I had to really look at things a little different when I started calling people. Now I am not a telemarketer. I call people only when they request it.

The problem is, they usually don’t remember filling out the form or they don’t remember why I am calling. Most of the time, I get polite people but on occasions, it's pure hell.

It’s like these people should think that their phone is off limits to everyone. I even got some people filling out my form with the name “who Cares”. What kind of a name is that. How am I suppose to reply to that?

Simply put, I just deny getting letters like that. To be in marketing, you sometimes have to have thick skin. I am not one with so thick of skin. I really get my feeling hurt. When my feelings get hurt, my anger shows.

People are looking for an opportunity and fill out your form asking you to call them and when you do, it’s like they were waiting or better yet daring you to call. When you get them, it’s always at the most inconvenient time. Did they forget that they told you the best time to call.

One lady told me that it’s never a good time to call but call anyway. How do you approach this situation. You can bet, I didn’t waste my time with her. I think you are getting the picture here.

Now, I really had to think about myself here. When my phone rings, what am I thinking about? I am sure telemarketers have gotten to the most of us. I really hate it. I get called 2 to 3 times a week for donations, sweepstakes, or some kind of gimmick and to be quite honest, since I am in marketing myself, my own phone number is on my web site.

Even though I belong to the no call list, people still call.

What can you do about it? Nothing. Why? Usually they don’t have caller Id show up. That is the bad thing. You would think that caller ID would work in reverse of the way it does.

Caller ID should show up for the people you don’t know so that you can decide whether to answer or not. Instead, you have to answer those calls to find out it isn’t anything important.

Are you ready for the good news. Whether you hate calling people or not, you still get more people saying yes by this approach than simply emailing them.

I know it’s tough to put all your feeling behind you and call that next SOB, but sometimes you really do meet some fantastic people.

If you get that SOB, that just happens to be drunk or suppose you just woke him up, then hey, hang up and go to the next client. Just do it.

Your going to hear all kinds of stories. I even felt sorry for people. Remember, this is your job. Turn things around. Suppose you were going to get fired if you did not make a certain amount of calls per day. I assure you, you would call. It is a matter of keeping food on your table for your children or living on the street.

I have an alternative for you if you just cannot find yourself calling people. Hire it done. Yep. Hire a student that needs to make extra money. Place an ad in the newspaper and have them call everyone you choose and pay them per call or by the hour. Tell them to learn the script and pay them. Simple huh.

Still can’t find a way to call people. Don’t give up. It’s a lot harder but you can try having them call you. I doubt most of them will. However, some will. Instead of your ad asking them to fill out a form, ask them to call a number and you make sure you answer it.

"Just Straight Shooting"

Randall Stafford
http://www.randallsquare.com

Marketing Since 1994