There’s a famous story that the late David Ogilvy told regarding his early years in advertising.
Please allow me to paraphrase . . .
He had an appointment with some obnoxious ass, who said something along the lines of “You will be given 3 minutes to offer your pitch. At the end of the allotted time I shall ring this bell at which time we will be done hearing your pitch. Any questions before we begin?” David Ogilvy said “Yes. Ring the bell!” and left.
I was reminded of this when someone on Twitter was talking about how he loves it when a prospect says “you have 2 minutes”
Forgive me if this seems a bit inappropriate but I would invite someone to “Bite me” if they ever said that to me but I’m digressing.
Today’s post isn’t about ridiculous time constraints . . .
Its about crappy courtships.
I’m talking about rude prospects
I’m talking about unreasonable prospects
Ridiculously cheap prospects
I’m talking about people who cross the line and ask questions that might be a tad inappropriate like this one asked of a female sales professional . . .
“How long before we lose you because you’re pushing our babies?”
In that moment (although a totally straight dude) I wished I were a woman so I could look that fellar in the eye and ask him if his parents were brother and sister.
I’m willing to bet that they were.
Which leads me to ask you an important question . . .
At what point do you tell your prospect to “ring the bell”?
What are your thoughts . . .
Is there a point when you break off the courtship or is it all fair game as far as you’re concerned.
Please weigh in!
I help individuals and organizations sell more.
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Life is too short to work for or with jerks. If someone is that nasty before any actual business is transacted what will they be like once the deal is done? Sometimes it is better to just walk away.
Good thinking Jon!
Thanks for weighing in!
On a few occasions I have told a prospect to ef off – but that’s only my ego talking. Mostly I part company with an email that reads something like “Thanks very much for your time, I am closing the file. Should anything change on your end please let me know”. While I really have no hope of anything changing – I see no point in burning a bridge. You never now if what I have may be useful to someone he/she knows, sometime in the future.
Keeping that door open is essential Bruce!
Thank you for taking the time to comment !
A good topic Paul. Maybe I am fortunate, but I can’t recall being treated so badly during the courtship phase to the point of “ringing the bell”.
I have walked away if a prospect proved to be unreasonable, but not before giving them the opportunity to show some flexibility in their demands. “Based on our conversations, we will not be able to do business at this time”. Ding.
The believe the operative word is “fair” in fair game.
Good selling,
Richard
Paul, I have ended things, based upon rudeness or time constraints before. I have also end conversations based upon husband and wife not being available together. There are too many prospects out there who want and need what I have to offer. But I make it a point to try to never burn a bridge.
I would take the challenge and play to the time limit…..only to pique his interest further and get him to extend his availability. What would I have to lose anyway? An opportunity is always an opportunity! I like to play! Heck, it would make me feel good and test my capability to do an elevator pitch ……that’s what we train for, isnt it? Oh, but I am just an enthusiastic newbie on the block….its probably just me.
Thanks Paul, as usual…you inspire. Mutual human respect is so important.
I have worked and will work again with people with an overly inflated sense of importance. Having had so much time in customer service before sales, I truly feel that I have met them all. That said..here’s my take on this. Some people agree to talk to you just to make you go away and they are rude to you as a defense mechanism to make you stay away. Sales people haters! They are tired of being called on by the next “I can save you money” solution. Sometimes, if you hang in there and see past your initial impression of them, you can have some true gems of clients with loyalty enough to scare away the other sales reps knocking on their door.
Others….well, they just thrive on their feeling of power over you… to the curb with them! Life is too short!
Have a great day! Thank you for being you!
I really like your perspective Shelly!
Thank you!