How can a shy guy improve his cold calling in order to get a job?

How can a shy guy improve his cold calling in order to get a job? | Ask Metafilter: "I am out of work and have decided try something new in my job search. I have started cold-calling potential employers in my industry. Now, the thing is . . I'm pretty shy, not a salesman type at all. Calling up strangers in order to promote myself is not something that comes naturally to me. How can I make cold-calling work for me?"