What prospecting method involves salespeople making calls to potential customers?

Telemarketing is the prospecting method that specifically involves salespeople reaching out to potential customers through telephone calls. This approach allows for direct interaction with prospects, enabling salespeople to present their product or service, address questions, and gauge interest in real time. Telemarketing can be an effective way to generate leads and cultivate relationships, as it often allows for immediate feedback and engagement compared to other methods.

Direct marketing, while a valid strategy for reaching potential customers, encompasses a broader range of techniques, including email campaigns, direct mail, and online advertisements, rather than the specific focus on voice communication that telemarketing offers. Networking involves building relationships and expanding contacts through personal interactions and is not limited to calls. Referral selling relies on existing customers to refer new prospects, which, while effective, does not involve making calls directly to potential customers. Therefore, telemarketing stands out as the correct answer as it directly relates to the action of calling potential customers for sales purposes.