Here is this Tuesday’s Phone Sourcing Tip/it is also listed in the ASK Maureen group here on ERE.

I hope you’ll join and contribute to our discussion!

Identifying yourself immediately on the call goes a long way toward “removing the mystery” for the Gatekeeper. It is not necessary to state the company you’re calling from/on behalf or nor is it necessary to state the reason for your call. A simple acknowledgment of her name (if she tells you when she answers) and your name will many times get the job done! 

“Hi Sheila, this is Maureen Sharib. Can you please transfer me to your marketing department?”

“Hi Sheila, this is Maureen Sharib. I’m trying to reach George O’Connor. Is he in?”

“Hi Sheila, this is Maureen Sharib. I’m trying to reach the Product Manager for your xyz product. Can you tell me who that is?”

If she does not tell you her name, just leave that part off. NEVER ask her for her name! This can be construed as confrontational and you want to avoid confrontation at all costs.

“Hi, this is Maureen Sharib. Can you please transfer me to your marketing department?”

“Hi, this is Maureen Sharib. I’m trying to reach George O’Connor. Is he in?”

“Hi, this is Maureen Sharib. I’m trying to reach the Product Manager for your xyz product. Can you tell me who that is?”

Phone sourcing is simple but it’s not easy!

Subsequent portions will appear weekly.