newbie

BDR (Big Ducks Rock)

Cold calling someone who died....

You've probably been there. You're smilin' n dialin', ask for someone by name & the gatekeeper tells you they passed away.

Maybe they're just told to say that to salespeople? It's unfortunate no doubt but you definitely don't want to challenge them on that.

So what do you say to try and get the right person on the phone without coming across like a self-serving dick?

Note: This happened to me a lot more when i was calling on SMB, I'm in MM + ENT now, and have had it happen only once. Still curious what the WR has to say & would NEVER feel comfortable posing this question on LinkedIn

👑 Sales Strategy

📞 Cold Calling

🧠 Advice

15 comments

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Ryscott0317

Politicker

Cloud Specialist

Make up a story about how the person who passed was really into the product you’re selling and ask to be transferred to who took over for them because it’s “what (the person who passed) would have wanted”.

poweredbycaffeine

WR Lieutenant

☕️

I know you're half-joking, but if you're really doing it, this is immoral as it comes.

Ryscott0317

Politicker

Cloud Specialist

Nah I’m JK fam. Usually I just give my condolences and hang up to try back a few weeks later

SalesPharaoh

Big Shot

Senior Account Executive

It's ok if you are not. That's what true sales slayers do.

newbie

Good Citizen

BDR (Big Ducks Rock)

😂😂😂 damn I don't think I have the balls to say that

Biznasty

Opinionated

Lead Business Development Manager

SAVAGE. I love it

paddy

WR Officer

Director of Business Development

I mean in all seriousness you could pry a bit and ask something like "hey I know the sensitive nature of this but did they mention anything about [insert your value pitch]?"

Broncosfan

Politicker

Account Manager

Anything for quota.

DadFather

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

Called someone a few years back and the secretary answered. Audibly upset when I mentioned his name. Died 4 days prior. I immediately said sorry and hung up. Proceeded to dial down the remaining employees at the company because they were a really good fit lol

softwaresails

Politicker

Sales Manager

If this happens I usually just say, "I'm so sorry for your loss, I can update our records here." and then I end the call. Typically at this point I haven't even said where I'm calling from because I just barely asked for the person and I'll call back the next day with updated information and not ask for the dead person lol. It actually works really well.

I like doing this because then I'm not trying to back pedal and recover when someone may very well be offended that I asked for someone that has died.

Chep

WR Officer

Bitcoin Adoption Specialist

Hahahaha respect for pushing through that objection. Everytime I hear the person I'm calling died I say my apologies and hang up

Salespreuner

Big Shot

Regional Sales Director

Haha! I apologise first and then provide deep Condolences and try to check the right connect. If not, hang up

funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

I usually just say I'm sorry for their loss, and to take care and hang up. I'll do some research for a new contact in the meantime and call back in a few weeks.

Bittersweet0326

Politicker

Digital Business Associate

I'm not pushing the issue once I know on that particular call. Sorry and click. BUT now that you know that you can try back in X amount of time and say - hey in the past I would reach out to Frank and I know he has sense passed away. Who would be the correct contact now?

DrunkenArt

Politicker

Sales Representative

This happens to me at least once a week (thanks marketing). It's tough to pivot, but just downplay it, say you're sorry to hear that and ask politely who the new contact would be.

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newbie

Cold calling someone who died....

15 comments

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