1 min lesson
The pattern interrupt: just be honest
Tell someone how to act on this idea: "The strongest pattern interrupt with engineers is candor."
Step 1 of 2
The pattern interrupt: just be honestdirectness as a tactic
The strongest pattern interrupt with engineers is candor. Naming that it's a cold call - out loud, with a slight smile in your voice - disarms the very objection they were forming. They were about to say "is this a sales call?" and you've already answered it. Directness reads as confidence and confidence buys you the next 30 seconds.
Say it like this
"Hey Marcus - I'll be honest, this is a cold call. I saw your team posted four backend roles last month and I work at Cursor. Can I take 30 seconds on why that made me pick up the phone and then you tell me if it's worth more?"