How not to make a first impression

We all know that first impressions are important - as in the first time potential customers come into contact with your company. This is the time when you want to make the all important personal connection.

So why do some companies create call centers, whose only job is to call potential clients to setup meetings with their sales people?

The kind of calls that usually goes like this:

• Call center zombie: Hi I am [insert something] and have you... [insert 2 minutes of marketing drivel being read from a piece of paper - at which point you cut in and ask them to get to the point]
• Call center zombie: We have this [product name] that we think you will like - and we will like to come and show it to you.
• Me: Well...
• Call center zombie: Next week will be good because then our sales person is in your area.
• Me: Wait, time-out - did you say your "sales person"
• Call center zombie: Yes?
• Me: Why didn't he call me himself?
• Call center zombie: He is too busy (or some other lame excuse)
• Me: Sorry, not interested - goodbye!

If they do not think that I am important enough to speak with in person, why should I have a meeting with them? They send the signal that I am not worthy of their time.

I do not care if it because the sales person thinks he is too hip to spend time calling potential clients, or if it's because management have found call centers to be cheaper to run than sales people (which they are). The effect is still the same. The company has decided that potential clients have a low priority.

My response is simply to turn them down. I do not want to do business with a company that thinks this way.