Out of time and out of touch?
- waynefarran
- Jul 16, 2014
- 2 min read
An old Maxim that I have always hung on to is; always be careful with time and words as neither one can be retrieved!
This is of the utmost importance when it comes to business!
The other day when visiting a local Chemist/Doctors Surgery two “very well” dressed company executives/account managers from a major drug company (I will withhold the name) walked in and up to the reception desk and abruptly interrupted the receptionist as she was talking to a patient.
One account manager said to the receptionist, Hello I’m from [ - - - - - ] and we would like to see Dr [- - - - -] so we can talk to him about a new type of Cardio Vascular medication.
The receptionist said, “Do you have an appointment?” the reply was NO.
The account manager then said in a condescending manner; this is a new drug to the market and one that the Doctor would be interested in. Could we see him between patients, or during his lunch break?
The receptionist said that this was not possible as Dr [- - - - -] is not having a lunch break; and then said that all meetings with the Doctors and representatives are scheduled at a time that is suitable for the Doctor, this being common practice.
The account manager then said that she would leave her card so the Doctor could call her when convenient!
To say the least, I was stunned at how this account manager made the sales call; perhaps the worst experience I have ever come across in my entire life as a sales professional.
So what would I say in relation to the above?
1) Don’t waste your time calling on your customers without an appointment if you are looking to have a productive one on one meeting.
2) Don’t speak to people in a manner that is less than professional or respectful.
3) Last of all, if you are any type of “professional sales person” you do the follow-up, don’t put it back onto your customer, this is just being lazy.
From a sales call prospective, this was an “epic fail”.
Wayne~
