|
Author: Harry Hoover Article source: http://www.hillsorient.com/. Used with author's permission.
Telemarketing has its place in the marketing arsenal. But telespammers - like their digital counterparts in the email marketing world - really make it tough on the legitimate follow-up telephone call from a company with which you have a relationship.
Now, even some companies with a legitimate tie to me are starting to abuse the privilege.
For instance, last week, I got two different calls from my cell phone provider, Nextel. Both were callers for whom English was probably a fourth language and they immediately were trying to push new services on me. No "hi, how are you," no handshake, no kiss.
Well, I'm mad and I'm not going to take it anymore. Here are some ways to combat telespammers.
First, put your phone number in the Do Not Call registry. Or, instead of visiting the website, you can call 888-382-1222.
Now, for some more fun ways to get them at their own game. They are using a script, so you can too. And, if they answer no to some of these questions, you can sue them. Sweet!
Here's your script:
If it sounds like a foreign call ask, "Are you calling from America?" I love this one.
"Are you calling to sell me something?" They hate that one.
"Could you tell me your full name? And, give me your telephone number with the area code first."
"Could you give me the name of the organization for which you are calling?" What we're trying to get to here is if the call is actually from let's say Nextel, or if it is a telemarketing company working for Nextel.
"Does your company keep a list of numbers it's been asked not to call?"
"I want my number on that list. Can you handle that for me now?"
"Does your firm handle telemarketing for other organizations?" If yes, "Make sure your company doesn't call me for any other organization."
An organization called Junkbusters has a comprehensive list of other questions you can ask.
Finally, my old friend Bill Loeffler had the best telemarketing response I've ever seen. One day, he received a cold call from a New York investment salesman. The guy went into his spiel without taking a breath. Bill laid the phone down and the guy wasted 20 minutes telling his story to no one. Harry Hoover is managing principal of Hoover ink PR. He has 26 years of experience in crafting and delivering bottom line messages that ensure success for serious businesses like Brent Dees Financial Planning, Focus Four, Levolor, New World Mortgage, North Carolina Tourism, TeamHeidi, Ty Boyd Executive Learning Systems, VELUX, Verbatim and Wicked Choppers.
An Introduction to the Bonsai Tree
Let us first understand what a Bonsai tree is. A Bonsai tree is a way of bringing natural trees and plants into your home or drawing rooms which otherwise would...
The Internet Offers a Tremendous Marketplace
Many people think that the Internet offers a tremendous marketplace, while others will question the extra effort and money to purchase and design a website. Som...
Marketing to the Affluent - with Wine
With its association to an affluent, sophisticated lifestyle, wine can make a good accompaniment when marketing to an affluent audience. However, I am not talki...
The Bulgarian Property Market
Why is property purchasing in Bulgaria so appealing to investors and second home owners? Discover the reasons why Bulgaria real estate is the new property hotsp...
Customer Service Is More Than Just Being Nice To People
Customer service is more than a one time event to satisfy a customer problem. It is a process that begins before the customer even purchases your product. These...
Asperger Syndrome - Children and Tantrums
Meltdown in Asperger children is triggered by a response to their environment. These responses can be caused by avoidance desire, anxiety or sensory overload. T...
Success Involves Ignoring Critics
Success usually involves forging ahead with your plans and goals even if someone else tells you that you lack the ability to achieve them. History is full of ex...
Emotion and Stock Trading
The stock market is nothing but a mirror of the investors collective emotion. Here is how to recognize your own emotion, and use emotion to your trading advant...
Three Reasons to Start Derivatives Trading
If you are looking for a trading option outside of traditional stocks and bonds, derivatives trading may be a good option. Derivatives pay off over a period of ...
How To Get Press To Come To You
Have you ever noticed how the same people's names always seem to appear in magazines and newspapers articles which quote them as a source of info and advice o...
Women Golfers Have The Drive For Success
Watching the tournament rounds of today's LPGA players is more exciting than ever. Annika Sorenstam continues to dominate women's golf and shows where finesse, ...
Understanding Google - What You Need To Know To Conquer This Search Engine Giant
Getting a top position in Google can get you alot of traffic. So it's very important to understand Google's likes and dislikes. The last thing you want to do is...
Aerodynamic Changes Need To Be Made In MAVs; Micro Air Autonomous Vehicles
Micro-air vehicles
Your Life and Prosperity Are In Your Reputation!
"Your good name and your reputation are EVERYTHING! … Protect them at all costs!" my father used to say to me when I was a lad. Even at a young age, I knew the...
Website Design: 10 Web Site Design Pitfalls To Avoid
If you've a website that is not generating a lot
of sales, it may be due to some design flaws.
Reverse Mortgage Maximization
Seniors can now maximize their retirement income with tax free cash from a Reverse Mortgage.
10 Inside Secrets to Google Adwords - Part 1
Don't make the same mistakes that 99% of all Google Adwords advertisers make. Learn the inside secrets, tips and tricks to profit from Google Adwords pay-per-c...
10 Tips on Writing Effective Dialogue
How to craft vivid, entertaining dialogue for your characters - leave your readers wanting to 'hear' more!
Home Equity Loan Refinancing
Here are some tips to making use of your home's equity.
Free Web Advertising: Chat Room Marketing Secrets Of Internet Marketing Gurus Exposed
Have you ever been to a chat room?
My Rich Mums Ebook Secrets
As usual, I walked into the Starbucks for my morning coffee. Enjoying my morning coffee in Starbucks has been a routine since a year back. Now, everything in t...
Solution-Sell is a Myth!
Who among us is not already up to here with the omni-smarts who wax poetic the benefits of "Solution Selling." Now it may seem strange for me, the author of th...
Stress Management: Medical Risks of Stress
Virtually all people experience stressful events or situations that overwhelm our natural coping mechanisms. And although some people are biologically prone to ...
Team Building Seminars: Why New Teams Struggle
An effective team building seminar will clarify the various roles of team members and prevent stereotypes and assumptions from determining the group's behavior.
|
Print this page