Cold Call Play That Feels Illegal (But Works Almost Every Time)

Pipeline Papi
Jul 20
2 min read

Updated: Aug 6

There’s a moment on the phone that separates the rookies from the QUOTA CRUSHERS.

You ask for your prospect and hear it:

“They don’t work here anymore.”

Most SDRs panic and hang up.

But NOT YOU. You run the move. The pick and roll. The slant route on 3rd and 4.

This post breaks down the exact script the one that books meetings almost every time using nothing but a calm tone, a smart follow-up, and a little Papi magic.

Step 1: Flip the Script

Old prospect left the company? GOOD.

All you do is ask the gatekeeper:

“Who took over for [Name] when they left?”

Simple. Direct. They almost always give you a name.

You’re not pitching. You’re just updating your info ;)

Step 2: Stack the Intel

Once you have the new name, you hit a quick rhythm:

Pull up your intel tool (Or Use Pipeline Papi Bot)
Check current vendor or competitor
Skim for weaknesses
Spot a pain point the team likely inherited (pick whatever)

Step 3: Call with Calm Framing

Here’s the line that’s booked dozens of meetings for me:

“Hey [new name], I was talking to [old name] a while back — they’d mentioned some friction with [competitor], especially around [specific pain point]. Curious if you’re seeing any of that since you stepped in?”

They almost always say yes or at least entertain it as something to consider.