Scott Adams Dilbert™ Comic Strip from December 6th reminded me of several of the sales managers and executives I have had the privilege of working with over these many years. This gem should bring a smile and a pucker to most everyone that considers themselves a salesmaker:
Despite many pronouncements that the Cold-Call is dead, I am sad to report that it is alive and well. In spite of all the new and wonderful tools that I write and speak about, cold-calls are being made each day in every industry. You may be in Dilbert’s position yourself, having been handed a script with an offer not too unlike the one above. For that I am truly sorry. In the long term, get me invited to speak with your sales and company leadership and I will do my best to convince them that there is a better way. In the short term, share your pain with the rest of us by providing your painful “cold-calling script” in the comments area below. At least we can share in each other’s misery.