In which I consider taking out a hit on the Dallas Morning News
Telemarketing has reached a whole new level of offense. I was accosted the other day by a Dallas Morning News employee trying to sell home subscriptions.
“[My Business Name], this is SMIT.”
“Hi, this is ReallyPushySalesWoman from the Dallas Morning News. We’re offering free trials on home subscriptions of the paper.”
“I’m sorry, this is a business.”
“Yes, we’re calling local businesses to offer their employees free trial home subscriptions.”
“No, thank you. I’m not interested.” (starting to hang up)
“How do you currently get the news?”
“The internet.”
“Well, the internet is certainly a great tool, but it doesn’t give you access to local sales and events in your area.”
“Yes, I understand that. But it’s free.”
“Well with all the coupons and savings provided in the paper, it basically pays for itself.”
“I’m sorry, I’m just not interested.”
“What kind of news do you read the most?”
“Look, this is my work number.”
(insert snooty tone here) “Yes, I understand that. That’s why we’re calling local businesses to offer them-”
“That’s nice but I’m not interested and I have work to do.”
“This is a FREE-”
“Let me explain this to you again. This is my work number and you are making a personal solicitation. I don’t have time for this and shouldn’t be having personal phone calls on this line.”
“Yes, I know it’s your work number, we’re calling BUSINESSES-”
“And it’s really inappropriate for you to be wasting my work time any further with this conversation. Goodbye!”
“Ma’am-”
(CLICK.)
Evidently the Dallas Morning News doesn’t have the first freaking clue how to sell anything. Give your sales team a list of answers to every possible objection and bludgeon your victims to death with the sales pitch? What, like I’m going to change my mind if you’re rude and insistent enough?
Thank you, Dallas Morning News for wasting my time and making me very grumpy. And just in case you were wondering, I STILL DON’T WANT YOUR STUPID PAPER.
