If evasion pays, it didn’t this time.
I HAVE A thing about salespeople seeking to create an impression of having done due diligence before contacting me. You know, so I won’t think they’re wasting my time with a cold call. Which is, in fact, just what they’re doing.
Earlier this year, I suspected that I had heard from two such. Having a bit of time on my hands, I decided to give them some rope. One came up breathing just fine, that is, proved himself legit. What follows is my email exchange with the other, whom I’ll call Harvey, who did a fine job of hanging himself.
Hi Steve,
I figured out that your company might be spending a lot of time and human resources in hiring more and more resources to meet the demands.
So, do you need more bright young talents to help you grow your agency?
Harvey
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Harvey,
This is fascinating to me. How did you figure that out?
Steve Cuno
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Hello Steve,
Thank you for your interest in replying. I’d be happy to jump in on a call to give you an in-depth review of our process.
We can have a quick chat to discuss all your requirements in depth.
Here is a link to My Calendar to set up a Virtual Coffee.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Harvey
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Thanks for the reply, Harvey.
Your initial note makes quite the claim: “I figured out that your company might be spending a lot of time and human resources in hiring more and more resources to meet the demands.” That’s impressive. Hence my question, namely, how you figured that out. Your follow-up note doesn’t address that, and I’d really like to know before we move on to next steps.
That was Question 1. Your reply, however, has introduced two more questions:
(2) You suggest a “quick chat” for an in-depth review of your process and an in-depth discussion of all my requirements. How do you propose to pull off two in-depth conversations in a quick chat?
(3) Why not skip the in-depth conversation about my requirements, since you have, apparently, already figured them out, and cut straight to your proposed solutions?
Before I consider virtual coffee, I really need you to answer all three questions. Speaking of which, do you serve virtual decaf? Doctor’s orders, you know.
Steve Cuno
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Hello Steve,
First of all, accept my apologies for the delay in getting back to you.
I was really overwhelmed with the usual overflow of work that's why I would like to answer your questions over a "virtual decaf" 😉
Just kidding, I really understand your concerns over the questions you asked. My idea of in-depth discussion of your requirements is to collect the gist of information initially and then I can add my value to it. In our quick chat or virtual decaf, we can discuss things with more clarity and transparency.
After our conversation, I can provide personalised solutions which would be of greater value.
Let's Connect and see if we are a good fit to work together.
Here is a link to My Calendar to find time easier.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Harvey
* * *
Hi Harvey,
I’m still confused. Your initial email said you’d figured out that my company might be spending a lot of time and human resources in hiring more and more resources to meet the demands. My question, still unanswered, was, how did you figure that out?
Steve
Much time has passed without further word from Harvey. I therefore assume the conversation is over, hence my decision to share it. I hope you enjoyed it.
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