Should you prospect someone on their cell phone?

We know that very few prospects are answering their office phones these days- although they are at their desks when we call. Many people ask me, why can’t I just try their cell because I know they will answer that? Sure, they may answer it but it’s not recommended that you prospect someone on their cell phones- not a good idea and not professional nor appropriate. I predict this will change within the next few years as more selling channels open up and we gain greater access. But today, it remains a permission-based medium that we shouldn’t violate.

There are a few exceptions however:

1. If you are further along on your sales cycle and the prospect gives you their cell number, you are encouraged to call.
2. If you don’t know you are contacting them on their cell because they have their office number forwarded, that’s okay also.

Remember when talking with someone on their cell, you need to be more sensitive to their distractions and not sound as “salesy” or formal with your approach. It’s a casual and personal medium you are selling into so be respectful.