Sales Makes The World Go Around

When a receptionist has to apologize for the policies and behavior or a company it really makes you wonder.  I happen to be a business owner.   I also happen to focus a lot of what I do on a daily basis on business development.   As much as you all hate sales people, we are what makes the world go around.   I don't mean that as a self centered statement, it is simply a fact.   No company would exist without someone selling something they offer. 

I get sales calls, people that stop in our office, cold emails, consistent emails, direct mail pieces with phone call follow up.   If it is a sales process it happens to me. 

I usually reply politely with a reply about why we aren't a good fit for them.  Maybe I don't need their services, maybe we just aren't interested right now and maybe we have another provider. 

I happen to not like cold emails, especially those that are dishonest.   I got one of those emails today. 
"I haven't heard from you in awhile..."   They have never heard from me.   I hate dishonest sales tactics.   I replied to that one.   "You have never heard from me, so I guess you haven't heard from me in a lifetime.  Please take me off your list."

I also have a very strong dislike for Comcast, ADP or Paychex sales people.   Those kind of companies are always trying to undercut the other.  They don't give you the best price unless you tell them another provider has given you a lower price.   And of course, their customer service is generally non-existent. 

I actually feel sorry for the Paychex sales reps.  A new rep gets hired and I think they give them all the accounts that have told them to never call them again.   I am that person with Paychex, ADP or Comcast.   Every time they call I tell them, "I told the last person that called, to never call us again because we will never do business with your company again."

So today the tables were turned.   I called on a prospect.   I had a contact name that was incorrect.  The receptionist asked who I was and why I was calling.  I always am honest and told her.   This is the reply I received,

"I am really sorry.   I know you are just doing your job.   I have been instructed to screen these calls and not allow them to go through."

She was very polite.   I find it interesting that she felt she needed to apologize for the procedure she has been asked to execute.                                                                                                                                    

Is it just me that sees the irony that if that were the answer to every one of their sales reps, they wouldn't have a business?

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Lori Hanken has been in sales and marketing for over 30 years. She is passionate about service and providing value to her vendors, prospects and clients. Lori is currently co-owner of Total Displays with her husband David. They help people look great at events, trade shows, in retail, museums and develop long partnerships with customers and suppliers. If you would like to learn more, email her at lori@totaldisplays.com. She is an open networker, connect with her on LinkedIn here.

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