 |
 |
 |
 |
|
OVERVIEW
About Us
Feedback
Know Who You Are
Forums
GamblingCharitiesY2KHealthWork At HomeMulti-Level
Standard MLMFree MLMPassive MLMMLM Idea BankTelephone MLMInternet Values
Anti Spam ClubAssociate DealsOwning an FFAFree FFA LinksFree ClassifiedsFree BannersFree WebsitesDomain NamesSearch EnginesShoestring News|
|
| Telephone MLM: politely tell them to go to heck. |
 |
| The phone and fax have no place in marketing "opportunity schemes." But violent language is not the most effective deterrant. |
| ||||||
 Our sponsor: For a list of top opportunities, don't miss our home page. TELLING OFF THE TELEMARKETERS. (July 14, 1999) My credit card company calling to upgrade my service----tolerable. My credit card company giving my phone number to Field & Stream----borderline. My credit card company giving out my phone number AND my credit card number to anybody----an outrage. Some jerk using my phone or fax to promote the latest pyramid scheme, MLM, or whatever----despicable. People selling products over the phone is debatable. People selling "opportunity schemes"----good or bad----over the phone is uncalled-for and clearly crosses the line of toleration. However, it is perhaps helpful to keep in mind that only two types of people are likely to be crass enough to do this: (a) hard-boiled, self-centered, sociopathic bastards, and (b) confused, gullible people who were conned into it by the above. In neither of these cases is it helpful or appropriate to respond with foul or extreme language. You may or may not hurt their feelings, but in either case you are "doing the expected" and will simply be written off as an "extremist." It is better to keep in mind that the truth is on your side, that they know it, and that this is a more potent and unexpected weapon. Therefore the best tactic is not a frontal assault, but to slip by their self-delusional defenses and gently "wake them up" to the certain knowledge within them that they are acting well beyond the pale of social acceptance. Suggestions: (1) As everyone knows, try to keep your phone number and especially your fax number out of the hands of commercial interests as much as possible. Especially never use a "fax autoresponder." (2) When you get a fax solicitation, fax back the same sheet with your fax number and the following written very clearly: "PLEASE REMOVE THIS FAX NUMBER FROM YOUR LIST AND GO TO HELL. THANK YOU." (3) If the fax gives an 800 number, call it and leave the same message. If you are given no such chance, call the number several times a day for a week and leave the phone off the hook. Thus making them pay for as much phone time as possible with no orders. They'll get the message. (4) When they call you personally, here is a chance for some real fun. Depending on your mood, the possiblities are: (a) "Put me on your do not call list." (b) Encourage them to rattle off their spiel. Do not hang up, but set the phone down and forget about it. (c) If they offer to give you an 800 number, write it down and give it the no. 3 treatment above. Meanwhile, pretend that "this darn pen doesn't work... Can you please wait a minute, while I find a pen?" Don't hang up----set the phone down and forget about it. (d) If they ask for somebody by name, ask, "What are you calling about?" When you have thus determined that it is a scheme, say, "Just a minute please, I'll get him..." (Even if it is you.) Set the phone down. (e) (The ultimate.) Make a 1-hour recording of you and your "spouse" (whether or not you have a spouse) arguing over whether or not to pick up the phone. "It's for you, dear." "What is it?" "It's a very nice person. It sounds like something good." "Do you really think so?" "Yes!" "Alright, let me get my spectacles." "Hurry up! Hurry up!" "Say, are you really sure this person is honest." "I certainly do think so." Etc., etc. The goal is to keep sounding as if you are going to pick up the phone at any second. Always refer to the caller as a "nice person," leaving out any "he" or "she" so that this recording can be used for any gender of phone hustler. When you get an "opportunity" call, tell him you want your spouse to hear it, and then place the receiver in a drawer or under a blanket next to a tape recorder with this conversation playing. Hasta la vista! We eagerly await any more such ideas per the feedback page. |
|
. |
| Visitors: 02205 |