Mary, the “NO SOLICITORS” sign that I see on just about every office door in America is just plain silly! Salespeople are an amazing source of spreading the gospel of YOUR company around THEIR territory. Invite their asses in! Be kind and good to them. Hardly anyone does this, so your gesture will make you unique, and trust me, these salespeople will tell the world that you and your company are where it’s at! They’re entering your spider web. TC gives himself up to 10 seconds, I repeat, 10 seconds, to turn any sales call, whether in person or on the phone or by email into a sales call for MY company. Check this out:

“My Company…TC speaking…how may I help you?”
“Is the owner of the business in?”
“Of course he’s in…in fact he’s hip to boot…what are you selling, bro?”
“Oh, this is not a sales call.”
“Why not, it should be, I love Sales…ya know, you need My Company to help you make more sales. Let me tell you how I can help you, mah man…”

I have had numerous salespeople tell others about my business after I sit and talk with them. It’s like getting more of your own salespeople, without expanding your payroll. Some have actually inquired about working at My Company themselves.

In fact, SOMEDAY I AM GOING TO HIRE THE PERSON WHO SELLS THE “NO SOLICITORS” SIGNS…SHE HAS GOT TO BE THE GREATEST SALESPERSON IN THE WORLD!

“NO SOLICITORS”. Bah, humbug. The signs should read: “SOLICIT AWAY, BABY, BECAUSE YOU’RE IN MY WORLD NOW..AND BRING SOME DONUTS FOR EVERYBODY HERE!”

Terry Chester writes for this blog every Tuesday. If you have a question for TC, you can reach him at terry@adbiz.com