There’s a better way

September 16, 2009

As a vendor, the best way to get my attention is to be a bit of a squeaky wheel. To gently prod me over and over again until I say, "I'm busy right now, and don't have time to set up a meeting with you. Give me a little space, and I'll set up a meeting when I have time and we can discuss what you are selling."

The best way to guarantee that I will never buy anything from you is to then come to my office, unannounced, two days later and try to start an impromptu meeting on the spot. It's rude and obnoxious and makes me want to never do business with you.

I suppose this tactic must work with some people. Maybe it bowls them over and leaves them incapable of doing anything but complying – but it makes me think of bullies.

The better choice? It's simple, I told him what I needed from him. Just do it. Give me a little space. Put it on your calendar to contact me again in two weeks. It would have made me feel like he was actually listening to me; and it would have given me the impression that here is a salesman that is genuinely interested in making me happy instead of just trying to force a sale down my throat.