I hate cold calling with a passion and virtually never do it! I don't like being cold-called myself, so I don't like doing to others what I don't like having done to me! (Golden Rule?)

Always for me my sphere and past clients will generate business. It is amazing how many I talk with directly are ready or getting ready to make a move.

#1 SOI

I personally call my sphere  I think we save more clients that way.

Sphere, friends and past clients. I don't like cold calling. 

I call past clients all the time and usually ends up in referrals.   Have not done cold calling since I started in real estate.

Best to do both.

Sphere of influence, of course.

I love cold calling - you know that, Praful.

Good question - reviewing the answers

       To Praful and everyone else who agreed with me:

                             THANKS!!!!!!!!!                        

I would prefer calling my sphere of influence.

I don't do it, but with those two choices, I would definitely call my Sphere.

I far prefer calling people that I have some type of relationship with.  Though, I would certainly like to get better at cold calling as well.

Sphere of influence, always! Cold calls don't bring me much return and I stopped doing them years ago.

I rather connect with my sphere.  Since, I too, am not a fan of being on the receiving end of a cold call, I do not make them. 

Praful, I would have to go with SOI since these are people I already know.

I never got into cold calling.  Go out and "Meet" 2 new people every day!!!   Watch the benefits rain on your parade!!!   Id rather try to work with a FSBO than cold calling.  Send out something once every 3 months to your sphere and stay in front of them.  It works!

Agents with some time under their belt have an option.

The newbie does not.

If you can cold call, the SOI call will be a cake walk.

Is easier always better?

Praful - I'm not very good with people I do not know, especially if I am talking to them on the phone and asking them for business. I don't mind speaking with new people, but I don't want to ask for business or referrals from someone who doesn't have a clue who I am.

With past clients, sphere, they already know me, and I am much more comfortable asking them if I can help in any way, or for referrals.

Sphere of Influence, they already know, like and trust me.

I never managed to make myself to cold call people. It is much easier to call someone you connected somehow.