I recently had lunch with the president of a mid-size company.  During the course of the meal the subject of cold calls came up.  I asked the president if he ever accepted cold calls.  His response was that he was too busy and therefore, would not.  The president from another company indicated that usually he did not accept the calls unless the caller was persistent.  Yet another company executive said he would if he recognized the name or if the caller left a message that led him to believe the caller understood his business and could contribute value.

On another occasion I had the opportunity to ask a purchasing agent the same question.  He informed me that he always accepts cold calls.  He further explained that he was always willing to set up a meeting because he was always on the lookout for new products and services or for better pricing.

My own experience has taught me that it takes a minimum of ten to fourteen calls before reaching the president.  I vary my calls by the day of the week as well as the time of the day and my message is always different.  

If you are interested in reaching presidents of companies call consistently, vary the days and times of your calls, let them know you are there for them and not for yourself and be wary of purchasing agents.