Cold Calling vs LinkedIn: Which Works Best?

Things have changed drastically over the last couple of years as far as recruitement and hiring the right talent on LinkedIn is concerned.

Especially, ever since COVID happend and things shifted toward remote work and hiring culture, it also gave way to different cold calling techniques that recruiters use or prefer over LinkedIn etc.

The question is, if it's about cold calling vs LinkedIn, what would be your best approach to ensure that you're head hunting for the right talent?

And then again, there's also another important questions: cold calling vs LinkedIn—where should you invest your time and energy?

Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice often depends on your industry, target audience, and overall goals.

Let’s take a closer look at these two strategies to determine how each works and which might be the better fit for your needs.

The Case for Cold Calling

Cold calling has been a cornerstone of sales for decades.

It’s a direct, one-on-one conversation that allows you to connect with prospects in real time.

The biggest advantage of cold calling is its ability to generate immediate engagement. Unlike emails or LinkedIn messages, phone calls are harder to ignore. A well-executed cold call can break the ice and initiate a meaningful dialogue on the spot.

Benefits of Cold Calling:

1. Personalized Interaction
   Speaking directly to someone lets you tailor your message based on their tone and responses. You can build rapport, answer questions, and address objections in real time.
2. Faster Feedback
   Cold calls provide instant reactions. You can gauge interest, gather insights, and adapt your approach based on the prospect’s immediate feedback.
3. Broad Reach
   Cold calling allows you to target people who might not be active on LinkedIn or other online platforms. This can be especially useful when dealing with industries that rely less on digital networking.
4. Proven Track Record
   Despite being labeled as “old school,” cold calling remains effective in many industries, particularly in sales and recruitment, where personal interaction is key.

That said, cold calling isn’t without its challenges. It can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, and getting past gatekeepers or handling objections can test even the most seasoned professionals. Still, with the right preparation and persistence, cold calling can yield excellent results.

The Case for LinkedIn

On the flip side, LinkedIn has revolutionized the way professionals connect and network.

As the world’s largest professional social media platform, LinkedIn offers an extensive pool of prospects that you can target based on industry, job title, location, and other criteria. The platform’s messaging feature allows for outreach that feels less intrusive than a phone call while still being professional and direct.

Benefits of LinkedIn:

1. Targeted Outreach
   LinkedIn’s advanced search filters make it easy to find the exact type of prospect you’re looking for. You can target individuals based on their professional background, making your outreach more precise.
2. Scalability
   With LinkedIn, you can connect with multiple prospects in a short amount of time. Sending a batch of personalized messages is often quicker than making a dozen phone calls.
3. Professional Context
   Since LinkedIn is a professional platform, people are generally more open to receiving messages related to career opportunities or business propositions.
4. Content Sharing
   LinkedIn allows you to share posts, articles, and updates, positioning yourself as a thought leader in your field. This can help build trust and credibility even before reaching out.

However, LinkedIn has its limitations. Messages can easily be ignored, especially if they come across as too generic.

Building a relationship on LinkedIn often requires patience, as prospects might not respond immediately or might prefer to engage with your content passively before initiating a conversation.

Choosing the Right Strategy for Your Goals

The choice between cold calling vs LinkedIn often comes down to your specific objectives and the type of audience you’re targeting.

• When Cold Calling Shines
  If your goal is to have in-depth, immediate conversations, cold calling is the way to go. It’s particularly effective in industries like recruitment, B2B sales, and high-ticket services, where building trust through personal interaction is crucial. For instance, a recruiter reaching out to a niche professional might find more success with a phone call than with a LinkedIn message that risks being overlooked.
• When LinkedIn Leads the Way
  LinkedIn is ideal for scenarios where scalability and precision are essential. If you’re targeting busy professionals or industries that are highly active online, LinkedIn can provide a streamlined way to connect. It’s also great for nurturing leads over time by sharing valuable content and staying visible in their network.

Combining Cold Calling and LinkedIn for Maximum Impact

Instead of viewing LinkedIn vs cold calling as an either-or decision, consider how the two can complement each other. For example:

• Start on LinkedIn: Connect with prospects, engage with their content, and send a thoughtful message introducing yourself or your services. This softens the ground for a more direct approach.
• Follow Up with a Call: After your initial LinkedIn interaction, follow up with a phone call. Mention your LinkedIn connection to establish familiarity and make the conversation feel less cold.
• Leverage LinkedIn Insights for Cold Calls: Use LinkedIn to research your prospects before calling them. Knowing their background, interests, and professional achievements can help you tailor your pitch.

This blended approach allows you to build rapport in a way that feels organic while making the most of both platforms’ strengths.