Out of Egypt:

four words that signify failure

"Are you selling something?"

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And what have I learned through this experience?

Basic courtesy. Telemarketers are people too, and should be treated humanely.

Though I'm not doing telemarketing per se (I believe in what I'm calling people about, and we got their contacts from partner organizations), I still fear I would react poorly if someone called me at work and talked to them as I have to, in order to get the word out about our services.

Don't get me wrong; our benefits are good. Just not good enough that I would listen, were the situation reversed.

I always listen, even if I know I am not going to buy. People like you deserve respect and courtesy, and probably don't get it very often.

Posted by: John at September 7, 2007 9:59 AM

Actually, people are pretty decent for the most part, since they are familiar already with the work of our partner organizations. Just sometimes they aren't.

Posted by: Evan Donovan at September 7, 2007 10:04 AM

I always feel badly if I listen to someone give a whole spiel if I know up front I am not interested. I usually try to find some polite way to cut them off and say "no, but thank you very much." This saves them time so they can go on to the next person on their list. I *do* hate it when people keep going with their spiel even after I have told them no, not interested.

Posted by: funke at September 7, 2007 10:06 AM

We ask people if they have time first.

If they say they're probably not interested, I ask them if I can send them an email.

Posted by: Evan Donovan at September 7, 2007 9:11 PM