Let It Ring

Telemarketing has its place in the marketing arsenal. But telespammers - like their digital counterparts in the email marketing world - really make it tough on the legitimate follow-up telephone call from a company with which you have a relationship.

Now, even some companies with a legitimate tie to me are starting to abuse the privilege.

For instance, last week, I got two different calls from my cell phone provider, Nextel. Both were callers for whom English was probably a fourth language and they immediately were trying to push new services on me. No "hi, how are you," no handshake, no kiss.

Well, I'm mad and I'm not going to take it anymore. Here are some ways to combat telespammers.

First, put your phone number in the Do Not Call registry. Or, instead of visiting the website, you can call 888-382-1222.

Now, for some more fun ways to get them at their own game. They are using a script, so you can too. And, if they answer no to some of these questions, you can sue them. Sweet!

Here's your script:

If it sounds like a foreign call ask, "Are you calling from America?" I love this one.

"Are you calling to sell me something?" They hate that one.

"Could you tell me your full name? And, give me your telephone number with the area code first."

"Could you give me the name of the organization for which you are calling?" What we're trying to get to here is if the call is actually from let's say Nextel, or if it is a telemarketing company working for Nextel.

"Does your company keep a list of numbers it's been asked not to call?"

"I want my number on that list. Can you handle that for me now?"

"Does your firm handle telemarketing for other organizations?" If yes, "Make sure your company doesn't call me for any other organization."

An organization called Junkbusters has a comprehensive list of other questions you can ask.

Finally, my old friend Bill Loeffler had the best telemarketing response I've ever seen. One day, he received a cold call from a New York investment salesman. The guy went into his spiel without taking a breath. Bill laid the phone down and the guy wasted 20 minutes telling his story to no one.

Harry Hoover is managing principal of Hoover ink PR. He has 26 years of experience in crafting and delivering bottom line messages that ensure success for serious businesses like Brent Dees Financial Planning, Focus Four, Levolor, New World Mortgage, North Carolina Tourism, TeamHeidi, Ty Boyd Executive Learning Systems, VELUX, Verbatim and Wicked Choppers.