Sales calls. Oh how we love them. 99% of the time, no wait, 100% of the time it seems as if they’re always at the wrong time. Reality is none of us likes it when some stranger calls us up out of the blue trying to peddle a piece of dog “accidents” that has been gold plated. We’ve all got things to do right? The work that must get done!
However the truth of the matter is there are a great percentage of executives in today’s world of business that are less than polite as it pertains to talking to complete strangers. I can think back on the numerous times I myself have called up executives to introduce myself, my agency or another business and the “I’ve got it all figured out already because I’m a genius” arrogance starts to waffle through the phone.
The party you’re calling is short, prickish, full of themselves and give it their best attempt to assert their dominance upon you during the 16 secs of phone time they’ve so graciously bestowed to you.
There was a time when I hated being interrupted by such calls myself. I would be quick, hurried and couldn’t wait to hang up. But then, out of the blue I had an epiphany. That person who called me, they might be a mother, someones father, they may have a family, and… perhaps they’re just doing their job, like I am, in an effort to feed my family as well, or live out a dream.
But see the epiphany didn’t just stop there. I thought to myself, what if that was “my” mother who just called some prickish executive who was a complete prick to her. Well see then it actually started to tick me off a bit. I wanted to bend that executives body in ways that were only meant for pretzels. Why? Because no-body speaks to “mom” that way.
So it dawned on me, we are all in the same boat. It is the culmination of a million moving parts that keeps our world going. It is business. Business employs us all, it delivers great products and ideas, it fosters relationships, it pays for family trips, medical bills and college funds. It allows many to live out their dreams and it gives opportunities to others.
How arrogant we’ve become when we arrive at a place that is un-willing to “listen” to others who have a pulse. How foolish we’ve become when we arrive at a place that thinks we’ve got it all figured out and that “there’s nothing you can do for me” without even listening first.
How about exhibiting a little bit of phone etiquette the next time someone calls you up out of the blue? Take some risks in life and make mom proud while doing it.
