When the gatekeeper has put you on The Black List
When the gatekeeper always informs you the manager, executive or VP you want to speak is not in the office you are probably on the Black list”.
Even if you ask for a different person, you are being told the person is not available or not in the office.
Apparently you have called numerous times in vain and you have been placed on the “Black list”.
The gatekeepers are well-paid executive assistants
Your problem is now:
- How to bypass the gatekeeper
Or
- How to get off this Black list
Bypassing the gatekeeper
- Letting someone else call
- Call directly on his mobile: on the Internet much data is to be found
- Leave an incomprehensive message concerning an opportunity with the gatekeeper that drives to call back
Getting off the Black List
Getting off the Black list will be nearly impossible as the decision needs to be made by the managers or directors who have put you on the “Black list” in first place.
Starting a conversation with the gatekeeper
- First name:
By now you should know the name and first name of the gatekeeper. The next time you call, use her/his name when she/he picks up the phone.
- Small talk:
Be nice to the gatekeeper and try to start a small talk conversation
- Benefits:
Explain in a few words the value you could bring to the company or for the manager, the executive or the VP. Paint a picture of the concept and bring the benefits. Maybe you get connected or you get a hint when to call.
- Benefit for gatekeeper:
If your solution has a benefit for the gatekeeper then you should mention it to the gatekeeper.
Addressing through a different channel
- Emailing:
To boldly spam-email the manager, the executive or the VP in the hope to get their interest in order to contact you
- Inviting:
To send an invitation by mail or email for a high-level event like a conference, trade show or web seminar in the hope they participate
- Entertaining:
To send an invitation for an exclusive sports event – only works if you know their interest: investigating on Facebook could help out.
- Business event:
Encountering the manager, the executive or the VP “accidentally” during a business event: you need to go to all the events he is likely to visit.
- Social event:
Encountering the manager, the executive or the VP during a social event or while eating out.
Use your imagination where to encounter the manager, the executive or the VP.
What did you do when you got on the “Black List”?
- Never bothered and turned your attention to another company
- Made it top priority to get off the Black List
- Forced your encounter with the manager, the executive or the VP
