Magnus Marketing Blog

Wow, I am truly shocked by the manners of small businesses. I am talking the under 10 million in revenue crowd. I am working with a new client, a reseller of technology hardware and related services in the NJ area. Normally, I don't do "smile and dial" telemarketing, but for this client, to get some things going it made sense to do so. Here is an excerpt of some calls:

Called manufacturing company in North Jersey. Small manufacturer that fit the type of company my client has done work for. A loudmouth guy answers the phone, I introduce myself and the company. He proceeds to not identify himself or his company, says something and clicks off. I call back asking for the manager, assuming I was disconnected. The buffoon says I don't do business with you and I won't work with you, you clicked because I hung up on you (the doofus admitted it) and says that they are on a "Do not call list" to which I said - uh, your a business not a home and that doesn't apply! Click again.

Another car repair firm guy answered the phone "Hello" and had the TV and/or kids screaming in the background. I asked if Miguel whatever was available. To which the guy said, why who is calling? I was like are you Miguel? He said depends, who are you? I said, it depends - if you are Miguel. He replies, " I don't work with people who identify only if depends" - I was like fine, bye.

Another small company in North Jersey hung up on me halfway through the conversation without so much as a thank you or goodbye. I was actually asking about his company and what they did - I do have some other connections... I have had front desk workers say they were in IT and make decisions for the owner, one guy said he was in IT - when I asked him do they have Dell or HP laptops, he couldn't even answer the question! This a limo company that I assuredly will never use or recommend - clearly they have some integrity issues. A misrepresentation at the front generally indicates dishonesty is cultivated throughout the company.

I am appalled at the lack of professionalism abundant in these companies. Every phone should be answered with a name and company name in a professional manner, if the services are not needed - thank you for calling, direct the call to the IT department or person overseeing IT, take a few minutes to understand what the reseller offers.... most businesses will not bother with companies that are so small. Use the call to promote your own business, you don't know who I do talk to and who I could connect you with. The manager is a salesguy himself - the owner or salesperson should NEVER treat any member of the profession with such utter disrespect.

I have gotten some calls from folks that may be very beneficial to my clients and thanked them and took info from them because you never know. A pleasant caller with something to offer is someone I would do business with or recommend to a client in the future.

Quick PS: I accidentally misdialed a got a real estate/broker company in North Jersey. The gentleman took the time to speak with me about two clients I represent and conversely told me about the North Jersey market and his company. He was so nice and lovely, I told him I would keep his in mind. He was the owner of a father son brokerage. Sure enough, a friend at Kohls was looking to buy a house - I referred him to her. What I say is true.

There are many, many, limo services, I don't need to use that one. There are other mannequin factories I can recommend to my contacts at Macys, Kohl's, or TJX - I will certainly tell them how rude this guy was. I won't do business, nor will any of my colleagues at Kohls, with a car repair guy who has no sense to identify himself and his company - he won't do business with me - GREAT! To the people who gave a listen, were professional in the rejection, and treated me respectfully - not only will I recommend you - I might represent you as well.