Thanks for your comments.

Oh yes, the “How are you?” opening makes you want to vomit!

You feel like replying “I’m having an awful day. My wife has just lost her job and we’ve had a falling out about money. I’ve got an operation booked on my leg for next week and my football team just get relegated for the secone year in a row. Added to that, I’m 2 stone overweight, my wife has been having an affair with the next door neighbour and this morning some nutter pranged my car door in the car park. So overall, I’m having a very bad day”

“I’m sorry to hear that Mr McPheat. Anyway, the reasonf or my call is……”

Thanks again Paul!

Sean

So many telesales people start with “How are you?” and other inane comments in pathetic attempts to establish rapport.

Look you have just interrupted me while I was doing something much more important than your call. I am irritated because I know that I should have been more disciplined but you could have been a prospective client.

So don’t think you can charm me. Get to the point.

“How are you” is just as bad as the door to door salesperson who says “Sorry to interrupt you” and is begging for the “Don’t do then” retort.