Getting to the Point

Terry picked up the phone and quickly dialed the Private Client Services rep, Mark, and got his voicemail. Terry's message was brief and direct – "This is Terry Boyd returning your call. I appreciate your quick response to my request for those documents. They arrived on Monday. Thank you for offering to explore how you could help me in my role as trustee. I have been using XXX Services for over 20 years and will be staying with them. I am not a prospect or future client. Thanks Again." Click

Did Terry do Mark a favor?

Was Terry short or abrupt?

If Terry is a man would you answer the question above differently than if Terry is a woman?

If it were you leaving that message how many times or ways would you say "Good Bye?" Thanks again, have a good week, keep up the good work, good bye?

Tactfully and clearly stating your full and true message in a direct manner is a skill that will help you be productive. Your productivity is aided by curtailing endless pursuits by customer service people, sales people, or people who will ask you to do something you don't want to or won't do.

Agree?

Disagree?

Where could use such direct, firm, and truthful communication?

Comments

[Susan]

@ Mike & Bill - thanks for the input! Terry never did get a repeat call from the account manager.

[Bill in Minneapolis, MN]

I agree with Mike. I do many sales calls and if a perspective client is too nice and afraid to say "no", then I will continue to follow up with them. If they can not make a commitment, then I will find someone in the organization who will. As a sales person all I want to know is a Yes or No and you are not going to offend me.

[Mike, Jersey City, NJ]

I think this is perfect. Not harsh, not wishy-washy, and certainly gender neutral. (did not change my POV based on gender switch).

I even printed it out for response to sales people.

If a prospect of mine was not going to say yes, I'd actually be happy to hear something like this - which leaves no ambiguity, and helps me move on and save resources.