When do you take "No" for an answer?

It also depends on their tone of voice. A doubtful no can be based on someone putting unreasonable doubts in their minds while a definite NO means:
back off!

To me, NO just means NOT NOW. I always leave with the words..."Would it be alright if I contact you again, down the road?"

Originally Posted by RainMaker To me, NO just means NOT NOW. I always leave with the words..."Would it be alright if I contact you again, down the road?"

I love it!

I believe that with good marketing and qualification process, by the time you meet buyers they are ready, it is just a matter of sorting out the details. If they are still saying no, then there is a flaw in the qualification process.
So, it is a good idea to keep the funnel full, so we don't ask for the business per se when we need it but buyers ask for our help when they need it. It is a totally different dynamic.

Let's remember Peter Drucker's words: “The aim of marketing is to make selling superfluous”. I think there is something here. But most companies don't want to market their stuff. They want it all right away, and hire an army of peddlers to go out to "chase 'em and nail 'em".

In a way it is like date rape. Meeting prospects the first time, wrestling them to the ground and taking their money while they are screaming "No".

Isn't it surprising that people have a negative image of salespeople in general? The idea is that your prospects remain in an automated "keep in touch" system until they are ready for the purchase. What is the logic in chasing people who are screaming "No"?

Cheers

Bald Dog

Originally Posted by RainMaker To me, NO just means NOT NOW. I always leave with the words..."Would it be alright if I contact you again, down the road?"

I hate to say it, but I stand corrected with my answer ... this one is the best

I guess I'll stick to search engine marketing

Originally Posted by SiteTutor It also depends on their tone of voice. A doubtful no can be based on someone putting unreasonable doubts in their minds while a definite NO means: back off!

I learned this when dating.

That's where I got my "wisdom" from as well ... then I woke up and realized that I am in a forum full of professionals

Originally Posted by SiteTutor That's where I got my "wisdom" from as well ... then I woke up and realized that I am in a forum full of professionals

I knew that crack was going to get me in trouble.

Originally Posted by Bald Dog In a way it is like date rape. Meeting prospects the first time, wrestling them to the ground and taking their money while they are screaming "No".

This is the only tactic that will work for products that fall short on benefits and HIGH on price. My philosophy is that is your product is a good value, your customer can recognize it and you don't have to shove it down throat before they come to their senses (WHEN they are ready to buy).