I’ve Got a Friend, Really I do!

I’ve got a friend who works for the publisher of a “small city” magazine group. There’s an interesting, learning situation in what she does along the lines of what most ad agencies (marketing firms) are also trying to do these days. As a sales rep selling space in these small “local” community magazines (containing local ads and local editorial) you’d think her job would be simple. Explain to prospects why local residents and business people would want to find and do business with local companies and local service providers. Particularly when so many economic factors encourage people to stay close to home. Hard to argue against that.

So why isn’t she today’s Sales Hero? Because no one answers their phone. She tells me it isn’t unusual for a phone to ring ten-to-twelve times before, and if, an answering service or answering feature picks up. Try it yourself. Try to find a business phone that isn’t answered by a human, and see if you’re not getting antsy at 4-5 rings. For the sake of “business development people everywhere,” can we not issue a national edict or FCC ruling that all business phones must be answered in some way, shape or form by 5 rings or less? And do so for the sake of efficiency and commerce?

The bottom line (and a great opportunity for an entrepreneur) – can someone develop a method to place a relevant commercial message in front of a “perfect-match” prospect at the exact moment that prospect is aware of and needing that advertised product or service? (I’m happy to partner-up, reach me at https://www.agencyfinder.com/contact/) What’s your experience? What’s your solution?