Should You Ask Sales Prospects -
How are you today?

by Reg
(Canada)

Reg from Canada offers valuable advice to sales people on making telesales and sales appointment calls.

On many sales calls you will here the caller ask the prospect: How are you today.

Or, a similar question about the well being of the prospect. Should you include this in your introduction stage on telesales and appointment setting calls?

Read this coment from Reg in Canada then click the link at the bottom and type your opinion or reply...




In response to should a person ask another person about their well being or their health on a cold call, my answer is a resounding "No!"

I believe only your doctor or your therapist really is genuine about asking that question and it has no place or role in the business world.

It's a complete turn off for me and you would lose my business if you asked me the question.

It's like perfume or cologne, it's okay to use it in a social setting, but it reek of dishonesty in a business environment.



What do you think?

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Comments for Should You Ask Sales Prospects -
How are you today?

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Instant fail
by: Chris D

The call immediately fails when I hear these words. IF I hear an opening line of "how are you today" the call immediately goes south - I just pocket my handset without uttering a word in reply - I don't even hang up on them.

Dont ask,
by: MR, E Mann

When a sales person asks, "how are you", I am immediately infuriated.

Just a few minutes ago I had a call which started in that way and we ended up in a long conversation which was negative and counter-productive for the sales person.

I asked if they were offering a medical service,the reply of course was "no". I am of the opinion (and made it clear to them), that it is extremely rude to ask, when it has no relevance to the call and that they have no real interest.

If I was suffering physically or mentally, bringing that matter to the attention of a stranger, who would probably answer "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that" then completely ignore it for the rest of the sales pitch, would only cause upset and is unlikely to result in a sale.

This can cause distress to the "customer" who may have been trying to put their issues out of their mind.

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