Unsolicited phone calls

Elizabeth... Yes I receive unsolicited calls all the time, and I love them. The appropriate ones (people who request first if it is OK to talk? and then actually listen my response!) are good.

The inappropriate ones help me vet who I don't want to do business with. (And, yes I'm not too shy to "hang up" when necessary.) ...Howard

BTW... Can I give you a call to talk about this Zorro fetish?

Thankfully, no I haven't yet. There have been 1-2 calls that were a teeny bit annoying (trying to get an inordinate amount of free consulting, etc.) but nothing I'd call a problem.

I've never had an unsolicited commercial call from a Biznik. I have been put on newsletter mailing lists without my permission. Such contacts are spam, as far as I'm concerned. I have never made a purchase from such a source and never will.

Now, if there was a way to opt out of political spam by phone.

I have not received such calls... but if the person who calls says they are a member of biznik I would be more open to listening to what they have to say then deciding whether we could work together or not.

Because they are a fellow biznik member I would allow them the courtesy of listening instead of automatically wanting to hang up on them.

I can add one wrinkle. I met a Biznik member (who I will not name) who then started to send me unsolicited e-mails pitching his services. After the 6th one, I decided this was more than I needed, but because I chose to delete versus reply, the message was sent.

Normally I do reply and let people know that I'm not interested, but this was so far beyond the pail that I decided the best answer is none.

I have received unsolicited emails from Biznik members and politely replied explaining that they should ask me to opt into their list first, before send me something and basically what they are doing is spamming. A lot of times I hear back and am told they didn't realize they were doing something wrong. For some it's sincere, others an excuse.

For the first time today I did get a voice message from someone on Biznik who I did not know selling her services. I deleted the call. Fortunately due to voice mail, I didn't have to tell her in person.

Personally I don't appreciate unsolicited calls, and often let the caller know. I guess I'm not a very prime target for cold calling!

A great story here I have to share. My father-in-law pretty much lets them know what he thinks when he gets one. But on the other hand, he can mess with them as well. One caller tried to sell him windshield repair, and he acted as if his hearing was bad and replied, "What did you say. Someone broke my windows. Who are you?" Needless to say the caller freaked and hung up.

Couldn't help sharing that one.

I actually received an unsolicited call from a Biznik member who was pushing an event she was hosting outside of Biznik.

I was a little irritated because she made it sound like she was interested in my company at first and then switched into her pitch. Kind of made me do a double take.

I don't know. If you have something that you feel will really interest me, I'd prefer email above anything else. We're all busy solo-pros and when you catch us on the phone trying to sell us something, well, to put it bluntly that's not a good use of our limited time.

The only time I actually pick up a phone and call someone on Biznik is after I've made email contact and have gotten a positive response -- usually the email was sent as a response to a "need" post, so it's not entirely unsolicited.

Or I call a service provider from Biznik because I am interested in their service and not pitching my own. I believe that is courtesy.

If you value your time, you should value other people's time.

Bizniks unite! =D

Solicitors are trained to keep calling or contacting potential costomers until there is a yes or a no. Personally I cant take that much rejection. I'm not going to debase my self and my business trying to sell something to someone that's not interested. I'm looking for sharp ambitious people That work in a moral legal and ethical way. I cant make my dog sit let alone make some one open their check book over the phone or e-mail. In my experience as a Window Washer for the last 23 years is this, The Customers with most money are the least afraid or less likely to buckle to the pressure to empty their wallet. And are the most Gracious and respectful to the invitation to do so. I have a great reverence for the person trying to support there family and help others to do likewise. I also want to thank Biznik members for their great Abundance! Very nice people, God Bless.

What about repeat emails or phone calls? Even though I or someone did not want to opt out. What is an appropriate time limit to contact someone again? A month? Two months? I personally hate getting emailed from certain companies a million times in one day or week even though I did opt in I wish there was an option as to opt in a times table as to when you can contact me Ex:Once Every 8 weeks. Lately

Unless a prospect and I have agreed on a follow-up date, I usually will call back after two weeks. If they aren't interested (stall, non-committal), then I just drop the account and thank them for their time -- I make sure to note their disinterest in my file and the reason why if possible.

If they need services in the future sometimes they will find your name again if they liked you. This is especially true if your name is unique and memorable.

You can also do a once annual, opt-out message via email for all the people you've contacted through-out the year. Sometimes there has been a change of heart, but no opportunity to prompt them to follow through.

Cheers! =)

Personally, I prefer to do business with people who want my business. I haven't been called by a fellow biznik as yet, but if I was and it was unsolicited, I'd politely listen to them, but if it took up too much time, I'd likely stop them and explain the proper etiquette.