My little secret to get the DM for large companies on the line

I used to work in commercial insurance and would have to do a lot of cold calling- sometimes to businesses with over 1,000 employees. This is a tip for those that already either know the name of the owner or know the name of the decision maker.

If the company is large enough, they always have a mailroom. In this mailroom is usually a bunch of entry levels or interns. So right away when I call I ask the secretary to put me through to the mailroom. Once I get someone on the line down there I tell them, "Who is this? They were supposed to transfer me to "(DM's first name)". If they ask who that is, then you say their first and last name. They usually have a list with everyones extension and will blindlessly transfer you over.

I know it's a little manipulative - but it works. As long as once you get the DM on the phone, you know how to set that appt, you're all set.