Creative ways to get rid of IT sales cold calls? [closed]
Solution 1:
Do you speak a foreign language? Preferably an ancient one? Answering the phone in Sumerian tends to confuse the cold callers. Warn the family before you start doing it. The first time I did it they called the SWAT team thinking my office had been taken over by pirates.
Kidding aside...
When you say that you're "fairly civil" might that mean that you're too polite? Try being courteous but short. When they ask "can I speak to you about..." if it's not something that you're truly interested in always turn the conversation around to looking out for their benefit. Like this: "We're not in the market for a product like that now or anytime in the foreseeable future. I'll call you if we ever do, but for now I don't want you to miss out on another lead that is in a better position to purchase from you. Thanks for calling! click" If you truly are interested in the product to some degree, then give them a time limit and stick to it: "Okay, can you summarize the product or service in 2 minutes? I've got a timer here and a cranky database server that needs me in 5 minutes. Go!" Increase the time that you give them based on the interest in the product that you have. You must, repeat must stick to the time limit you set out. If you want, invite them to call back, but always give them a time limit. Maybe 5 minutes the next time. Always stick to the pre-stated time limit. Never let them get away with "Hey, I can call you back when you have more time." The answer is: "I never have more time. Talk to me now. This two minutes is your best chance... oh wait, it's now down to 1:40." If they can't handle that then you don't need to do business with a firm that can't respect your time.
Your profile in the various CRM management softwares that the companies in question use will have your tactic flagged; "This guy is always busy, he gives you a time limit. Talk fast!" You'll get a reputation, but if you stay truly polite but professionally short, it will be a decent reputation to have.
Solution 2:
"Hi, I'm really, really busy right now. You're best bet is to e-mail me the information at..."
My e-mail client then filters and sorts and I have a folder with vendors I can look through at my leisure, or not, as the case may be.
Solution 3:
I just check the caller ID of the incoming call. If I recognize the vendor as somebody I'm dealing with, or I'm feeling a little more hospitable, I'll take the call. If not, I let voicemail take it. If they REALLY want my business, they'll leave some info, maybe a website that I can investigate myself and I'll call or e-mail them if I'm truly interested.
Solution 4:
I hardly ever answer the phone because of this and rarely listen to VM. A couple ideas:
You have to talk to the receptionist and recruit or bribe him/her into helping you. Your time is much more valuable. Consider your approach and ask them to take messages, request email or fwd right to Vm.
If that doesn't work, recruit your boss to intervene. Tell him how much time/day you lose to this
when someone get's through as a courtesy, NEVER fwd them to someone else. Take their number, have them email but don't fwd.
ask them NOT to call.
\\Greg