Outbound Sales Playbook
Proven sequences, scripts, and templates used by top-performing SDRs. Built from best practices by SalesLoft, Outreach, Gong, and leading sales teams.
Multi-Channel Outbound Cadence
13 touchpoints over 30 days across phone, email, social, and video
| Day | Action | Channel | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cold call + follow-up email | Phone + Email | Choose the opening sequence that fits your audience and consent requirements |
| 2 | View LinkedIn profile + follow | Social | Build familiarity, no pitch |
| 3 | Call attempt #2 + voicemail | Phone | Reference your email |
| 5 | Email #2 with case study | Problem framing + single success story | |
| 7 | LinkedIn connection request | Social | Reference your previous email |
| 8 | Call attempt #3 | Phone | Prioritize prospects who opened emails |
| 10 | Personalized video message | Video | For high-priority accounts only |
| 14 | Email #3 with objection pre-handle | Address cost, time, or fit concerns | |
| 17 | LinkedIn comment or DM | Social | Share an insight, don't pitch |
| 21 | Call attempt #4 | Phone | Try executive hours: 8-9am or 4-6pm |
| 24 | Email #4 breakup email | 'Should I close your file?' + alternate CTA | |
| 27 | LinkedIn share relevant resource | Social | Tag or mention if appropriate |
| 30 | Final call attempt | Phone | Last pass before moving to nurture |
Cold Call Scripts
Battle-tested openers and voicemail scripts you can use today
Permission-Based Opener
"Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Company]. I know you weren't expecting my call — do you have 30 seconds for me to share why I reached out?" [If yes] "We work with [similar role/industry] teams who struggle with [pain point]. We helped [similar company] work through [specific challenge]. I'm not sure if we can do the same for you, but would it make sense to set aside 15 minutes this week to find out?"
Pro tip: Permission-based openers can give a prospect a clear choice about continuing the conversation.
What this guide covers
Outbound prospecting benefits from a clear ideal-customer profile, relevant messaging, permission-aware communication, and a consistent follow-up process. Treat examples as prompts to adapt and test—not as guaranteed conversion formulas.
Editorial and source note
Written by AlwaysHired, an organization providing sales-career and hiring education. Factually reviewed and updated September 6, 2026. This is practical guidance, not a promise of compensation, hiring outcomes, quota attainment, or product performance. Where a source is listed, it supports only the specific factual context described by that publisher; organizations should validate benchmarks and live product terms for their own market and plan.
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