Accepting “No” Creates Goodwill

Public domain photo of American suffragist Alice Stokes Paul (January 11, 1885 – July 9, 1977), presumably not talking to a telemarketer

Do you ever get telemarketing calls from salespeople who won’t take “no” for an answer? It seems that no matter how many times I say, “No thanks, I’m not interested,” telemarketers continue talking until the conversation ends with me hanging up.

This morning when caller ID showed a New York City phone exchange, I decided to answer the call. Oops. it was a salesperson from a large corporation who’d been leaving us voicemails about buying advertising

She identified herself and asked if I’d been getting her messages.

I said, “I have, but we’re not interested.”

She said, “Got it. Thanks for letting me know.” We wished each other a good day and hung up.

In that moment, I relaxed. My attitude toward the corporation shifted. I don’t know that it will ever make sense for Massage Vermont to buy their services, but I no longer feel a knee-jerk critical response to their name.

When company policy includes taking “no” for an answer, I feel better about that company.