Cold Calling for Accounting Firms: A Step-by-Step Guide For 2024

How to Find the Numbers 

It’s often said in cold calling, “It’s not about the number of calls you make; it’s about the quality of calls.” For accountants, this rings especially true. Connecting with the right businesses or individuals can mean the difference between a flat-out rejection and a warm conversation. 

So, how do you gather these golden numbers? 

1. Understand Your Target Audience

Before diving into various tools and techniques, you need to answer:

• • What size of businesses are you targeting? Small businesses, startups, mid-sized companies, or large corporations?

• • Which industries do you specialize in or wish to target?

• • Do you have geographical constraints or preferences?

Understanding your audience helps refine your search, ensuring you’re not wasting time on irrelevant leads.

2. LinkedIn & Sales Navigator

LinkedIn: The world’s most extensive professional network is a goldmine. Search by job title, company size, industry, and location. For instance, if you specialize in accounting for tech startups, you might search for “CEO” or “Founder” in the tech industry within your city or region.

Sales Navigator: This paid feature of LinkedIn provides advanced search capabilities and lead recommendations. It’s designed precisely for this purpose – finding the right people in the right industries.

3. Industry Directories & Associations

Most industries have directories or associations. For accountants, this could mean:

• • Local business chambers of commerce

• • Trade associations specific to the industries you target

• • Business directories in your area or specific to an industry

4. Online Database and Lead Generation Tools

Hunter.io: Initially built for email hunting, it also provides information about companies, including phone numbers when available.

Voila Norbert: Similar to Hunter, it’s more than just an email finder. It can provide phone numbers associated with specific company domains.

Data.com (by Salesforce): A comprehensive business directory where you can find company profiles, which often include contact numbers.

5. Attend Networking Events & Trade Shows

While this might sound old-school, physical events are a goldmine for quality leads. You don’t just get a name or a number; you get context, which can be invaluable when you make the call. 

6. Purchase a Curated List

Several reputable companies curate and sell lists of businesses. However, ensure that the provider is credible and that their lists are up-to-date. Always ensure any list you purchase complies with privacy regulations in your jurisdiction.

7. Leverage Existing Clients

Without being pushy, let your current clients know that you’re looking to expand. They might have business associates or friends in need of accounting services. Word of mouth or direct introductions can sometimes be the most valuable leads.

8. Local Business Publications & Websites

Check out publications or websites that spotlight new businesses in your area. New businesses might be in search of accounting services or looking to switch from their current accountant.

9. Alumni Networks

Your old university or college alumni network can be an untapped resource. They might be running their businesses or know someone who is.

Finding the right numbers is a blend of using modern tools, traditional methods, and a bit of creativity. For accountants, quality always trumps quantity. 

So, take your time, build a list that resonates with your services, and remember – every number you dial is a step closer to a potential game-changing client. 

Must Read – Unlocking Growth: The Power of Referral Marketing for Accounting Firms

Preparing for the Call: Setting Yourself Up for Cold Call Success

Cold calling can feel daunting. The thought of ringing up someone you’ve never spoken to, about a service they might not even need, can give even seasoned professionals the jitters. 

But here’s the thing: preparation can transform this process, turning those jitters into confidence. 

Let’s walk you through how to get ready for that cold call, tailored just for accountancy professionals like you.

1. Research Your Prospect

• • Know Their Business: Quick online research can tell you about a company’s size, industry, and recent achievements or challenges. For instance, did they recently land a significant contract or win an industry award?

• • Identify Decision-Makers: Aim to get familiar with the key individuals, like CFOs, finance directors, or business owners. LinkedIn can be a valuable tool here.

2. Understand Their Potential Needs

Put yourself in their shoes. What accounting challenges might a business of their size and industry face? Do they need help with tax strategy? Payroll? Financial forecasting?

3. Draft a Script, But Don’t Rely on It

Write a script to structure your call, ensuring you cover all essential points. However, be flexible. The conversation may not go as planned, and that’s okay. The script is your safety net, not your crutch.

4. Prepare Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

In a sea of accountants, why should they pick you? Maybe you specialize in their industry, offer bespoke solutions, or have a stellar client success track record. Know your strengths and be ready to communicate them.

5. Anticipate Objections

Prepare for common objections like “I already have an accountant,” “It’s not a good time,” or “I’m not interested.” By having responses ready, you’ll navigate these objections smoothly.

6. Set Up Your Environment

• • Eliminate Distractions: Find a quiet space. Put your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode and close any irrelevant tabs or applications.

• • Keep Necessary Tools Handy: Have a notepad, your CRM, or any tool you use to track interactions ready. 

• • Stay Hydrated: Keep a glass of water nearby. A hydrated throat ensures you sound clear and confident.

7. Plan Your Timing

Avoid calling during lunch hours or right at the beginning or end of the day. Typically, late mornings (post the initial rush) and mid-afternoons are suitable times.

8. Rehearse and Warm Up

Take a moment to rehearse your script. Maybe even do a mock call with a colleague. Before the call, do some quick vocal warm-ups. It might sound silly, but it really does help in making your voice sound clearer.

9. Set Clear Objectives

Know what you want from the call. Is it to book a meeting? To provide a free consultation? Or perhaps to introduce your firm and its services? Having clear goals will guide the conversation.

10. Cultivate the Right Mindset

• • Stay Positive: A positive mindset can influence your tone and approach.

• • Remember, It’s a Numbers Game: Not every call will be successful, and that’s alright. Every ‘no’ gets you closer to a ‘yes.’

• • Believe in Your Service: You’re offering a valuable service that can genuinely help businesses. Believe in that, and it’ll come through in your conversation.

Must Read – The Power of Local SEO: How Accounting Firms Can Dominate the Local Market

Tools to Do Cold Calls

1. Klenty

Klenty is a sales engagement platform that helps you create and execute personalized cold email and phone campaigns at scale. With Klenty, you can:

• • Find and verify the email addresses and phone numbers of your prospects

• • Create personalized email templates and call scripts that match your brand and voice

• • Set up automated follow-ups and reminders based on your prospects’ actions and responses

• • Track and measure the performance of your campaigns and optimize them for better results

• • Integrate with your CRM and other tools to sync your data and workflows

Here’s how you can use Klenty to enhance your cold calling efforts:

1. Sign up for a free trial of Klenty and connect it with your email account and phone system.

2. Import or build your list of prospects from your CRM, spreadsheet, or LinkedIn.

3. Create a cold email template that introduces yourself, explains the value of your accounting services, and invites the prospect to a phone call.

4. Create a call script that follows up on your email, asks qualifying questions, and schedules a meeting or a demo.

5. Set up a cadence that defines the sequence and timing of your emails and calls. For example, you can send an email on day 1, make a call on day 3, send a follow-up email on day 5, and so on.

6. Launch your campaign and let Klenty do the rest. Klenty will automatically send your emails, dial your calls, leave voicemails, and update your CRM.

7. Monitor your campaign dashboard and see how many prospects open your emails, answer your calls, reply to your messages, and book meetings with you.

8. Reach out to the most engaged prospects and move them along your sales funnel.

2. Myphoner

Myphoner is a cloud-based cold calling software that helps businesses streamline their sales processes. It provides tools for cold calling and lead management for sales teams. It automates and streamlines the workflow of sales operations by keeping track of leads through every stage of the lead funnel and ensures that they are properly nurtured until deals are made.

Here’s how it works and how you can use it for your accounting firm.

Step 1: Create a list of prospects. You can import your contacts from a spreadsheet, a CRM, or any other source. Myphoner will automatically deduplicate and validate your data, so you don’t waste time on invalid or duplicate leads.

Step 2: Assign leads to your agents. You can create different queues for different types of leads, such as industry, location, or service. You can also set rules for lead distribution, such as round-robin, priority, or availability. Myphoner will ensure that each agent gets the best leads for their skills and availability.

Step 3: Start calling. Myphoner integrates with your phone system, so you can make calls with one click. You can also use scripts, templates, and notes to guide your conversations and overcome objections. Myphoner will record and log your calls, so you can review them later and improve your performance.

Step 4: Follow up and nurture. Myphoner lets you schedule callbacks, send emails, and set reminders for your leads. You can also use workflows and automation to move your leads through the sales funnel and trigger actions based on their behavior. Myphoner will help you stay in touch with your prospects until they are ready to buy.

Step 5: Analyze and optimize. Myphoner provides you with real-time reports and dashboards that show you how your campaigns are performing. You can measure metrics such as call volume, conversion rate, revenue, and ROI. You can also identify bottlenecks, trends, and opportunities to improve your strategy and tactics.

Myphoner is a powerful tool that can help you boost your cold-calling results and grow your accounting business. If you want to try it out for yourself, you can sign up for a free trial today and see how it works for you.

3. Kixie PowerCall

Kixie Powercall is a cloud-based phone system that integrates with your CRM and lets you make and receive calls from anywhere. It also has features like local presence, call recording, voicemail drop, and analytics that can help you boost your cold calling results. 

Here’s how it works and how you can use it for your accounting firm.

• • First, you need to sign up for a Kixie account and choose a plan that suits your needs. You can start with a free trial to test it out.

• • Next, you need to install the Kixie Powercall app on your computer or mobile device. You can also use the Kixie Chrome extension to make calls from your browser.

• • Then, you need to connect Kixie to your CRM. Kixie supports popular platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho, and more. This will allow you to sync your contacts, notes, and activities between the two systems.

• • Now, you’re ready to start making calls. You can use the Kixie Powercall app or the Chrome extension to dial any number or click on any contact in your CRM. You can also use the local presence feature to automatically match the area code of the number you’re calling, which can increase your answer rates.

• • When you make a call, you can use the call recording feature to capture the conversation and review it later. You can also use the voicemail drop feature to leave a pre-recorded message with one click, saving you time and energy.

• • After each call, you can log the outcome, add notes, and schedule follow-ups in your CRM. Kixie will automatically update the record with the call details and recording link.

• • Finally, you can use the analytics feature to track your performance and identify areas for improvement. You can see metrics like call volume, duration, answer rates, conversion rates, and more. You can also generate reports and dashboards to visualize your data and share it with your team.

Must Read – Marketing For Accountants – 22 Proven Ways For 2X Growth in 2023

Crafting the Perfect Pitch for Each Prospective Client

Once you have the necessary data about your target audience, it’s time to craft a cold call script that speaks directly to their needs. 

You can use the best cold call scripts and strategies as a starting point, but it’s important to take the time to personalize your message for each prospective client. 

Here are some ways to create an effective cold call pitch:

• • Focus on the Benefits: Your script should always focus on the benefits of using your accounting services. Explain how your team can help them save money, improve efficiency, and meet their goals.

• • Be Concise: Avoid rambling or going off-topic during the call. You want to make sure that you get all of your points across in as few words as possible.

• • Be Professional: Make sure your script reflects the professional nature of your accounting firm. Speak in a clear and concise manner, and avoid using slang or informal language.

• • Listen and Respond: The key to successful cold calling is active listening. Listen to what the prospect has to say so that you can tailor your pitch to meet their needs.

Five Ways to Improve Conversations Through Personalization

Personalizing cold calls can help you stand out from competitors and build relationships with potential customers. Here are five ways to improve customer satisfaction through personalization:

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Asking open-ended questions is a great way to engage customers and learn more about their needs. Not only will this give you valuable insight into what they’re looking for, but it will also show them that you care about their business.

2. Acknowledge the Customer

Show customers that you value their time and appreciate their interest in your services. An easy way to do this is by thanking them for taking the time to speak with you and expressing enthusiasm about working with them.

3. Be Flexible

Don’t be afraid to offer discounts or try different solutions to meet the customer’s needs. Even a small gesture, such as offering free consultations, can go a long way in showing customers that you are willing to accommodate their unique situation.

4. Demonstrate Your Knowledge

Showcase your expertise by providing facts and figures about your services. This will demonstrate to customers that you are knowledgeable and up-to-date on the latest trends in accounting.

5. Follow Up

Follow up with customers after a call or meeting in order to show them that their business is important to you. A simple email can go a long way in building customer relationships and ensuring satisfaction.

What Happens When Someone Shows an Interest

Celebrate, first of all! But then, get down to business. 

Schedule a detailed discussion, send them a portfolio or case studies, and ensure you have a system in place to nurture this lead. 

If using CRM, move them from ‘cold lead’ to ‘warm prospect’ and strategize your next steps.

Must Read – How Cold Email Can Help Accounting Firms Generate Leads

How to Follow Up If They Don’t

The fortune is in the follow-up, as they say. If a prospect showed interest but wasn’t ready to commit, schedule a follow-up call or send an informative email. 

Tools like Boomerang for Gmail can remind you to follow up if you don’t get a response.

Conclusion

Taking the time to personalize each cold call can be key to an accounting firm’s success and is worth investing in. 

Doing your research beforehand, crafting a tailored pitch, and being communicative when speaking with prospects are all essential components for personalized cold calls. 

With those five outlined tips on how to effectively perform personalized cold calls, you can now rest assured that they are taking the right steps. 

It is much more engaging and valuable to prospects when you come prepared with knowledge of their needs rather than simply providing information without any dialogue.

So if you are ready, take these insights into account and start personalizing your cold-calling strategy today!