I sent out a quote request for a project I want done. The e-mail had a description of what I have and what I want, and it was something I put sometime into. One of the responses? That sounds interesting, call me at this number. Uhhhh… no. That’s not how this works. You (preferably) send me an e-mail telling me if you can do it, how much, and how long. At minimum, you call me or ask to set up a time.
An semi-recent acquaintance sent me a message on Facebook with just a how are you? That’s not how this shit works. If you want me to write a message back, at least put a little effort into writing a paragraph and telling me how you are. Otherwise, it’s nothing more than I want to put the least amount of effort possible into this interaction. And I’m certainly not going to put in my time or effort if that’s the attitude you are going to have.
Seriously. I have one asshole (an old friend who I haven’t seriously chatted with in ages) on my aim list that does this all the time. Every single time I log on and he’s online, he will message me “sup.” Nothing more, no less, every time I log on. It’s ridiculous. It got to the point where I just stopped responding. No point. He keeps on supping me, though.
I get folks calling to make a sale all the time - for their marketing research services, CRM systems installations, HR Outsourcing - the whole gamut. Regularly, I get “Hello, this is Barney Rubble - I’d love to talk with you about a great opportunity - please call me at 123-4567.”
Excuse me?! You want to sell me something, but you don’t tell me what it is and what your value proposition is? And you think I am going to call you back?
Some folks aren’t cut out to build and manage their own pipeline of sales or projects…
This got me a “where are you?” (I travel a lot). I see a fantastic conversation, like name that tune. I can answer that question in three words. Two! One! Ok, answer that question!
I hate getting random texts from people from my distant past, who are no longer in my phone because we haven’t talked in a year or more, and all they have to say is “Hi, what’s up?” or “hey drew how are you?”
So don’t be offended when I ask who you are. If we haven’t spoken in more than a year, take a minute to type a nice little message explaining why you are trying to get in touch with me, and preferably, reminding me of who you are.
I got a call at my business today. Caller ID showed a generic corporatey name, and an out of area number. My business is extremely local. Sometimes with these calls I answer against my own better judgement and when they ask to speak to the owner or manager I pretend she isn’t in, may I take a message?
The woman that called today was very cagey, and criticized my phone manners. She was downright incensed at being asked the nature of the call. She said “What are you, the receptionist? It’s not your place to screen her calls.”
Umm, it isn’t? What receptionist ISN’T supposed to weed out the nuisance calls?
That’s what I don’t get- I will tell callers explicitly that part of the reason the lines route through me is to avoid solicitation calls- but I would be happy to help you find out how to go about offering your service to the city!
