Gone will be those days where I would snub, spit or spat at telemarketers who always happen to spring upon me when I am busy sorting out things at home with the kids, which means I am either spewing smoke or coughing out blood. (A typical Chinese way of describing extreme stress.)
I assure you, my opinion have not been coerced out of me, neither have I gone nuts, nor are under the influence of drugs or received any godly revelations. Only it's because I have joined the world of the TELEMARKETERS.
For a good 2 weeks, since mid March, I have been working in the a French hotel group as a telemarketer. I convinced myself, that whoever works in this profession doesn't need to be a rocket scientist, so with guts of steel and a gung-ho spirit, I settled into my new job.
Guess what?
It's the toughest job ever in this world. First, you will need the face of Sylvester Stallone, the body of Arnold Schwarzenegger and lastly, the prowess of Monica Lewinsky to sell your services or products. You need to be more than a rocket scientist. Like a chameleon, one has to assume many roles, sometimes a therapist, finance manager, personal shopper all roll into one YOU.
On top of that , you need the voice of a chanteuse, a UN translator (speaking many languages is a boon)and the ability to roll out hotel room rates at the snap of you fingers. Having good looks doesn't count as nobody can see you, they are on the other side, for goodness sake!
Trust our American marketing expert to come up with scripted sales pitch to assist you in your first day of work. I find myself fumbling and mumbling for awhile before I got the upper hand. Still, I could not escape making incoherent sales talk especially in the first hour of the morning when my "engine" did not warm up readily (When the brain doesn't connect to your tongue).
Alas, you have to sell the same product everyday and that can be a damper to your spirit. You will then need to cultivate the temperament of the lark in order to make your conversation as natural and chirpy every single day. That's is not an easy feat. Firstly, is convincing them to part with their money for something they can't see. Then, getting them to reveal their credit card number to seal the deal is like getting the oyster to spit out the pearl and without getting your fingers pinched.
Yes, these hard working people deserves more respect from us. This is my personal oath, that I'll try to be gentler, kinder, more understanding and supportive when I pick up the phone next time YOU call.
