Q & A Table of Contents
They Don't Return My Phone Calls or Faxes
From: Thomas, Orem, Utah
Question: I recently started my own business. In order for it to operate we need a few key contracts from some very large corporations. I mailed proposals to a few of the corporations about a month ago.
Upon them receiving the proposals one of the companies promptly called me to discuss a possible contract. We discussed mainly the issue of how much we were going to pay them. The man I spoke with was very excited about our service and promised to get back to me with their bottom line and a few other figures.
He never did call me back when he said he would. I have called him numerous times and each time he says that he will get back to me and doesn't. Finally, today I faxed him our bottom line figures and basically told him that we were looking forward to doing business with them but if I did not hear back from him we would be forced to pursue our interests with other parties.
I have not worked with corporations like this before and I am not sure if I'm handling the situation correctly. I am a little confused as to why he would call me the day he received the proposal sounding very excited to do business and then sort of put me to the side. I apologize for the lengthy explanation, but I could really use some advice.
Response: When people don't return phone calls or faxes you may conclude they are not really interested in doing business and you can look for alternative 'partners' to help you reach your objectives.
If you are convinced the first respondent is your best option, you can wait silently for a response from them; the more often you call, the more you are telling them you need them more than they need you. When they reach that conclusion the price you will have to pay -- if you ever make a deal -- is likely to increase. Frequent 'badgering' may also lead them to conclude that you are vulnerable, that your company is not creditworthy -- and therefore not a safe bet for a business relationship.
Without an alternative you have few choices; I would recommend that you focus your energy on finding alternatives. That is a more productive way to spend your time than waiting for someone who may be waiting for you to 'crack'.
As a general rule, always pay close attention to the range of alternatives available to you. The more choices you develop, the greater the inner strength you will feel in the face of folks who aren't giving you the attention you feel you deserve.
Good luck with this,
Steve
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