The Tale of the Office Manager and the Telemarketers
Ana was amazed at how telemarketers never ceased to find a way to a breakthrough. As new strains of a virus, they somehow kept attacking her best put-up defenses. How did they manage to trick her? And what counterattack strategies might Ana's imagination concoct to protect her boss' privacy - and her peace of mind?
Ana had tried almost any single evasive, at times drastic, response every time a telemarketer called:
1) She would patiently explain to the telemarketer that the owner was not interested in buying anything due to budget constraints - oh, that would infallibly lead to a debate in which the telemarketer tried to convince her of how vital that product was and how the business owner absolutely needed it to make more money and get more customers! Ana learned very quickly she could not allow herself to be caught in that trap.
2) She would tell the telemarketer that the owner was unavailable – and the telemarketer, of course, would keep calling again and again.
3) She would tell the telemarketer to not call because the number was on a 'Do not call list' – most telemarketers would not believe her.
4) She would avoid answering the phone if the caller ID showed 'Private Caller,' 'Withheld,' or an ‘800 number' - unfortunately, it would not work every time: telemarketers would easily find a way of calling with a number that appeared familiar.
5) She might just not answer the phone at all! - uh... not good for the business.
Ana still had other choices. She just did not know the right ones.
Then, the phone rang again.
'Heath's Tire Service, how may I help you?' Ana answered.
'Yes, is Heath in?', the voice was a gnarl.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ana's response may determine the end of this tale. What will it be?
Will Ana choose to see that every telemarketer is just another human being?
So here is a possible response for Ana to consider:
'Heath's Tire Service, how may I help you?' Ana answered.
'Yes, is Heath in?', the voice was a gnarl.
'He is not available, Sir. But how may I help you?'
'What time is he gonna be in?'
'Sir, he's never going to be available unless I can help you first,' Ana's voice was gentle but firm. 'Like you, I am just trying to do my job. I am just the office manager.'
(And here is what very likely might have been the telemarketer's reaction)
'Thank you.' (Telemarketer hung up the phone)
And, as in all open-ended tales, each person has a choice and a response.
Words reflect choices. Choices to create, transform, and make new.
May all learn to coexist peacefully, in life or fiction.
Every person is a human being. God's creation.
That's my tale for telemarketers, Ana... and the rest of us.
Proverbs 12:18
New International Version (NIV)
8 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
