Is It The Real Deal…..Or Don’t They Know How To Say ‘No Thanks’?

They’re the most frustrating people in the world……those who don’t know how to say ‘thanks but no thanks’. Why can’t people say…..I hated you…..go away…..you were too dear……get lost? No, they merely put you off with……we haven’t decided yet…..we’re still thinking about it………ring me in a week………..AND THEN THEY GET MIFFED WHEN YOU RING THEM BACK BECAUSE THEY CONSIDER YOU’RE PESTERING THEM!

Learn to screen your prospects well. Supply an estimate and follow up with a phone call / appointment,  but if people really delay or put you off unnecessarily, then front them up and ask directly whether they want to do business or not. You’ll save weeks in wasted time. I met a woman at a networking breakfast, called out to see her a few days later and, at her request, put together an estimate. I made about 8 follow up phone calls before she dained to delay me for a further 4 weeks. When I finally secured another meeting to ‘discuss my proposal’, I arrived only to find that she had no recollection that I was even due! “Call in next Monday, but only if you are in the area,” she said! What, to discuss the proposal or have a coffee? I mused. I sent her a diplomatic e-mail asking her if we would be discussing my proposal the following Monday because I didn’t have time to simply drop in for coffee. Did she have a need? I also pointed out that I would be making the journey specifically to see her. I want to screen her out if she is p*****g me around. I await her feedback………………….watch this space!