Im in outside sales. I do a lot of my sales on the phones, and it's imperative I set appointments to demo my product. I get so many secretaries on the phone, who DO NOT make decisions and wont even pass me to the shipping and receiving department. I am not even asking for names or info. I call and say "Hi shipping and receiving please." And over half say, "I can help you." Then they don't even wait for me to finish before they say, "We aren't interested, click!" I want to say- "Lady you don't make the decisions, and how on earth does your business market your products?"
It's frustrating. Especially when most managers an executives love the savings our product provides!
K
2007-05-15 07:18:35 · 5 answers · asked by Kari S 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Baby Names
Maybe they have been told not to forward sells call because they do there business through corporate and do not need out side sellers?? Have you ever thought about getting in the car driving over to this places with some type of treat and your business cards to try and drum up some business? its always better to have a face with a name of a company.
2007-05-15 07:24:57 · answer #1 · answered by lisamarie7901 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure why you posted in Baby Names, but I'll try to answer. As a former secretary, our bosses tell us exclusively not to pass on solicitors (sorry, I know you're sales, but they see it as the same thing). We screen the calls and if we put through every sales call, who would get any work done. The best way to get past the "gatekeepers" is to send the package by mail. If you're really aggressive, stop by and maybe bring some candy or cookies. I know when my friend did sales, she brought a plate of cookies and it had the sales pitch attached. That way, when the cookie tray is in the break room, people are forced to look at the sales pitch. I'm not sure if you have a budget like that, but my friend did some of this out of pocket, but got a lead or even better a sale! Good luck!
2007-05-15 07:26:14 · answer #2 · answered by downinmn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's what these ladies are hired to do, my friend.
Introduce yourself and your company
Ask to whom you are speaking
Let them know you think there time is valuable but you only want to ask them a question.
Ask them for the name of the person who does the buying for the company or the department and get an extention # as well. Ask if she would give you their voice mail.
Also get a fax number if you don't have one.
** sometime's you can find the buyer info on the companies website ***
Now you have the tools to work with.
Call their extention if no answer leave a voice mail with a call back number. Let them know you will be faxing info!
Fax them info on your product
Have the address? Mail them info
Send info in an email packet .
Use your resources!
Cold calling is always hard but persistency pays off. You won't get far by trying to hard sell. You want the person to believe you are not trying to sell him so you can make money BUT that you have a product worth his time and that it will make production easier and increase his companies profits!
2007-05-15 08:43:36 · answer #3 · answered by That_ blue_ eyed_ Irish_ lass 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Network. You will find out that a lot of businesses out there know who does their job at other companies. You will get a much better response if you ask for Mary (or whatever the name is) and then if they say that they are in a meeting, leave a message. Let them know that your name is ______ and you are calling about their _______ order (if you are selling packaging tape, then insert packaging tape in the blank) Also, find local network clubs. There is one in our area that is strictly for females. They let each other know of services and job openings.
2007-05-15 07:25:26 · answer #4 · answered by buttrfly52 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure why you posted in Baby Names
2007-05-15 08:07:20 · answer #5 · answered by favorite_aunt24 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋