect for their knowledge and can lead to a deeper, more meaningful conversation. It’s more common that people will be open for a conversation when you are asking for their inputs and for them to show their value, rather than the other way around.

10. Relevant News

Hi [Name],

(...) I saw the recent news about [specific event]. Given that you are so experienced in this market, how do you think it will impact our industry? Is your company taking any measures already?

Discussing current events relevant to their industry can demonstrate your awareness and interest in the same areas as the prospect.

11. Product Feedback

Hi [Name],

(...), I noticed you use [product]. How has your experience been?

I’ve been wondering if it’s the right option

Seeking feedback on a product they are using can open up a dialogue about their needs and how you might address them. It also shows that you’re close to your consumer and you really care about this product-user relationship.

You can for example address someone about how they are using a product or company that is in competition with yours, trying to collect valuable feedback and nurture a conversation that can eventually lead to this contact testing your product instead, as an alternative.

12. Event Follow-Up - Suivi d'événement

Hi [Name]

(...), I saw you attended [specific event] last Friday.

I personally thought it was very useful. What were your key takeaways?

Following up after an event shows that you are attentive and provides a natural segue into discussing shared interests. It can help you understand why your lead came to this event and the interest he/her is in.

Try to sound genuine by giving as well your view and sounding interested to hear how other people’s opinions compare.

13. Referral Mention

Hi [Name],

(...), [Referrer’s Name] suggested I reach out to you about [specific topic] do you have some spare time to chat?

Mentioning a referral adds credibility to your outreach and can make the prospect more inclined to listen. Even if that person is not that close to the contact you’re approaching, it is more likely to get a reaction, even if it’s to say something like “I don’t really know this person”.

In any case, by saying that your contact was recommended, you immediately recognise their knowledge and value, which can leave them more open to engage.

14. Express Genuine Interest

Hi [Name],

(...), I’ve been following your company’s progress and I’m impressed with [specific achievement].

Could you share more detail on how you’ve accomplish it?

Expressing genuine interest in their accomplishments can flatter the prospect and make them more willing to engage. Make it sound real in the way you make it sound relevant to you to know more from the contact’s project or achievements.

15. Pain Point Identification

Hi [Name],

(...), I’m seeing many companies in [industry] struggle with [specific problem].

Is this something you’re experiencing as well? I’m trying to gather some more information on this.

Identifying a common pain point can resonate with the prospect and open up a conversation about potential solutions. Also, show that your intentions are purely research and you’re not aiming to sell anything as that will make the person more open to respond.

16. Case Study

Hi [Name],

(...), we recently helped [similar company] achieve [specific result] and thought that could be relevant for [company name].

Would you be interested in learning more? I’m happy to just share the case study

Referencing a relevant case study can provide proof of your capability and spark interest in how you can achieve similar results for them.

Try to not sound salesy and focus more on how interesting it might be to just have a read through a case study in the same industry.

17. Offer a Free Resource

Hi [Name],

(...), I have finished a free guide on [specific topic] based on extensive detail on the industry.

That could be beneficial for your team. Can I send it over?

Offering a free resource can add immediate value and position you as a helpful partner rather than a pushy salesperson. Freebies are always welcomed and a good product to demonstrate your expertise and your value in this type of conversation.

Respect your promise and if you say you’ll send something, just send without asking anything else in return. That will make you start a conversation and a relationship the right way, with honesty and trust.

18. Highlight Common Interests

Hi [Name],

(...), I noticed we both share an interest in [specific hobby/interest].

How did you get into it?

Highlighting common interests can create a personal connection and make the conversation more engaging. Some prospects are not interested in direct professional exchange that’s why you can reach out to them through another touch point.

This is an approach that goes a bit way from the business focus and clearly does not indicate that you’re trying to sell anything.

19. Ask About Challenges

Hi [Name],

(...), could you share what’s the biggest challenge your team is facing in [specific area]?

Asking about their challenges shows that you care about their needs and are interested in finding ways to either help them or help yourself, that way recognizing their knowledge and credibility in a certain topic.

20. Congrats on a new job opportunity

Hi [Name],

(...), Congratulations on your new job, if I may ask, what new challenges are you looking forward as [New Role] at [Company] ?

It can be interesting to target new comers in companies as Head of Marketing, in Tech or managers because they can introduce your company and your product in a brand new strategy. By congratulating them on such important change in their lives, you can potentially start a valuable interaction with a decision maker.

Setup your Cold Emails and Messaging with Kanbox

What’s Kanbox?

Kanbox, is the only solution you need to automate and optimize all your outreach, either for lead generation or recruiting, with the most advanced features in the industry to create and manage efficient LinkedIn automation and Email flows.

Kanbox's offerings are made to meet the needs of businesses looking to streamline their prospecting processes, with features developed in collaboration with hundreds of teams and agencies to find the optimal solution that delivers results. Quickly automate and distribute your prospecting messages with Kanbox, reach more of the right people, easily, nurturing conversations with an interface simpler than any other tool. Explore dozens of intelligent features that will boost your results with Linkedin automation.

How to automate your cold messages?

Kanbox allows you to customize your message templates to suit your specific needs. You can customize each message to resonate with your audience, increasing the likelihood of engagement. Plan the delivery of your messages in advance, ensuring they reach your prospects at the perfect time. This scheduling feature helps you maintain a consistent communication strategy without the hassle of manual follow-ups.

You also can enhance your communication further by using Kanbox's LinkedIn Automation function. This powerful tool enables you to program your messages and actions, in flows with multiple steps, allowing you to focus on other important tasks while Kanbox handles your outreach. Choose your mailing lists carefully to target the right audience, maximizing the impact of your efforts and make sure to set up all the rules to automatically qualify your warmest leads, with little to no effort.

Moreover, take advantage of Kanbox analytics features, including A/B testing for your messages templates, a function that lets you easily compare different versions of your messages to see which ones perform best and instantly improve your next sends. By analyzing these results, you can adapt your strategy and refine your approach, ensuring that your communication is always improving and becoming more effective.

Conclusion

With these 20 conversation openers you can choose the right conversation opener for your emails, calls or LinkedIn messages that will help you increase your lead generation and prospecting success. It sets the tone for your interaction and can make the difference between engaging a potential lead or losing their interest. Remember, first impressions really do matter.

By using these conversation openers, you can create meaningful connections, build trust, and effectively drive your lead generation efforts from the very first touch point. Remember to always tailor your approach to each prospect, ensuring that your opener is relevant and personalized to their specific situation and don’t forget to explore tools like Kanbox, which will give you a suite of super features to make much more in less time, and get more responses.