Which step of the personal selling process did sam engage in when, early in his career, he made in-person cold calls with professors on various campuses?

The personal selling process includes the following steps: prospecting, pre-approach, approach, presentation, meeting objections, closing the sale, and follow-up

When Sam early in his career made in-person cold calls with professors on various campuses he engage the first step (prospecting) of the personal selling process.

While prospecting the sales representative has contact with many people who are potentially buyers.