23 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
23 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Unscrupulous Cold Calling... Business Ethics?

by s62731
19 replies
Hi Guys,

Just a thought about cold calling ethics...

Is it ok to say you are calling from location 'x' when infact you are calling from location 'y'?

For example, if I am in L.A and calling people in Columbus Ohio, is it ethical to say you are from Columbus?

Because people respond so much better when you are from the same location, rather than on the other side of the country.

But at the same time, is it ethical?

Cheers for any feedback
#business #calling #cold #ethics #unscrupulous
  • Profile picture of the author HypeText
    Originally Posted by s62731 View Post

    Hi Guys,

    Just a thought about cold calling ethics...

    Is it ok to say you are calling from location 'x' when infact you are calling from location 'y'?

    For example, if I am in L.A and calling people in Columbus Ohio, is it ethical to say you are from Columbus?

    Because people respond so much better when you are from the same location, rather than on the other side of the country.

    But at the same time, is it ethical?

    Cheers for any feedback
    So basically you are asking if lying to a customer is ok if it makes it easier to separate them from their money?

    I think you know the answer to your own question.
    Signature
    (916) 520-HYPE (4973)
    Local & Mobile Marketing Solutions
    $0 Setup & $99/mnth Private Label Reseller Accts
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5401363].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Gerard Mohamed
    Why dont you just be honest and rather rephrase by saying that you are from "city x", and in the process of actively extending your services/products to "city y".
    Signature

    Gerard.

    USABizLeads - The Most Affordable USA B2B Business Leads Database
    https://usabizleads.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5401386].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ERPLeadsWriter
      Definitely unethical. I've seen more than one blog railing against cold calling and telemarketing because the telemarketers calling them lacked honesty. Granted, there might be some exceptions but yours isn't one of them because your location is something businesses use to measure your availability. Lying to them might give them false expectations and it won't be pretty if you fail to live up them.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5401429].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Deidra Renee
      Originally Posted by Gerard Mohamed View Post

      Why dont you just be honest and rather rephrase by saying that you are from "city x", and in the process of actively extending your services/products to "city y".
      Right...and about 99% of people have caller id in 2012, so I'm sure they'll ask about the different area code. Not that you can't have a different area code and live locally to them, but still..The answer is no, it's not ethical.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5408334].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author terip
      Originally Posted by Gerard Mohamed View Post

      Why dont you just be honest and rather rephrase by saying that you are from "city x", and in the process of actively extending your services/products to "city y".
      This is what I usually do when cold calling international clients. I tell them that I'm from "city x" but the services will actually take place in "city y." As what most people have commented, do not lie about your services. EVER.
      Signature
      Appointment setting services with no set-up fees, no extra charges. Just results.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5415360].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
    Originally Posted by s62731 View Post

    Hi Guys,

    Just a thought about cold calling ethics...

    Is it ok to say you are calling from location 'x' when infact you are calling from location 'y'?

    For example, if I am in L.A and calling people in Columbus Ohio, is it ethical to say you are from Columbus?

    Because people respond so much better when you are from the same location, rather than on the other side of the country.

    But at the same time, is it ethical?

    Cheers for any feedback

    Don't lie. its bad mojo.

    What you can do, is simply not mention where you are located at,
    and if it is asked about, don't make it a big deal.

    If you don't, they wont.
    Signature

    Selling Ain't for Sissies!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5401765].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MaggieDavid
    Lying is a very bad start to any business transaction. You always need to be an ethical marketer. Why lie anyway? If you do your calls correctly you will find those who want your services, no matter where you are.

    I wish you every success in your ethical business transactions.
    Signature

    To Your Success
    Maggie
    6StarMedia - Website Design, Business/Corporate Design, SEO, Copyrighting and Website Management Services Plus much more

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5401971].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    This is a lot like interviewing issues. Some employers are prejudiced against candidates who are too young...too old...from this school...not from a "good enough" school...haven't got enough experience...have too much experience.

    The problem in these cases isn't the candidate; it's the employer.

    If a prospect has an issue because you aren't from their area, they can quickly qualify Out.

    Much less stressful to move on and find a prospect who wants to work with someone with your expertise, and doesn't care where you are.
    Signature
    >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 10+ Year Vet]

    >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5402110].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ERPLeadsWriter
      Originally Posted by kaniganj View Post

      If a prospect has an issue because you aren't from their area, they can quickly qualify Out.

      Much less stressful to move on and find a prospect who wants to work with someone with your expertise, and doesn't care where you are.
      Good point. Can I ask something though? How far should one, hm what's the word... conform to the convenience of a client (e.g. location, time, and anything else that affects your availability)?
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5407754].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
        Originally Posted by ERPLeadsWriter View Post

        Good point. Can I ask something though? How far should one, hm what's the word... conform to the convenience of a client (e.g. location, time, and anything else that affects your availability)?
        That's up to you.

        I'm on the US east coast and work with clients in the UK and Australia, in addition to the North American market. For those clients I'll do my best to fit into their daytime schedule...even if that means getting up really early or staying up late. But something can always be worked out.

        You could market yourself as being time-scarce, and insisting that your clients conform to your time requirements. This is along the lines of a guy Dan Kennedy wrote about who appeared to speak at an expensive seminar in shorts & tee with a two beer-can holding hat (complete with hanging straws) that announced "Customers SUCK!"

        Not my style, but it is a brand.
        Signature
        >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 10+ Year Vet]

        >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5410823].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Deidra Renee
      Originally Posted by kaniganj View Post

      This is a lot like interviewing issues. Some employers are prejudiced against candidates who are too young...too old...from this school...not from a "good enough" school...haven't got enough experience...have too much experience.

      The problem in these cases isn't the candidate; it's the employer.

      If a prospect has an issue because you aren't from their area, they can quickly qualify Out.

      Much less stressful to move on and find a prospect who wants to work with someone with your expertise, and doesn't care where you are.
      I like that..*qualify out* because that is exactly what they're doing if they have an issue with you not being local (which a lot of people might) but those people are not who you're looking for. You're looking for the ones that know they need what you're offering and don't care about what part of town you're in as long as you deliver what you said you would.

      You don't have to use unethical methods to make money offline. You're over thinking the process. Just go into it KNOWING someone will still buy from you knowing you're not down the street from them..

      You could simply say *Hello, my name is ____ with _____ and I'm a __ (web designer..or whatever) and in an effort to expand my services to the ____ area, I'm offering my ____ at 50% off for this month only (or week or whatever..you get the point)

      Or you could just pitch them regularly and if they say something about your location, then tell them *I'm trying to expand to the ___area* If they don't say anything, the less hassle for you!

      Businesses expand all the time, like I said as long as you deliver, you should be fine.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5408383].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author FredJones
        It's not ok to lie. I would quickly disqualify my vendor the moment I would figure they are lying. So it is going to hurt you if you lie.

        Assuming that you are exmanding to zone y while you are based in zone x, why don't you simply say that you have started expanding your business to zone y and are actively working with clients to close business deals? From your post, that's what you are sounding like you are doing. To put any shade of doubt aside, don't even be gray, simply come in white and show your credentials (such as success stories, social proof etc) from areas such as x where you have been successful already and tell them that you are going to apply the same tactics in zone y too (assuming that's what you are going to do).

        Offer them video conference calls (simply use Skype or whatever works with them), so they would be even more okay as they will see you - a real person - working with them.
        Signature
        Get funded up to US $2 Million for your business as a JV (not a loan). Keep 80% of the profits.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5408758].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    How do you think the trust factor will be after you get that client and they've sent you money and then find out down the line your really not in Columbus? hmmm?

    Honesty is the best policy, even if it's something they don't want to hear. I close SO many deals by giving the truth no one wanted to hear its crazy.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5403196].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Danielm
      Originally Posted by Rus Sells View Post

      How do you think the trust factor will be after you get that client and they've sent you money and then find out down the line your really not in Columbus? hmmm?

      Honesty is the best policy, even if it's something they don't want to hear. I close SO many deals by giving the truth no one wanted to hear its crazy.
      Exactly, how about when he says, "oh, you are nearby, great! Swing by here so we can talk about it and I can pay you!" ... oh, you lied, click!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5403405].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author geotargeted
    Not being the local guy is ok as long as you build rapport.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5409036].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dancorkill
    If you have to ask if something is ethical the answer will always be no.

    Don't bring it up. It's only an issue if you make it one.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5409536].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author marketingstatic
    Typically the reason their saying that is from one of 2 reasons and you can overcome.
    1. They had a bad experience before with non local person...so ask that and reassure them.
    2. They may just be conditioned to ask it...Say something like is it really an issue if Im not or is it a deal breaker if my work is good.?
    Signature

    Happy new Year 2019

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5505868].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
    Originally Posted by s62731 View Post

    Hi Guys,

    Just a thought about cold calling ethics...

    Is it ok to say you are calling from location 'x' when infact you are calling from location 'y'?

    For example, if I am in L.A and calling people in Columbus Ohio, is it ethical to say you are from Columbus?

    Because people respond so much better when you are from the same location, rather than on the other side of the country.

    But at the same time, is it ethical?

    Cheers for any feedback
    I'm wondering why you need to go there in the conversation, anyway.

    If by using location as rapport building, then you are opening up yourself to bad consequences, as others have pointed out.

    Bring value to their lives, without the tricks.

    Best,
    Ewen
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5505972].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Njenyus
      Whether you are talking about marketing or not, lying is unethical. I suggest just finding a way to make your "distance" a benefit. Sell them on it. There's ALWAYS a way, if you're creative.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5507201].message }}

Trending Topics