How to Deal With Salespeople
If you are 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." 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
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