I was wondering what my topic of the day would be for a blog, then I got a call and the perfect topic came up. A lead generation source called me up just a few minutes ago and was offering, yet again....to buy mortgage leads from "reputable sources."
This telemarketer had a slightly better pitch than the rest of them though. Within 15 seconds of such phone calls, I quickly respond with, "Sorry, I don't buy leads!" Many simply say, "OK!"
But this telemarketer didn't give up so quickly and stated....
BUT THEYRE SCRUBBED!
Ok, I've heard the term before. It gets thrown around loosly. The idea behind it is that the lead generator checks themselves or through a 3rd party to make sure that the lead is not on the "Do Not Call List."
Now I'm thinking...
That means NOTHING to me!
Scrubbed by who? One of those reps from a 3rd world country that hardly speaks English that I talk to when I have computer and technical difficulties from major corporate products? Ones that are given generic English names like Mike, Tom, Bob, and Mary? When their real name is Kilamanjaro!
Have you seen the fines lately for calling someone that is on the DO NOT CALL REGISTERY?
"If a consumer makes a request to a specific organization that they do not call in the future, they are required to honor that request. If they subsequently call again, they may be subject to a fine of up to $11,000!"
I'm not into cold calling. I never have and I never will. I had a job for a few weeks in high school of cold calling with a telemarketing company. Calling at dinner time and the times that are most convenient for you as the caller, but...not for them!
My business clientele is built around referrals and my own marketing efforts, not off of some random offer online or elsewhere, only to be contacted by 10-15 lenders! Be respected!
Is this the perception I want labled on my business? I read once that Real Estate Agents Politicians,Stockbrokers and Telemarketers are three most untrusted professions by consumers. Here's a poll to somewhat back up the claim.
So sure, why not mix two of them together to see how mad I can REALLY get people! No thanks!
Our clients are to be built around forming personal relationships, referrals and informing consumers on various mortgage and real estate topics to gain their confidence. NOT COLD CALLING!
Scott Gormley
Broker/Owner
Oak Valley Mortgage
2006 Chico Assoc. of Realtors Affiliate Chairman
Direct: 530.592.8362
Fax: 530.267.5555
Website: http://www.caloan.com/
Blog: http://www.caloanblog.com/
"You find the perfect home, we'll find the perfect loan!"
;)
;)
Scott,
Glad to hear your opinion on this. I agree! However - it'd be so much nicer if everyone would agree. This is from a personal standpoint: We are and have been on the Do-not-call List - yet it doesn't seem to matter. We get calls to refinance almost daily and Insurance quotes every week. I simply tell them that we are on the Do-not-call list and that's that (at least mostly). However - it does make you think - how much money are those companies possibly paying to be able to make this phone call to us - just to be told "No Thanks - do not call, check your list, TWICE!"