Poor Telemarketing
Yesterday, I got a phone call from somebody which turned out to be yet another poor example of telemarketing. A guy with an Indian accent claimed that he was doing a ‘verification’ for the Google listing of one of my websites (this one). When I asked him to identify himself, he gave me a western first name (no last name), did not reveal the business or company he was representing and only repeated that he was doing a verification again.
He obviously went to my website prior to the call but did not dig very deep as he probably went as far as getting my contact info. When he asked me if I was a professional speaker or involved in karate to verify my business, I said yes that I do both. He then asked me if that was my main business and I told him ‘sometimes’, which is a true statement since I have seasonal businesses and other full time businesses running.
This seemed to irritate him as he was likely expecting a more direct response. He then asked me if I get most of my business online or through referrals. I simply said that I get business both ways. Again, this irritated him.
He then went on to ask me if I could benefit from more clients and I threw him a curve ball answer by again saying ‘sometimes’. This is also true because if I’m busy in a seasonal business or a special project, I really do not need any additional business.
This guy got so irritated and demanding that he said I must answer in a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ format only! He then repeated his question and asked me if I will answer yes or no.
By this time, it was clear that he was trying to qualify me for a website service he was promoting. Of course with this attitude, I was no longer willing to give him anymore of my valuable time.
I simply told him that I can answer questions anyway I see fit and hung up on him.
Bad Telemarketers Need Professional Sales Training
It just amazes me on the poor quality of telemarketing out there. First of all, this guy’s business is disrespecting the national no-call list which I’m on.
Then if he is trying to get my business, he can certainly do a lot better with his attitude since he is using up my time. It has always been my professional view that anyone who deals with the public in a sales capacity should take a professional sales or customer service training seminar.
To somebody such as myself who has had a long corporate sales and marketing career, it is quite obvious who and who has not taken such important training.
Telling me that I must answer questions a certain way will most definitely not get my business!
One of my keynotes by the way is called Turbocharging Your Business Sales.
