| |
How to Deal With Salespeople
By Steve Kaye
If you're an executive, you may sometimes feel like a open jelly sandwich at a picnic. Every crazy critter in the world wants to bite into your budget. Here's how to protect your time and preserve your sanity.
Ask questions
Many salespeople work from a script. Rather than let them read it, interrupt with, "Excuse me." Then determine the purpose of the call by asking questions such as, "What are you selling?" or "Why are you calling?" Set bounds on the call by stating that you will take one minute to hear their offer and that you have a timer. Cut through the enticement by getting the facts that you need to decide if their offer has value.
Just say no
If you have no interest in the offer, tell the salesperson, "No." If you have no interest in the company, product, or service, ask to be removed from their call list. Be polite and firm. Simply say, "We have no need for your service. Please remove my name from your list." Avoid small talk, arguments, or complaints. All of these waste your time and lead to nothing. In addition, savvy sales people appreciate candor. It frees them to proceed with their business.
Decline literature
If you attempt to rid yourself of a salesperson by asking for information, you cause three bad things to happen. 1) You guarantee a return call ("Hi, did you get what I sent?"). 2) You waste the salesperson's money. 3) You add to the mail that you have to process. Thus, decline literature unless you are interested in the offer. Similarly, decline appointments, trial samples, or invitations that you know you would cancel. And never ask for a proposal if you have already selected another provider.
Return phone messages
Sadly, some people attempt to say "no" by ignoring the caller. This is a terrible strategy for two reasons. First, the caller does not know what you are doing. They will conclude that you may be traveling or sick and thus call again, and again, and again. Second, ignoring someone is rude, especially if you asked the person to call you, send a proposal, or provide information. If you want to end a dialogue without talking to the person, call (or have an assistant call) and leave a message during off hours (early morning, late evening, weekends). Most good business people appreciate candor and understand the word, "No."
Use voice mail
Strategic voice mail can protect your time. Rather than leave an outgoing message stating that you will return calls, leave a message that helps screen calls. For example, your message could state, "Hi this is Pat Smith. Leave a message if you have an work related issue. If you are selling wingnuts, do not leave a message because we are not buying them." or "If you are selling something, call Chris at Extension 101." In the latter case, Chris may be someone assigned to screen sales calls.
Be open to possibilities
Realize that the caller is another human being, trying to earn a living. In addition, that caller may also be a customer or able to influence your customers. Thus, rather than immediately reject every call, consider that some of the offers may help you improve your business and make your job easier. Treat callers with the respect and courtesy that you expect from others. You will find valuable opportunities when you give them a fair chance to explain why they called. And you can always say, "no."
About the Author
IAF Certified Professional Facilitator and author Steve Kaye works with leaders who want to hold effective meeting. His innovative workshops have informed and inspired people nationwide. His facilitation produces results that people will support. Call 714-528-1300 or visit his web site for over 100 pages of valuable ideas. Sign up for his free newsletter at http://www.stevekaye.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/2525.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/2525.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| Some other articles by Steve Kaye | How to Select a Meeting Facilitator
Meeting facilitation is a complex activity. Thus, you want to make sure that you engage someone who knows how to help you get results. Here's what to look for.
1) ...
Why Olivia Refuses to Attend Meetings
Olivia Felini is a wonderful cat. She will do almost anything, except go to meetings. Here's why.
1) No one asks her to participate.
Olivia always ...
How Bad Can a Meeting Be?
There are the winning entries from a bad meeting contest (condensed and sanitized to protect the participants)
1) Short, Expensive, and Useless.
First, she sent a letter to a prospective ...
More Than One Type of Goal Leads to Success
Most people set goals. But they often set only one type of goal, and in so doing they set themselves up for failure.
Here is the complete tool kit. Use it to create ...
The Secret to Effective Leadership
Treating people with respect wins trust and develops lasting relationships. Here's what to do.
1) Be on time. In fact, arrive early for appointments and meetings. Plan time milestones in ...
How to Survive in a Crazy World
Everything seems to go faster, leaving everyone feeling overworked, overloaded, and overwhelmed. Here's how to survive.
1) Know Your Purpose.
Know your vision, your goals, and your plans because these help you set ...
|
|
| |
|
