BTQ profile picture
BTQ profile picture

BTQ

Account Manager

Politicker
Catalyst
Valued Contributor
+7

When you call someone and find out they got laid off, how do you handle it?

My approach has been to empathize with them and offer to send @GeneralCorp 's "Still Hiring" list on linkedin. A lot of them really appreciate it. There is a minority that like scoffs at me for offering thinking I'm expecting something in return.


But early on when I would call I would feel so guilty and get my wires crossed.


How do you savages handle the "I actually don't work there anymore" when you hop on a cold call?

📞 Cold Calling
🙏 Mental Wellness
15

23 comments

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antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
8
Bravado's Resident Asshole
well... that is unfortunate. Chances are, unless they move on to another company that I am trying to prospect, they will never hear from me again, so ask as many questions as I can before we part ways.
BTQ
Politicker
3
Account Manager
Smart
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
3
Bravado's Resident Asshole
Of course, do it as empathetically as possible. don't be a dick about it.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
"I hope you're on to better things" is a good way to indicate sympathy and openness to learning the situation. They may not have been let go.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Sorry - adding - your header said "learned they've been laid off" but sometimes "I don't work there anymore" may be voluntary.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
5
Sales Rep
Just gotta be human not a sales rep
BTQ
Politicker
4
Account Manager
For sure, one of my coworkers still pitches "in case they end up at another company" and im like bro tf?
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
3
Sales Rep
I think if you actually wanted to turn it into a sale. Connect with them, and try to refer them to an account you have a good relationship with. Creating the ultimate champion

But that’s a ver small chance of happening, so it’s best to just be considerate. If there is a way to help offer, but no reason to pitch to them
BTQ
Politicker
2
Account Manager
Yeah so so soooo low but worth a try.
jefe
Arsonist
1
🍁
This is what I do
Pachacuti
Politicker
3
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
You say “dude that sucks, sorry to hear that”. And then ask about their IT budget…. J/k. You can either ask about how they back filled their responsibilities or wish them good luck in their search.
BTQ
Politicker
0
Account Manager
I laughed. Well done sales daddy
Filth
Politicker
3
Live Filthy or Die Clean
I like to figure out what happened they may have insight on whats going on and where their next play is. Both can help land the current or next sale.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
Smart move 💯
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
2
Director Sales and Market Development
Sorry you got laid off, good news you got to keep your phone #!
Kidding, i show empathy and offer any help i can ask what they do and what are they looking for. Im sending a linkedin request to you, check out my network, anyone you see that you want an intro to let me know. Nobody ever took me up on that ps
SoccerandSales
Big Shot
2
Account Executive
Just gotta pivot to being a person on the phone. Your cold call (and chances of a qualified opp) are dead on this call, but your ability to empathize doesn't have to be
wolfofmiami
Opinionated
2
🐺
"I keep calling people like you, I might be getting laid off too." Then hang up
pirate
Big Shot
1
🦜☠️ Account Executive
Bitch with them and let them get it all off their chest and then ask if there's anything you can do for them
Justatitle
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
“Damn dude, wanna grab a drink”
UserNotFound
Politicker
1
Account Executive
If I didn’t have them on LI already I tell them I’d be happy to connect so that their job search can leverage my network as well! If they were a decision maker before, it’s likely they will be again- and I want them to have happy memories of our interaction!
Maximas
Tycoon
0
Senior Sales Executive
Simple BTQ..Be sympathetic and offer if you can do any help if they still didn't land a new job yet.
And who knows at a point you could be prospecting at their future company that they may give you a big help towards your deal by then, since you decided to pay it forward.
0
Retired Sales Professional
Take it with a grain of salt and continue to help, your conscience will thank you later.
GDO
Politicker
0
BDM
I just tell them it sucks and I m willing to help if there is something I can do. I also ask who will take over the responisibilties

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