I used to be speaking with a shopper final week about a few of his new staff. He informed me that a few of them are struggling to get by way of to determination makers, and he thought it was as a result of they have been “pitching the gatekeeper.” I listened to a few of his calls, and he was proper!Right here is the error: Many gross sales reps have by no means been taught the correct option to cope with gatekeepers, so after being screened out by them, they take the perspective that “If only they (the gatekeeper) knew how much this would benefit the (decision maker), then they’d put me through!” So they begin pitching them…How improper that’s…Let’s recap the position of the receptionist/gatekeeper: The receptionist’s job is to reply calls and route them to the best particular person. They’re skilled to collect the data wanted to present to the particular person they’re transferring the decision to, issues like, title, firm title, and generally, what the decision is about.Now right here is one thing many gross sales reps misunderstand: The receptionist’s position is to not pry and grill and interrogate individuals who name in. They may solely do that if the caller telegraphs him/herself as a salesman. And lots of annoyed reps sign this by:1) Solely giving your first title and attempting to trick the receptionist by pretending to be a “friend” of the particular person you are attempting to succeed in.
2) Not giving your organization title. (Might reps attempt to cover the actual fact they’re calling from an organization. This solely arouses suspicion and raises a Crimson Flag.)
3) Not having a scripted strategy to the query: “Will he/she know what this call is about?”
4) Not being well mannered and utilizing the magic phrases: “Please” and “Thank You”
5) Not utilizing an tutorial assertion.Let me say this once more: for probably the most half, receptionists, gatekeepers, and many others., will not be there to display screen you out. They’re there to seize primary data after which go the decision by way of. Discover I mentioned, “for the most part.” There are definitely exceptions (in small places of work, and many others.) the place they make it their job to display screen you out, however you may nonetheless get previous a lot of them as properly should you use the very best observe strategy under.Right here is the script I used to be utilizing as not too long ago as final week to get by way of to some excessive powered determination makers. It really works:Gatekeeper: “XYZ company, how can I help you?”YOU: “Hi, may I speak with {first name}, please?” (Say this with a brilliant, heat smile in your voice. Be assured and pleasant.Gatekeeper: “And what is your name please?”YOU: “Please, tell him that {Your first & last name} is calling, please.”Gatekeeper: “And may I tell him the company you are calling from?”YOU: “Yes, please! Please tell him {Your first & last name again} with the {Your company name} is holding please.”Once more, smile, be pleasant and assured. When you observe this actual script, you will get by way of 60% of the time with none additional screening.In the event that they ask: “And what is this call regarding?”YOU reply: “Please tell him/her it’s about {whatever your call is about – ‘His/her lead flow’}, and I’m happy to hold, please… “Did you discover the “pleases”? How concerning the tutorial statements? Did you discover the precise order?These strategies will get you previous the gatekeeper – with none additional screening – over 75% of the time. Do not consider me? Attempt it for every week (not only one or two calls!).What would not work is pitching the gatekeeper. That solely identifies you as a gross sales particular person, and in lots of circumstances you begin begging them to place you thru. And that is the final particular person they may put by way of – a begging gross sales particular person.So, make a dedication to your self this week and start utilizing this confirmed method. You will be shocked by what number of determination makers you start getting by way of to.
