Sigh -- another random call this morning from a telemarketer on behalf of a large tech company:
Caller: "Hi, this is [name] from [company name] on behalf of [tech company]. I noticed you downloaded some research. Did you find everything you need?
Me: To be honest, I don't remember.
Caller: Well, it would have been in the last 30 days, or maybe the last two months. Do you have any plans to purchase software in the next 18-24 months?
30 or 60 days ago? I can't remember last week. Do $1 apps for my iPhone count? Given the high-priced enterprise applications this company sells, I'm guessing not!
Me: I'm with a small consulting company. I don't think I fit your audience.
Caller: Well the [tech company's] new division specializes in companies from 5-500 employees. Do you have any plans to purchase...
You get the drift. How is this random calling to "qualify" a "lead" based on white paper download a month or two earlier worth anything?
White papers have their place (heck, I write some of them for clients myself!), and telemarketing, properly applied, can certainly have value. But it's hard for me to imagine that this archaic spray and pray approach to marketing and sales does the slightest good for your reputation, your pipeline, or your bottom line.
Aren't we past these random acts of selling?
Photo credit: vlima.com
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