Sometimes It's Over Before We Even Say "Hello"

Ever call someone that you've done business with before, someone you're met through a friend, or someone referred to you? Not a cold call but someone who knows you or should recognize your name? And you get a response that you weren't anticipating?

You were expecting a nice pleasant conversation, but what happens?

They answer the phone with a gloomy, depressing, gruff, snappy, what-do-you-want tone.

It's all over. Might as well hang up right then.

Funny how we can just tell that they are not in the mood to buy, list, better their situation, or anything else that would require any effort on their part or any change from that dark area they're living in. Even talking with us sounds like it would be too much for them.

Oh well, move on to someone else.

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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.

© Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

8 comments • Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies • September 09 2009 10:04AM

But are you sure?

I just received a solicitation call from a company that I don't dislike - I just choose not to support them right now. OK, so you get calls, too.

The funny part - I'm getting to that - is that they have called every day since April 25th. Most of the time I have not taken their call, or it went to voice mail. Yesterday, I told them I appreciated their diligence and asked them not to call again - not a formal "Do Not Call List" request but a firm "don't-bother-to-call-me-because-I'm-not-interested-in-talking-to-you" request.

Well they called again, as I mentioned. I reminded them that I had asked them not to call. She starts in with her pitch. I firmly remind her again. Then she says, "Let me get this straight, you don't want any more calls from ...?" Maybe she got it this time. We'll see.

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For more information on my coaching services or sales tips visit my website stevehoffacker.com or my blog homesalesinsights.com.

10 comments • Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies • May 06 2008 04:54PM

Communication isn't always as easy as it seems

Last week I had some out-patient surgery done at the hospital, and the hospital - with their ever vigilant security - kept asking me questions about my name, condition, birthdate, and similar information to make sure I was alert and that they were treating the right person.

During one of these give-and-takes, I was asked where the procedure was being done. I thought they were asking me where in the hospital it was being done - just as conversation. I answered that I didn't know - because I didn't.

They really were asking on which part of my body ("where?") the procedure was being done (just for verification and to see if I knew - they already knew).

We both had a good laugh, but no communication occurred until the actual question was clarified. It made a little difference in the answer.

By-the-way, everything worked out fine.

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For more information on my coaching services or sales tips visit my website stevehoffacker.com or my blog homesalesinsights.com.

16 comments • Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies • May 05 2008 09:48AM