Cold callers -How to stop them!

81 replies
Ok I am tired of all the "it's fine to phone spam people...." "Here's how to do it more, better, bigger," etc..

NO it's not! How annoying is it for people to have to pick up the phone every hour and have to deal with 2 bit phone salesmen. STOP IT! Isn't it illegal in the USA? It should be.

If you too are sick of this practice, know your rights.

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Use the "National Do Not Call Registry" to Reduce Unwanted Cold Calls
The National Do Not Call Registry was jointly established by the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission to give Americans a way to avoid getting telemarketing calls at home. Adding your home or cell phone number to the Registry is easy -- and absolutely free. You may register two ways:

Online at donotcall.gov, as long as you have a working email address. Shortly after you sign up, you will receive an email confirmation from donotcall.gov that contains a link you must click to complete the process. If you do not click on this link within 72 hours, your phone number will not be registered.

Over the telephone by calling toll-free 1-888-382-1222 from the number you wish to register.
Your number will remain on the Registry for five years -- or sooner if you decide to terminate your phone service or take your number off the Registry.

Tip: Be sure to sign up for the National Do Not Call registry every five years. Your registration will expire five years from the day you register, so you'll need to place your number back in the Registry after the expiration date to limit cold calls.

Be aware that putting your home phone or cell phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry will not stop all telemarketing calls. You still may receive calls from:

Political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors.

Companies with whom you have an established business relationship. Under FINRA rules, an established business relationship includes making a financial transaction or having a security position, money balance or account activity with the firm within the past 18 months. A securities representative may also call you for up to three months after you've contacted the firm to ask about a product or service.

Companies you have provided express written permission to make telephone contact.

If the caller is a family member, friend, or acquaintance, they also may still call you.
Understand Your Rights
When telemarketers, including people from the securities industry, call to sell you something, they must follow these important rules:

Cold Callers Must Check the "National Do Not Call Registry" -- With very few exceptions, federal law requires all telemarketers, including securities firms, to search the National Do Not Call Registry every 31 days to avoid calling any numbers that are on the Registry.

Tip: If your number has been on the Registry for 31 days and you receive a cold call from an entity that doesn't meet any of the exceptions to the cold calling rules, you can file a complaint at donotcall.gov or by calling toll-free 1-888-382-1222. You'll need to know the date of the call and the company's name or phone number to file a complaint.

Cold Callers May Call You at Home Only Between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. -- These time restrictions for calls at home apply unless you have an established business relationship with the firm or you gave the firm express written permission to call you at other times. Cold callers may call you at work at any time.
Cold Callers Must Say Who's Calling and Why -- Cold callers must promptly tell you:

Their name
Their firm's name
Their firm's address or telephone number
The purpose of the call -- for example, to sell you an investment or investment-related services
Caller ID Tip: If you have Caller ID activated on your phone, you should be able to tell when a telemarketer is calling. The Federal Communications Commission requires telemarketers to transmit Caller ID information. Telemarketers may not block their numbers.

Additional Responsibilities of Cold Callers -- Cold callers must also:

Put you on their "Do Not Call" list, if you ask. Every securities firm must keep a "do not call" list. If you want to stop sales calls from that firm, tell the caller to put your name and telephone number on the firm's "do not call" list. If anyone from that firm calls you again, get the caller's name and telephone number, note the date and time of the call, and complain to the firm's compliance officer, the SEC, the FINRA, or your state's securities regulator. Further below, you'll find information on how to make a complaint.
Note: Once you're on a firm-specific do-not-call-list, neither the firm nor any of its employees are allowed to call you--even if there is an established business relationship.

Treat you with respect. Cold callers can't threaten, intimidate, or use obscene or profane language. They can't call you repeatedly to annoy, abuse, or harass you.

Get your written approval before taking money directly from your bank accounts. Before investing, you should always get answers to the questions below and written information about the investment. If you do decide to buy from a cold caller, do not give your checking or savings account numbers to the broker over the phone. Brokers must get your written permission -- such as your signature on a check or an authorization form -- before they can use money from your checking or savings account to fund your investments.

Tell you the truth. People selling securities must tell you the truth. If they don't, brokers violate federal and state securities laws.
What Are Signs of Trouble?
Cold calling is used legitimately to find clients for the long term. These callers ask questions to understand your financial situation and investment goals before recommending that you buy anything. Unfortunately, not everyone has your best financial interest at heart. Watch for these signs of trouble:

High-pressure sales tactics. Aggressive cold callers speak from persuasive scripts that include retorts for your every objection. As long as you stay on the phone, they'll keep trying to sell. And they won't let you get a word in edgewise.

Pitches that stress "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunities. Watch out for someone who tells you about a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity, especially when the caller bases the recommendation on "inside" or "confidential" information.

Callers touting companies with "breakthrough technologies." These technologies play off of legitimate technologies, but at the same time sound just a little too good to be true.

Callers who refuse to send you written information about the investment. This is a form of manipulation designed to force a quick decision. You should be able to receive information about an investment and take as much time as you need to review it.

Calls from unregistered and unsupervised salespersons. Cold-calling "brokers" and their bosses may not be properly registered to sell securities--and often operate in an environment completely devoid of required supervisory procedures. You can verify whether the caller is registered to sell securities by using FINRA BrokerCheck.
What Else Can You Do?
When cold callers use harassing, abusive sales tactics and lie to you about investment opportunities, they violate the cold calling rules and break federal and state securities laws. Don't let them off the hook!

Report abusive cold callers. You can file a complaint with the SEC, FINRA, your state's securities regulator or the FTC:
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Investors may file a complaint electronically at the SEC Investor Complaint Center or call or fax:
Phone: (800) 732-0330 (toll-free)
Fax: (202) 772-9295

FINRA
Investors may file a complaint electronically at the FINRA Investor Complaint Center or call or fax:
Phone: (240) 386-HELP (4357)
Fax: (866) 397-3290

Your State's Securities Regulator
Investors may file a complaint electronically at the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) Complaint Center or call:
Phone: (888) 846-2722 (toll-free)

Federal Trade Commission
You may file an online complaint at www.donotcall.gov or call:
Phone: (888) 382-1222 (toll-free)
Tell intrusive cold callers not to call again. If you're annoyed by cold callers, stop them before they start their sales pitch. Put your name on the National Do Not Call Registry--and inform the cold caller your name is on the list. Tell the caller to put you on the firm's "do not call" list. If anyone from that firm calls you again, complain to the firm's compliance officer, the SEC, FINRA and your state's securities regulator.

Don't warm up to intrusive cold callers. Cold callers often try to "warm up" potential customers with flattery or friendship. They might try to put you off guard by chatting about your hometown or the local sports team. Or they might suggest they've spoken with you before. Don't fall for their tactics. And don't feel compelled to be polite or stay on the line. You don't have to listen if you don't want to, and you don't have to tell cold callers about yourself or your finances. Say "no, thanks" or "I'm not interested" -- and then hang up. Don't wait for the caller to end the call. YOU are in control and can hang up at any time.
#callers #callers - #cold #stop
  • Profile picture of the author thet
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  • Profile picture of the author pauljones99
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
      Originally Posted by pauljones99 View Post

      See there you go again...ignorant little hick!

      No, it's not my opinipon is it? It's the law!!!

      CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE?.
      I think in large part your post is quite valid. I diverge a bit on two points though:

      1. I am unaware of any do not call lists for business to business cold calling (which I think is what most of this forum is geared towards).
      2. Modern effective phone marketing and sales is far more consultative than your steriotypical view that your post suggests. Not saying pushy sales types aren't out there, its jusy that several of the experienced forum members here teach and promote the opposite of what you think sales and cold calling is about.
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    • Profile picture of the author shadow92
      Originally Posted by pauljones99 View Post

      See there you go again...ignorant little hick!

      No, it's not my opinipon is it? It's the law!!!

      CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE?.
      You need to smoke some weed or something man. Chill out. This is a marketing forum, marketing is full of blackhat/spam.

      You think gaming search engines to rank your website on top of your competitor is completely "right" ?

      Or better yet, the guys talking about getting competing websites penalized by building 100k shitty spam links?

      You think tricking people into giving up their email addresses so that you can send them promotions to try to make a penny off them is ethical?

      You think it's cool that companies like infousa (companies which make millions and millions each ear) sell lists to people with peoples personal information? phone #, email, mailing address, age, gender, race, income lvl.

      You think it's ethical of me to have a huge network of blogs that I place a single link in and that website automatically ranks #1 for my clients? While other guys struggle to hit the first page? All because I create a false impression ...again "gaming" the search engines.

      No you're right....all that is completely ethical, clean, non grayhat. But calling someone to ask if they want your services? That's the devil right there!
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      • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
        I have found that "Ethical" is whatever some one is doing themselves. And "Unethical" tends to be whatever they don't want to do, or their competitors are doing.
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      • Profile picture of the author sandalwood
        Originally Posted by shadow92 View Post

        You need to smoke some weed or something man. Chill out. This is a marketing forum, marketing is full of blackhat/spam.

        You think gaming search engines to rank your website on top of your competitor is completely "right" ?

        Or better yet, the guys talking about getting competing websites penalized by building 100k shitty spam links?

        You think tricking people into giving up their email addresses so that you can send them promotions to try to make a penny off them is ethical?

        You think it's cool that companies like infousa (companies which make millions and millions each ear) sell lists to people with peoples personal information? phone #, email, mailing address, age, gender, race, income lvl.

        You think it's ethical of me to have a huge network of blogs that I place a single link in and that website automatically ranks #1 for my clients? While other guys struggle to hit the first page? All because I create a false impression ...again "gaming" the search engines.

        No you're right....all that is completely ethical, clean, non grayhat. But calling someone to ask if they want your services? That's the devil right there!
        Hmmm, I clicked on his sig link. Seems like he wants some info from his visitors. I guess, like you say, that's ethical. Must be how we look at it...

        Oh yeah, in the USA it is OK for a biz to call a biz. And, if you use a list broker to call individuals, the lists are supposed to be scrubbed so as not to violate the DNC law.

        Just my 2 cents...
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      • Profile picture of the author Corey Taylor
        Originally Posted by shadow92 View Post

        You need to smoke some weed or something man. Chill out. This is a marketing forum, marketing is full of blackhat/spam.

        You think gaming search engines to rank your website on top of your competitor is completely "right" ?

        Or better yet, the guys talking about getting competing websites penalized by building 100k shitty spam links?

        You think tricking people into giving up their email addresses so that you can send them promotions to try to make a penny off them is ethical?

        You think it's cool that companies like infousa (companies which make millions and millions each ear) sell lists to people with peoples personal information? phone #, email, mailing address, age, gender, race, income lvl.

        You think it's ethical of me to have a huge network of blogs that I place a single link in and that website automatically ranks #1 for my clients? While other guys struggle to hit the first page? All because I create a false impression ...again "gaming" the search engines.

        No you're right....all that is completely ethical, clean, non grayhat. But calling someone to ask if they want your services? That's the devil right there!
        I am not sure if that was a sneaky marketing trick but if it was, my props to you sir.

        Can I have a link of yours?
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  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    It's 100% legal to cold call businesses. The majority here are calling businesses, and those that aren't are probably using a lead list that has been scrubbed with the DNC list.

    You sure are passionate about this. What happened for you to care so much about the phone ringing?
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

      It's 100% legal to cold call businesses. The majority here are calling businesses, and those that aren't are probably using a lead list that has been scrubbed with the DNC list.

      You sure are passionate about this. What happened for you to care so much about the phone ringing?
      It took them 3 days to write that post because the phone was ringing so much, and they were spending so much time reporting people. Its not just passion.. its commitment!
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  • Profile picture of the author digichik
    It' called Capitalism in action.

    Did you ever stop to think that there may be a greater force at work - to make you think that telemarketing is a bad thing - so you won't have the use of a tool(cost effective) that makes every corporation in this country a great deal of money.

    If you don't want to talk to the caller hang up.
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    • Profile picture of the author Electrical
      It is annoying... I get at least 5 robo-calls per day from some chick who wants to update my Google listing and some guy with card member services who wants to do something, I never listened to the whole thing.

      And then I get aonther 5 calls per day from live callers who just want 5 minutes of my time to listen to their sales pitch and start giving it even though I said no thank you.

      I tell them we have a company policy of not doing business with telemarketers. Even if they are offering the best deal in the world (which they never are) I'd rather pay 50 cents more to a company that doesn't use tactics that annoy me and waste my time.

      I know some people here do telemarketing and my intention isn't to insult anyone. But my opinion is that it is annoying and bothersome. I wasn't kidding about 10 calls per day. And they are always at inopportune times. If it was 2-3 calls per week and they actually offered something I wanted, I would feel differently.
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      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
        Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

        It is annoying... I get at least 5 robo-calls per day from some chick who wants to update my Google listing and some guy with card member services who wants to do something, I never listened to the whole thing.

        And then I get aonther 5 calls per day from live callers who just want 5 minutes of my time to listen to their sales pitch and start giving it even though I said no thank you.

        I tell them we have a company policy of not doing business with telemarketers. Even if they are offering the best deal in the world (which they never are) I'd rather pay 50 cents more to a company that doesn't use tactics that annoy me and waste my time.
        LOL. The broadcast call about claiming the Google listing is one I get about 5-10 times a day, followed by different merchant processing companies, D&B, and whoever else decides to call.

        Your company policy reminds me of one of my best clients. Best as in one of my favorites, though his yearly spend is about average. I did my research before calling him, and he said right away their policy is to not do business with telemarketers, I quickly rebutted and said that I'm not a telemarketer, I'm a business owner just like him... It gave me an opening to have a quick discussion with him and I could tell that he was intrigued by it. At the end of the call, he said he still wasn't going to do business because of his policy, others would see him as being hypocritical, etc. but thanked me for my insight and we ended the call.

        A couple days later I FedEx'd him additional information and expanded on what we discussed. Attached a sticky note to it that read, "Now I'm not a telemarketer... Call me, let's do this"

        Within a week, payment was processed and the work was started.

        It was that cold call that allowed me to build a relationship with this guy, that has resulted in his loyalty and a nice stream of referrals.
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    • Profile picture of the author Electrical
      Originally Posted by digichik View Post

      It' called Capitalism in action.

      Did you ever stop to think that there may be a greater force at work - to make you think that telemarketing is a bad thing - so you won't have the use of a tool(cost effective) that makes every corporation in this country a great deal of money.

      If you don't want to talk to the caller hang up.
      So there is a conspiracy to brainwash the general public into hating telemarketers?
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      • Profile picture of the author digichik
        Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

        So there is a conspiracy to brainwash the general public into hating telemarketers?
        I am not into conspiracy theories. I just observe how big business lobbies for laws that give them the greatest advantage and greatest market share, making it more difficult for smaller businesses to compete. Lobbying for laws that help them greatly profit is good business, but not for the small guys.

        Every large company in the USA uses telemarketing to prospect and sell, it's cost effective and extremely profitable.

        They have you believing that telemarketing is wrong, while they use it everyday to make billions.
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        • Profile picture of the author pappy
          Its a part of business. I allow my vm to do my screening. In doing this it allows me to forward msgs to my developers, or screen what's coming in. IE cold calling/prospective clients.

          Any message left will be forwarded to me straight to my phone by my vm system. My vm system will not notify me when there is no message. But then I'll go back and check the call logs and MOST of the non message calls are from tm's. It may be my voice, or message or whatever but they do not decide to leave a message. The ones that do, I respect that, and if I'm interested I will call them back.

          Just about all of the calls that come through to vm are from clients/potential clients. So if a prospective client calls and gets my vm, if THEY are interested enough in my services they WILL leave me a vm. SO a win win situation. And btw my major clients have my personal cell number.
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          • Profile picture of the author savidge4
            I personally run ALL of my business calls through a cell phone, that forwards. When A call comes through that we wish to "Block" we simply walk over to the "transfer Phone" and block the number. After a month or so of this, it is amazing how much gets cut out.

            You can "block" those annoying denied prospects as well, its a beautiful thing!
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          • Profile picture of the author Electrical
            Originally Posted by pappy View Post

            Its a part of business. I allow my vm to do my screening. In doing this it allows me to forward msgs to my developers, or screen what's coming in. IE cold calling/prospective clients.

            Any message left will be forwarded to me straight to my phone by my vm system. My vm system will not notify me when there is no message. But then I'll go back and check the call logs and MOST of the non message calls are from tm's. It may be my voice, or message or whatever but they do not decide to leave a message. The ones that do, I respect that, and if I'm interested I will call them back.

            Just about all of the calls that come through to vm are from clients/potential clients. So if a prospective client calls and gets my vm, if THEY are interested enough in my services they WILL leave me a vm. SO a win win situation. And btw my major clients have my personal cell number.
            This is a good example to show the differences in types of business. Your business might be unique and different from the rest, a customer might be looking for you and you alone, and leave a voicemail for you to get back to them.

            In my business, unless its a repeat customer or referral, if you don't pick up the phone the potential customer will usually hang up and call the next contractor on the list. Picking up the phone is important.

            So that's why getting telemarketing calls really sucks, I am usually working and busy, often in a tight and compromised position (crawling thru an attic). I answer the phone because it could be a customer, but it ends up being someone who will wants to tell me how they will get me to the top of Google.
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            • Profile picture of the author pappy
              Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

              This is a good example to show the differences in types of business. Your business might be unique and different from the rest, a customer might be looking for you and you alone, and leave a voicemail for you to get back to them.

              In my business, unless its a repeat customer or referral, if you don't pick up the phone the potential customer will usually hang up and call the next contractor on the list. Picking up the phone is important.

              So that's why getting telemarketing calls really sucks, I am usually working and busy, often in a tight and compromised position (crawling thru an attic). I answer the phone because it could be a customer, but it ends up being someone who will wants to tell me how they will get me to the top of Google.
              Oh yess the service business... I've owned 3 different service business's. Alas, this is a different group to deal with. I ALWAYS had an answering service, who per my instructions would put the client on hold for about 10 seconds, then come back and say, Mr Morris will call you right back. Then the service would page me. I would call them right back. They never knew it was an answering service. I suspect regardless of the type of business you are in, prospects will always get a second opinion.
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              • tele- marketing
                internet - marketing
                information - marketing
                direct mail - marketing
                video - marketing
                face to face - marketing
                affiliate - marketing
                channel - marketing
                database - marketing
                multi level - marketing
                vertical - marketing
                mobile - marketing

                my favorite - the decades long marketing push that telemarketing is wrong, different, and now successfully disparaged
                and treated as close to sexism, racism, and bigotry as possible.

                for example : are you a telemarketer? are you black? what do you know, your just a women!

                I am not saying it is the same. it is not. but what effective Marketing, to not see it as marketing!

                Proof : just google searched this list of 131 different kinds of marketing.http://chiefmartec.com/2010/12/131-d...-of-marketing/

                A huge list and only 1 had a derogatory definition.

                "telemarketing — calling people on the phone with a pitch, usually uninvited (Wikipedia)"

                did I miss something? online banner ads, bill boards, direct mail pieces in my mailbox, etc.., weren't "uninvited" ???????

                using a business tool (the phone) to sell is the wrong kind??? like the wrong kind of person?
                I'm the wrong kind of person and I would be a better person if I used email marketing???


                Paul,

                your posts show a real angst - IMO

                I know it's tough being in business. it's tough selling investments.

                hang in there. focus on the good stuff. we all get cold calls.

                nothing personal, just business...and reality.


                I want to be judged on the content of business character, not the color of my marketing

                mar·ket·ing
                ˈmärkədiNG/
                noun
                the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising.
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                • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                  Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                  tele- marketing
                  internet - marketing
                  information - marketing
                  direct mail - marketing
                  video - marketing
                  face to face - marketing
                  affiliate - marketing
                  channel - marketing
                  database - marketing
                  multi level - marketing
                  vertical - marketing
                  mobile - marketing

                  my favorite - the decades long marketing push that telemarketing is wrong, different, and now successfully disparaged
                  and treated as close to sexism, racism, and bigotry as possible.

                  for example : are you a telemarketer? are you black? what do you know, your just a women!

                  I am not saying it is the same. it is not. but what effective Marketing, to not see it as marketing!

                  just google searched this list of 131 different kinds of marketing.
                  A huge list and only 1 had a derogatory definition.

                  telemarketing -- calling people on the phone with a pitch, usually uninvited (Wikipedia)
                  I think you're being silly. People hate telemarketing because it directly annoys them. They know it, they have to deal with it. Most people have been directly disturbed by it. It's more of an inconvenience than most other types of marketing.

                  As for you Googling 131 different kinds of marketing and only 1 having a derogatory definition, you are full of sh1t. Most people don't even know different types of marketing terms other than telemarketing. But just to give a quick example, multi-level marketing also carries a negative sentiment, people hear MLM and immediately think pyramid scheme. E-mail marketing is well know as SPAM and universally hated, but I guess that's just a conspiracy to brainwash people into not liking something that they would have otherwise liked, huh? People hate banner ads too, that's why AdBlock apps/extensions are so prevalent.

                  But still, none of these are nearly as inconvenient as telemarketing. You know this, you just don't want to admit it.
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                  • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                    I think you're being silly. People hate telemarketing because it directly annoys them. They know it, they have to deal with it. Most people have been directly disturbed by it. It's more of an inconvenience than most other types of marketing.

                    As for you Googling 131 different kinds of marketing and only 1 having a derogatory definition, you are full of sh1t. Most people don't even know different types of marketing terms other than telemarketing. But just to give a quick example, multi-level marketing also carries a negative sentiment, people hear MLM and immediately think pyramid scheme. E-mail marketing is well know as SPAM and universally hated, but I guess that's just a conspiracy to brainwash people into not liking something that they would have otherwise liked, huh? People hate banner ads too, that's why AdBlock apps/extensions are so prevalent.

                    But still, none of these are nearly as inconvenient as telemarketing. You know this, you just don't want to admit it.

                    I love you to.

                    it's funny, but I take no offence to your post.

                    sales, marketing, and business - you have to take the hits, the rejection, the failures in stride.
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                    • My Story


                      love Iamnameless success story :

                      he said right away their policy is to not do business with telemarketers, I quickly rebutted and said that I'm not a telemarketer, I'm a business owner just like him...

                      ******************************

                      my Story :

                      I sold investments and insurance over the phone.

                      in the 1980's we would talk to people saying the phrase " I don't mind black people, it's N'r's I hate"

                      women? very few in this "boys club"

                      so, in my experience, my reply's reflect this.

                      and, I don't wish to see new members that have to cold call on the phone be discouraged.

                      your just like everybody else, and every other business person.

                      remember Iamnameless's Objection Response - it works!! and makes you feel equal

                      IMO and my Experience - I could be wrong.

                      I want to be judged on the content of business character, not the color of my marketing
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                    • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                      Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                      I love you to.

                      it's funny, but I take no offence to your post.

                      sales, marketing, and business - you have to take the hits, the rejection, the failures in stride.
                      My post wasn't made to offend you, it was to refute the outlandish claims you made.
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                      • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                        My post wasn't made to offend you, it was to refute the outlandish claims you made.

                        no worries. I take what you give me. no more, no less.

                        I love business. it's so real.
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                        • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                          Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                          no worries. I take what you give me. no more, no less.

                          I love business. it's so real.
                          You also love avoiding the subject matter at hand and guiding the conversation in a totally different direction when you can't backup your earlier claims.
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                          • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                            You also love avoiding the subject matter at hand and guiding the conversation in a totally different direction when you can't backup your earlier claims.
                            I feel bad for Paul , the OP.

                            this is not the direction and reply's I think he wanted.
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                            • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                              Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                              I feel bad for Paul , the OP.

                              this is not the direction and reply's I think he wanted.
                              Actually, this is right on topic.

                              For example, you made this claim about telemarketing earlier:

                              Proof : just google searched this list of 131 different kinds of marketing.http://chiefmartec.com/2010/12/131-d...-of-marketing/

                              A huge list and only 1 had a derogatory definition

                              telemarketing
                              You actually said the word "proof" even tho the entire thing was a farce, a blatant lie.

                              You did NOT Google 131 different terms and find only 1 with a derogatory definition. That's why when I called you out on your lie you immediately changed the subject and you continue to avoid the issue.
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                              • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                Actually, this is right on topic.

                                For example, you made this claim about telemarketing earlier:



                                You actually said the word "proof" even tho the entire thing was a farce, a blatant lie.

                                You did NOT Google 131 different terms and find only 1 with a derogatory definition. That's why when I called you out on your lie you immediately changed the subject and you continue to avoid the issue.
                                your are correct. other negatives and other things on that list

                                I went back and looked at the MLM one.

                                and just saw the "black hat" one

                                are there others?

                                my apologies other types of marketing have negative conotations and complexities (black hat - is it really marketing? sounds like stealing to me)

                                MLM marketers get a bad rap
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                                • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                  Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                                  your are correct.

                                  I went back and looked at the MLM one.

                                  and just saw the "black hat" one

                                  are there others?

                                  my apologies other types of marketing have negative conotations and complexities (black hat - is it really marketing? sounds like stealing to me)
                                  I already said e-mail marketing.

                                  I don't except your snide apology. You stated something as "Proof" when you knew it was a falsehood.

                                  And still, your entire point: "my favorite - the decades long marketing push that telemarketing is wrong" is outrageous. No one needs marketing to tell them that they don't like getting telemarketing calls. That conspiracy theory is worse than the one about the moon landing.
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                                  • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                    I already said e-mail marketing.

                                    I don't except your snide apology. You stated something as "Proof" when you knew it was a falsehood.

                                    And still, your entire point: "my favorite - the decades long marketing push that telemarketing is wrong" is outrageous. No one needs marketing to tell them that they don't like getting telemarketing calls. That conspiracy theory is worse than the one about the moon landing.
                                    I love you too.

                                    did you want me to apologize again???

                                    last response for you specifically -

                                    used that link as Proof that Telemarketing gets a negative image compared to other marketing, with no design to deceive anybody

                                    have to get going soon.

                                    I apologize to Electrical. and any other member who felt slighted or deceived.
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                                    • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                      Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                                      I love you too.

                                      did you want me to apologize again???

                                      last response for you specifically -

                                      used that link as Proof that Telemarketing gets a negative image compared to other marketing, with no design to deceive anybody

                                      have to get going soon.
                                      "A huge list and only 1 had a derogatory definition."
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                                      • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                        "A huge list and only 1 had a derogatory definition."
                                        you are right. my fault.

                                        my excuse : shouldn't of rushed through that link and hurried to post reply

                                        I apologize to other members as well.

                                        I am very "sensitive" , too sensitive to a business tool (the Phone) that has made me so much money

                                        and want other members to do what they have to do to get going and be successful.


                                        my apologies directly, to Iamnameless, for referencing his post if he feels the same way.
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                                        • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                          Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                                          I am very "sensitive" , too sensitive to a business tool that has made me so much money

                                          and want other members to do what they have to do to get going and be successful.
                                          Finally, a genuine post.

                                          If telemarketing is your bread and butter than it's understandable that you don't like negative discussions about it. But the reality of it is that the general public doesn't really like it. While there might be some foul play by bigger corporations, it's still a realistic pain in the ass to the average Joe.


                                          But it does work, right? So does e-mail spam, or else it wouldn't be used.

                                          Personally, I'm not calling for it to be banned nor am I ranting and raving about it like the OP is. My only contention is that it's not some conspiracy that people hate telemarketing. They hate it because it's one of the most intrusive forms of advertising and it genuinely annoys them.
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                                          • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                            Finally, a genuine post.

                                            If telemarketing is your bread and butter than it's understandable that you don't like negative discussions about it. But the reality of it is that the general public doesn't really like it. While there might be some foul play by bigger corporations, it's still a realistic pain in the ass to the average Joe.


                                            But it does work, right? So does e-mail spam, or else it wouldn't be used.

                                            Personally, I'm not calling for it to be banned nor am I ranting and raving about it like the OP is. My only contention is that it's not some conspiracy that people hate telemarketing. They hate it because it's one of the most intrusive forms of advertising and it genuinely annoys them.
                                            ok.

                                            funny. this is all I typed(ok), but WF needs more of a reply.

                                            don't take this the wrong way, but I love the phone. I love selling using the phone. the Internet, email, web cams, etc.., just added to the "multimedia"

                                            and, I could be on the phone and check out sports!!!? wow
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                                            • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                              Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                                              I love the phone. I love selling using the phone.
                                              That's cool.


                                              As long as you understand that most of the people you call hate you for no other reason then you calling them.
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                                              • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                That's cool.


                                                As long as you understand that most of the people you call hate you for no other reason then you calling them.

                                                I don't know what you mean.

                                                as long I understand what?
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                                                • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                                  Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                                                  I don't know what you mean.

                                                  as long I understand what?
                                                  That what you love is something that most people hate.
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                                                  • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                    That what you love is something that most people hate.
                                                    I love you too.

                                                    have a great week!

                                                    it's monday!!!
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                                  • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
                                    Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                    I already said e-mail marketing.
                                    Just one slight misconception you have with SPAM = Email Marketing. There are a few proper ways to utilize email marketing effectively without sending unsolicited email. There's also a direct correlation to these proper methods that can be applied to telemarketing that overcome your stated annoyances.

                                    Can't really do much though if the person you are calling simply wants to be a jerk, can't be reached or just can't talk at that moment. All you can really do is perform a sales process and determine rhose people that would be good to work with and those you should never even consider making a client.
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                                    • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                      Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

                                      Just one slight misconception you have with SPAM = Email Marketing. There are a few proper ways to utilize email marketing effectively without sending unsolicited email.
                                      Agreed, my mistake to lump it all in together.

                                      There's also a direct correlation to these proper methods that can be applied to telemarketing that overcome your stated annoyances.
                                      Is it often done that way? How often compared to the typical completely unsolicited cold call?
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                                      • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
                                        [quote=Electrical;9726352][quote=jamesfreddyc;9726321]Just one slight misconception you have with SPAM = Email Marketing. There are a few proper ways to utilize email marketing effectively without sending unsolicited email.
                                        Agreed, my mistake to lump it all in together.



                                        Is it often done that way? How often compared to the typical completely unsolicited cold call?
                                        I have no idea to be honest. I've received some excellent advice from a few forum members here that allowed me to develop a phone prospecting process that engages business owners and managers that I can then determine if they would be a good prospective customer or not. It's far more consultative that what you may percieve to be cold calling.

                                        That's not to say there is no rejection or angry reactions. However much of that is more related to them dealing with some other immediate issue that is going on. Which, of course there's no way to know that when calling. If they are halfway up a ladder and answered anyways they probably aren't going to be able to talk. Maybe they have an irate customer they are dealing with or they are preparing to meet with their biggest client --- all are perfectly fine reasons why they can't talk. Still.... no way to know ahead of time.
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                                        • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                          Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post


                                          I have no idea to be honest. I've received some excellent advice from a few forum members here that allowed me to develop a phone prospecting process that engages business owners and managers that I can then determine if they would be a good prospective customer or not. It's far more consultative that what you may percieve to be cold calling.

                                          That's not to say there is no rejection or angry reactions. However much of that is more related to them dealing with some other immediate issue that is going on. Which, of course there's no way to know that when calling. If they are halfway up a ladder and answered anyways they probably aren't going to be able to talk. Maybe they have an irate customer they are dealing with or they are preparing to meet with their biggest client --- all are perfectly fine reasons why they can't talk. Still.... no way to know ahead of time.
                                          Here's the thing about telemarketing, all you have to sell yourself is words. Those words can easily be a lie. The better, more convincing words are usually written by a professional but spoken by a scammer.

                                          Some of the most convincing pitches I have heard were from those companies telling me they will build me a website and get it to the top of google for $150/month. Their pitches are refined and every word is scrutinized.

                                          A guy like you who may actually be selling something I like might not have as good of a pitch, even though your pitch is meaningful and honest.

                                          In the end it's like getting arrested and telling the police that you didn't do anything wrong, they heard it a million times, they aren't going to take your word for it.
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                                          • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
                                            Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                            Here's the thing about telemarketing, all you have to sell yourself is words. Those words can easily be a lie. The better, more convincing words are usually written by a professional but spoken by a scammer.

                                            Some of the most convincing pitches I have heard were from those companies telling me they will build me a website and get it to the top of google for $150/month. Their pitches are refined and every word is scrutinized.

                                            A guy like you who may actually be selling something I like might not have as good of a pitch, even though your pitch is meaningful and honest.

                                            In the end it's like getting arrested and telling the police that you didn't do anything wrong, they heard it a million times, they aren't going to take your word for it.
                                            What you are not seeing is that you would simply qualify OUT of my sales process. There's gotta be 10,000's of electrical contractors to call on if I were marketing to them. Why would it even be an issue that you wouldn't consider me worthwhile to talk with? You are not the prize, I am. If you don't think my what I offer solves your problem then that is perfectly fine -- we aren't a good fit for each other.

                                            Maybe I am missing thebpoint you are making.
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                                            • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                              Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

                                              What you are not seeing is that you would simply qualify OUT of my sales process. There's gotta be 10,000's of electrical contractors to call on if I were marketing to them. Why would it even be an issue that you wouldn't consider me worthwhile to talk with? You are not the prize, I am. If you don't think my what I offer solves your problem then that is perfectly fine -- we aren't a good fit for each other.

                                              Maybe I am missing thebpoint you are making.
                                              Maybe I am missing the point you are making, what is it exactly?
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                                              • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
                                                Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                Maybe I am missing the point you are making, what is it exactly?
                                                I was adressing your commentary about you getting bamboozled with promises of google rankings vs. someone like me engaging you in a conversation (there is no pitching in the traditional sense).

                                                Point: I would be the one who qualifies you in or out and to continue a business relationship. The scammer does everything they can to scam you. There is nothing to compare between us.
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                                                • Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

                                                  I was adressing your commentary about you getting bamboozled with promises of google rankings vs. someone like me engaging you in a conversation (there is no pitching in the traditional sense).

                                                  Point: I would be the one who qualifies you in or out and to continue a business relationship. The scammer does everything they can to scam you. There is nothing to compare between us.
                                                  and, it's a #'s game - like electricity
                                                  and a perception game - like light

                                                  most people here See themselves as business people and consultants

                                                  IMO - I could be wrong
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                                                  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
                                                    Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post


                                                    my apologies directly, to Iamnameless, for referencing his post if he feels the same way.
                                                    Well I can honestly say that I don't enjoy telemarketing. I also don't enjoy getting calls on a toll free number by telemarketers that eats up the bill.

                                                    That's the thing about being in business, you have to do things you don't necessarily want to do, and sometimes it is those things that allow you to be successful.

                                                    Do I get excited, wanting to call for a few hours to generate leads? Absolutely not. Do I get excited for a chance to grow my business though? Yes.

                                                    As for getting calls, I've learned a bit by letting people go through a sales pitch. You want to learn rebuttals and aggressive telemarketing, ask dun and bradstreet for a duns number. You want to learn consultative selling? Fill out a form for a free consultation with hubspot.

                                                    I think the general disdain for those that really despise telemarketing and those that do it, are usually people who are sitting around hopeful that the caller on the other end of the phone is interested in their service or whatever they offer. They're hard on money so it really angers them and provides an outlet for their frustration instead of taking a good look at their own marketing and what they can do to grow their business.

                                                    Electrical makes a good point about having to answer the phone or else he will lose out on a job. I can understand it would be frustrating to him but if he was ready to take his business to the next level he could easily hire a secretary, be more productive in his current work load and grow his business. Honestly though, I'm surprised he gets interrupted so much, I thought every b2b caller already knew electricians are some of the grumpiest people in any industry.
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                                                    • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                                      Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

                                                      Electrical makes a good point about having to answer the phone or else he will lose out on a job. I can understand it would be frustrating to him but if he was ready to take his business to the next level he could easily hire a secretary, be more productive in his current work load and grow his business.
                                                      I still can't let go. It will be hard to make that switch when it comes to it. But FWIW, I think ME answering the phone for my customers is important and that personalization helps business.

                                                      Honestly though, I'm surprised he gets interrupted so much, I thought every b2b caller already knew electricians are some of the grumpiest people in any industry.
                                                      We'd be a lot less cranky if we didn't get those 10 telemarketing calls per day.
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                                                      • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                        I still can't let go. It will be hard to make that switch when it comes to it. But FWIW, I think ME answering the phone for my customers is important and that personalization helps business.



                                                        We'd be a lot less cranky if we didn't get those 10 telemarketing calls per day.

                                                        So aggravating. 10 calls/day. wow

                                                        I wish you could have an option of screening calls
                                                        and still getting the people you need to connect with
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                                                        • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                                          Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                                                          So aggravating. 10 calls/day. wow

                                                          I wish you could have an option of screening calls
                                                          and still getting the people you need to connect with
                                                          I block the number of every telemarketer I get, but that does little good.

                                                          Some telemarketers show up as calling from California or Florida, but sometimes real potential customers have numbers from those areas too. This morning I got 2 telemarketer calls from NY, then I got a 3rd call from an NY number that ended up being a customer right here in NJ. A lot of cell phones will have NY or PA numbers.
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                                                          • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                            I block the number of every telemarketer I get, but that does little good.

                                                            Some telemarketers show up as calling from California or Florida, but sometimes real potential customers have numbers from those areas too. This morning I got 2 telemarketer calls from NY, then I got a 3rd call from an NY number that ended up being a customer right here in NJ. A lot of cell phones will have NY or PA numbers.

                                                            you probably have what you say down pat.

                                                            I hope it lessen's the anger or everything else, that hits you.

                                                            IDEA :

                                                            voicemail recording/call screening process of " we will call you back within 3 minutes, we value our customers and always make contact ASAP,..etc..,)???
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                                                            • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                                              Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                                                              you probably have what you say down pat.

                                                              I hope it lessen's the anger or everything else, that hits you.
                                                              You're a real wiseass, huh? Typical telemarketer.
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                                                              • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                                You're a real wiseass, huh? Typical telemarketer.
                                                                I expected you would respond like this.

                                                                it's understandable.

                                                                ironically - I'm just a nice, regular guy. not trying to be an a-hole
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                                                                • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                                                  Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                                                                  I expected you would respond like this.

                                                                  it's understandable.
                                                                  Yes, when you act like an asshole you can expect to be treated like one.

                                                                  You made an edit:
                                                                  ironically - I'm just a nice, regular guy. not trying to be an a-hole
                                                                  No, you are most certainly trying to be an asshole and you are accomplishing it quite well.

                                                                  When I said you are being a typical telemarketer I meant it. When I tell the typical telemarketer "No thanks" he gets your same wiseass attitude and tries to pick a fight. "Well you didn't even hear what I had to say, how do you know what I am selling, you probably just don't know what you want" blah blah blah.
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                                                                  • you never invest in business or stocks, you invest in people.

                                                                    I think that's from warren buffet

                                                                    bitter or better? 1 wears you down, that you can control.
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                                                              • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
                                                                Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                                You're a real wiseass, huh? Typical telemarketer.
                                                                My mortgage broker had a system that was 100% automated that would help screen calls yet still allow him to be the one who answered (ultimately). When I call it would ask me to enter the extension for the person I wished to reach. I thought it was funny at the time because it was just him! LOL... but it would probably work for someone like you.

                                                                It's analogous to the difference between posting your email address on your website verses a contact form with captcha that would generate an email.
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                                                                • Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

                                                                  My mortgage broker had a system that was 100% automated that would help screen calls yet still allow him to be the one who answered (ultimately). When I call it would ask me to enter the extension for the person I wished to reach. I thought it was funny at the time because it was just him! LOL... but it would probably work for someone like you.

                                                                  It's analogous to the difference between posting your email address on your website verses a contact form with captcha that would generate an email.
                                                                  same here. I have had experience with business people having to make it part of a business "process".

                                                                  and they felt better and still maintained control (didn't lose business)

                                                                  I may drop off this thread, I don't want Electrical to be stressed on my account.
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                                                                • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                                                  Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

                                                                  My mortgage broker had a system that was 100% automated that would help screen calls yet still allow him to be the one who answered (ultimately). When I call it would ask me to enter the extension for the person I wished to reach. I thought it was funny at the time because it was just him! LOL... but it would probably work for someone like you.

                                                                  It's analogous to the difference between posting your email address on your website verses a contact form with captcha that would generate an email.
                                                                  Did he post his extension # with his phone number in all his advertisements?
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                                                                  • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
                                                                    Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                                    Did he post his extension # with his phone number in all his advertisements?
                                                                    No. Lead capture was not calling into his cellphone. That's a different process.

                                                                    So, after lead capture and customer acquisition, yes then the extension was given.
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                                                      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
                                                        Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                        I still can't let go. It will be hard to make that switch when it comes to it. But FWIW, I think ME answering the phone for my customers is important and that personalization helps business.



                                                        We'd be a lot less cranky if we didn't get those 10 telemarketing calls per day.
                                                        Personalization always helps but there's going to be a point where you realize you're doing too much and need help. The sooner you're able to realize that, AND be able to cover the costs of hiring someone, the more you can focus on the work flow and growing your business. Of course if you're happy where you are then it doesn't matter but I think most people do want to grow something bigger.

                                                        And don't kid yourself... you guys are going to be grumpy whether telemarketers are calling you or not lol.
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                                                      • Profile picture of the author Freebiequeen1999
                                                        Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                        I still can't let go. It will be hard to make that switch when it comes to it. But FWIW, I think ME answering the phone for my customers is important and that personalization helps business.

                                                        We'd be a lot less cranky if we didn't get those 10 telemarketing calls per day.
                                                        Well....you have been looking to expand your business.....and hopefully you will. Getting an answer service...then maybe moving up to a staffed office...
                                                        and then...you will be able to hire sales people to get new and bigger jobs for your expanding company..

                                                        but...whoops...those salespeople will use the PHONE to call prospective prospects.....whooopps...LOL
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                                                        • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                                          Originally Posted by Freebiequeen1999 View Post

                                                          Well....you have been looking to expand your business.....and hopefully you will. Getting an answer service...then maybe moving up to a staffed office...
                                                          and then...you will be able to hire sales people to get new and bigger jobs for your expanding company..

                                                          but...whoops...those salespeople will use the PHONE to call prospective prospects.....whooopps...LOL
                                                          Before I started my business I worked for a couple of the largest electrical contractors in the state. Not one of them used tellmarketing. I certainly won't so your arrogant cackling is unwarranted.

                                                          I've never received a telemarketing call from an electrician, plumber, or other similar service contractor. The closest thing is chimney sweepers or driveway pavers, ie. scammers.
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                                                          • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                            Before I started my business I worked for a couple of the largest electrical contractors in the state. Not one of them used tellmarketing. I certainly won't so your arrogant cackling is unwarranted.

                                                            I've never received a telemarketing call from an electrician, plumber, or other similar service contractor. The closest thing is chimney sweepers or driveway pavers, ie. scammers.
                                                            I wonder if Rus can chime in or seek his input.

                                                            he has experience with your industry.

                                                            when I hear you say it's important for you to answer the phone personally, I consider the position of someone "doing it all".

                                                            On the other hand, research shows the faster you respond to a potential customer, the more likely you get the deal.

                                                            always a tough balance - control / delegate
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                                                            • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                                              Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                                                              I wonder if Rus can chime in or seek his input.

                                                              he has experience with your industry.

                                                              when I hear you say it's important for you to answer the phone personally, I consider the position of someone "doing it all".

                                                              On the other hand, research shows the faster you respond to a potential customer, the more likely you get the deal.

                                                              always a tough balance - control / delegate
                                                              That's a good statement/question.

                                                              If I was on the construction side of this business, doing large commercial work, a potential customer wouldn't expect the owner to be answering phones. That might be seen as a negative.

                                                              However, we do mostly residential service work. We do very little new construction or renovation, it's almost all service work. By service work I mean the 8 hour or less jobs. Sometimes many tasks together will end up taking a couple days, but I think you get the point. Service work is more profitable because there is a bit less throat cutting by competition.

                                                              With that said, most residential service customers like talking directly with the owner in my experience. They call or text me any time (such as last night at 9:45PM). I think they like talking to me instead of a secretary who will pass part of their message on.

                                                              When I get a new potential customer on the phone I will usually talk to them about their job and the possibilities and they seem to enjoy that. When I tell them that we will be sending someone to give an estimate I often get asked "Will it be you coming?" because they would rather deal directly with the owner.

                                                              This may not be the best method, but I try to model my company off of what I would want as a consumer. When I need a plumber, I don't want a 120 truck mega company in which I get lost in the mix. But I also don't want a single truck self-employed plumber who is limited in what he can do. I'd like a valid company with enough employees to be a legitimate business but I also want the owner (ie. the license holder) to be involved with what's going on.
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                                                              • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                                That's a good statement/question.

                                                                If I was on the construction side of this business, doing large commercial work, a potential customer wouldn't expect the owner to be answering phones. That might be seen as a negative.

                                                                However, we do mostly residential service work. We do very little new construction or renovation, it's almost all service work. By service work I mean the 8 hour or less jobs. Sometimes many tasks together will end up taking a couple days, but I think you get the point. Service work is more profitable because there is a bit less throat cutting by competition.

                                                                With that said, most residential service customers like talking directly with the owner in my experience. They call or text me any time (such as last night at 9:45PM). I think they like talking to me instead of a secretary who will pass part of their message on.

                                                                When I get a new potential customer on the phone I will usually talk to them about their job and the possibilities and they seem to enjoy that. When I tell them that we will be sending someone to give an estimate I often get asked "Will it be you coming?" because they would rather deal directly with the owner.

                                                                This may not be the best method, but I try to model my company off of what I would want as a consumer. When I need a plumber, I don't want a 120 truck mega company in which I get lost in the mix. But I also don't want a single truck self-employed plumber who is limited in what he can do. I'd like a valid company with enough employees to be a legitimate business but I also want the owner (ie. the license holder) to be involved with what's going on.

                                                                how about a "process" in which you have a live answering service,

                                                                and later (within 24 hours), you call back as "I'm the owner and wanted to make sure you taken care of and thank-you for your business" ???

                                                                and then you have potential referral business from their neighbors ( a process, a sales funnel for future business) ???
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                                                                • Profile picture of the author thet
                                                                  Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                                                                  how about a "process" in which you have a live answering service,

                                                                  and later (within 24 hours), you call back as "I'm the owner and wanted to make sure you taken care of and thank-you for your business" ???

                                                                  and then you have potential referral business from their neighbors ( a process, a sales funnel for future business) ???
                                                                  We cold-callers are such service-minded people. Great advice.
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                                                                  — Charlie Munger

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                                                                  • Originally Posted by thet View Post

                                                                    We cold-callers are such service-minded people. Great advice.
                                                                    I would like to thank Thet and Electrical for a great business experience, and a good sales and marketing example.

                                                                    2 opposite sides of our business world.

                                                                    1 gets 10 calls/day from telemarketer's - on average, seems like the high end and

                                                                    what a pain to take those calls, taking those bullets, just trying to make a living and run a business

                                                                    the other - on the front lines, taking the bullets also, just trying to make a living, provide real value

                                                                    thanks.

                                                                    kirby
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                                                                • Profile picture of the author Electrical
                                                                  Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post

                                                                  how about a "process" in which you have a live answering service,

                                                                  and later (within 24 hours), you call back as "I'm the owner and wanted to make sure you taken care of and thank-you for your business" ???
                                                                  and then you have potential referral business from their neighbors ( a process, a sales funnel for future business) ???
                                                                  How would I get this from what you suggested above?
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                                                                  • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

                                                                    How would I get this from what you suggested above?
                                                                    1. sign on to an answering service or virtual assistant,

                                                                    with an exact script that you want said

                                                                    1a. can include : "we get alot of calls from customers, But alot of TM calls, Sales Calls, Scams, and you know there are alot of shade home-improvement companies so Our company wants to make sure your protected, that we cater to our potential customers, because we treat you right and know you need work done right, and want you business long term, our owner may even call to make sure you've been taken care of!..."

                                                                    this can block many TM'rs from continuing


                                                                    2. then have that service notify you ASAP by voice or text message.

                                                                    3. set up (sales funnel) to ask for future business, and referrals, and leave flyers on doors near by, etc..,

                                                                    hope this helps.


                                                                    here is the call script used : The Call Script : thanks for calling / you know how companies give you "1 free room" just so they can get their foot in the door? / we will earn your business -

                                                                    google search "chet holmes and carpet cleaning" business success

                                                                    Ewen also posted a similar example I think
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                                                    • Profile picture of the author shadow92
                                                      Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

                                                      I thought every b2b caller already knew electricians are some of the grumpiest people in any industry.
                                                      So are tow truck drivers..

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        • Profile picture of the author Electrical
          Originally Posted by digichik View Post

          I am not into conspiracy theories. I just observe how big business lobbies for laws that give them the greatest advantage and greatest market share, making it more difficult for smaller businesses to compete. Lobbying for laws that help them greatly profit is good business, but not for the small guys.

          Every large company in the USA uses telemarketing to prospect and sell, it's cost effective and extremely profitable.

          They have you believing that telemarketing is wrong, while they use it everyday to make billions.
          I agree with you about the detrimental nature of big business lobbying for profit.

          But in this case, I feel it's more of what the people want. Let's be honest, the general public hates telemarketing. Sure, some may actually end up buying (or else telemarketing wouldn't exist). However, if you took a vote I think the vast majority would not like it.

          So if the politicians actually represented the public like they are supposed to, telemarketing might be banned completely, no?
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  • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
    Being so angry is not good for you. And businesses are NOT on the DNC.

    I like people, so I don't really mind.

    Everyone is just trying to make it happen.
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    Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
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  • Profile picture of the author socialentry
    Banned
    Any blue collar industry,really....
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  • Profile picture of the author nesterdwarf
    Seems like a simple prompt of "Thank you for calling _______. Press 1 to be connected to one of our staff." and then redirecting to whatever number you want would solve the annoyance for the most part. You'd weed out most TMs with the recording without inconveniencing your actual customers too much.
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  • Profile picture of the author Freebiequeen1999
    I so have to admit I had some giggles about the original post - so impassioned....but failed to research the fact that businesses open to the public are NOT subject to the DMC registry
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  • Profile picture of the author IMAnthony
    I think you are posting this to the wrong people...you know...it's a marketing forum.
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    PAY ATTENTION TO THIS!!



    Are You Ready to Make Money? ----->How I Made $2000 USING LINKEDIN!
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    • Originally Posted by IMAnthony View Post

      I think you are posting this to the wrong people...you know...it's a marketing forum.
      yes it is!

      I didn't want to mention this, but there is only 1 way to stop it!!!

      the Free Market could do it

      When it becomes unprofitable, if ever.
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    • Profile picture of the author IMAnthony
      Originally Posted by kirbymarketingconcierge View Post


      Originally Posted by IMAnthony View Post

      I think you are posting this to the wrong people...you know...it's a marketing forum.
      yes it is!

      I didn't want to mention this, but there is only 1 way to stop it!!!

      the Free Market could do it

      When it becomes unprofitable, if ever.


      Actually I replied to the OP.
      Signature
      PAY ATTENTION TO THIS!!



      Are You Ready to Make Money? ----->How I Made $2000 USING LINKEDIN!
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      • Originally Posted by IMAnthony View Post

        Actually I replied to the OP.

        so did I.

        no response.
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  • Profile picture of the author Electrical
    The OP was kidnapped by an evil telemarketer and all the other telemarketers are covering it up. Damn conspiracy I tell ya!
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    • Originally Posted by Electrical View Post

      The OP was kidnapped by an evil telemarketer and all the other telemarketers are covering it up. Damn conspiracy I tell ya!
      love it!

      have to go soon.

      I went to a toastmasters meeting friday, and some people are out to get me

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  • Profile picture of the author crebo
    Can't stand cold callers, i put a sticker on my doorbell saying no callers! Although i'm thinking of putting another one up saying that i charge money to talk to me, feel free to cold call.
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