Have you ever heard any of the following?
“We like your proposal and we are definitely going to use your product and services.” or I have other people to interview but I’m pretty sure you are the one we are going to hire.” or “I’ll call you Tuesday of next week and let you know on way or the other.” or maybe even “You are our guy/gal, just give me a few weeks and I’ll be free to spend more time on this.”?
It doesn’t take long to figure out that these responses are really not the truth at all. In some cases it is the person saying such things just needs more information to make a decision. In the sales world it is an objection. It shouldn’t be taken personally but sometimes that is easier said then done. We are people that take things personally. We think “they must not like me” when in fact most times we haven’t given them a reason to want to call us back or make the decision, or maybe the person on the other end doesn’t know how to tell you that you aren’t the person or product or service they want to deal with. This, in my opinion is the person that doesn’t need to be in a position of authority.
Maybe you have experienced this from a service provider (cable, telephone, security company, financial adviser, etc.) The cable people say “We will be out today between 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM”. But they never come. The cell phone company says “This phone will walk your dog, wash your car, and even take your mother-in-law to the doctor. You get it home and it won’t even make a call. The financial guy says “I guarantee you will recieve 150% return on your dollar!!” calmly get up and call the feds. This can’t happen be honest or long lasting.
I have been in sales for over 30 years and have dealt with a lot of rejection. It has come from complete strangers, family and (so called) friends. I have learned one thing in the years I have been in sales. People think the best way not to hurt your feelings is to lie and when they give answers like those mentioned and they don’t follow up they are indeed lying. I’ve been around sales people who make it big because they make dishonest promises but I would rather barely make it and be honest then lie and have the biggest house and the finest car.
So I have developed a new philosophy about this sort of thing and I hope you will take it for what it’s worth and apply it only if you feel you have the tenacity to carry it through.
I am going to call those individuals and seem as if I believe their excuses and say things like “I understand, is there anything I can answer for you?” or “When we met, you mentioned having this time line, when did that change?” or I believe I covered all of your concerns in the interview, is that correct?” or “I understand you will call and let me know one way or the on Tuesday but which way are you leaning? Why?”
If someone introduces me to an unethical way to make a commission or get the bonus, I will not participate because ultimately I have to look myself in the mirror and I have to look my wife and kids in the face and be the leader God called me to be but most importantly, I have His reputation to uphold.
I also want to include scripture references in my post so hopefully they will not be seen as rants but as growth opportunities for you. So if you have been experiencing any or all of these responses or even better if you are the one giving false hope to people under the guise of trying not to hurt their feelings let me encourage you to just tell the truth. It is always the best policy!!
Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:27 TNIV
1 The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. 4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 5 The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. Proverbs 11:1-6 TNIV
Kevin’s Care 