Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Pushy...Pushy

Persistence is merely another word for determination. Yes? When goal setting, one is far more likely to get where they wanna go when possessing tenacity and strength. This is when persistence pays. It is a positve. A good thing.

Then there are those times when persistence can be a pesky creature. According to that all true proverbial statement Too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Being overly zealous might not always be the way to go. Too much of a "good thing" (totally relative term) can be a total pain in the butt.

Take for instance, the over-eager-never-let-you-go-so-you-are-forced-to-hang-up-on-them telemarketer. The "P" word (aka "persistence") is part of their job requirement. Meek, timid, people-pleasers need not apply. Telemarketing boss men seek the most annoying, abrasive, pushy people to employ. I've never met a soul who welcomes a telemarketer's call. Their aggressiveness is a big turn off.

Actually, the ugly side of persistence shows itself with most any sales person. At least those who are good at what they do. Door-to-door (do they still exist?) and car salesmen seem to lead the pack. They usually won't take no for an answer. They are equipped with a never ending list of reasons why you should want what they are peddling. If they really have their skills honed, a good salesman could sell hairspray to a bald man. You know the type. The ones who only listen to what you say in order to offer the perfect rebuttal. All that matters to them is making the sale.

I've recently discovered there is another breed of doggedly determined people. These guys may take the prize as the most tenacious of the bunch. Salesmen should take note as they could learn a thing or two from them. These are the men who seek companionship via the net. More specifically, I'm referring to the dudes incessantly filling my inbox in their attempts to make a "sale". And trust me, terse replies and completely ignoring their sales pitch does nothing to deter them.

Via


For instance, I just this second received my 8th message from one fella. It is the eighth email to come in since 8:00 this morning. It is currently 12:00 noon. That averages one per half hour. (Not that I think you are incapable of doing the math. Just seems more unbelievable when I put it in writing.). Never have I seen a more persistent attempt to get noticed. I know the easy answer is to tell the guy "No. Thank you." (which I just did) but I had a challenging morning at work and didn't have the time to respond. One would think the lack of response would be answer enough. But no. All I could do was simply watch as my inbox filled while I went about trying to earn my keep. 

As I mentioned, some of these headstrong gents won't take no for an answer. Much like that hairspray salesman mentioned a paragraph or two ago, the buyer's wants or wishes is of no consequence. A "no" equals a "yes" in their mind. Any...and I do mean any...form of communication is perceived as interest. These men know their product. They believe in what they have to sell to the point they feel the buyer cannot live without it.

And trust me.

Some of these "products" I can live without. Especially the I'm-in-love-with-myself-so-you-must-love-me-too dudes.

And the ones without teeth.

So here is my question and where I ask for help. How do you handle hard core salesmen? How do you shut them down?  Without being rude? I would love to find a witty way of getting them to see the err of their ways but I've yet to come up with a good comeback. I know I can simply walk away but like I said, completely ignoring these guys doesn't work. Give me your best suggestion. The funnier...more creative... the better.

P.S. Not all guys of the net are this way. Many are perfect gentlemen. Just thought I would share a laughable side of online dating.

P.P.S. I fear this sounds somewhat conceited...like I'm implying all guys want me. Trust me, that is NOT the case. Anyone who ventures into the crazy world of online dating can attest to the fact that what I described happens to everyone at some point or another. In other words, I'm nothing special. :-)

18 comments:

  1. I know your pain...or my own version of it! And they can actually turn belligerent should you turn them down when THEY believe they are the one for YOU....or YOU are the one for them. They have decided and whatever your opinion, you are wrong. BLOCK THEM. Do not EVEN answer...just BLOCK. You may not like this choice, but it is what I came down to as the best solution after many years of trial and error with the online dating world. There are a very few times when you might find someone who is truthful but most of the good ones, have a "concierge service" that will contact you FOR them. LOL It is an interesting adventure and you can meet people who are fun to talk to even if you never meet them. Good luck, Hon!

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    1. Judy, I have to agree. It certainly is and interesting adventure...one I've been on for quite a few years. Fortunately, I've only had to block a few but maybe that really is my problem. I probably need to block more of them. And yes, there are opportunities to meet some awesome people. All in all, it is a good thing!

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  2. i feel a little better about myself now.. thanks :)

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    1. You should John...you fall in the category of "gentleman". :-)

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  3. I can't stand the junk emails I get trying to sell me ... luckily I never ever answer my home phone, so I don't have to deal with them! lol!!!

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    1. LOL! I never answer my home phone either. At least I don't if it is an unrecognizable number. But...I can't ever seem to find my glasses to be able to read the numbers anymore so they are ALL unrecognizable. Haha!

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  4. I'm sorry Lisa! I will try harder to limit the emails!! LOL. :D

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    1. I was wondering if you would take the hint. LOL! Hope you are having a great day today! :-)

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    2. I was afraid you meant me, and I do not even have your e-mail !! LOL. But I did text you on Tuesday, figured you were busy. And I hope you are also having a great day. ;-)

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    3. Holy cow! I thought I responded to your text but it got saved as a draft. So sorry. Will message you right now! :-)

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  5. If I fail to screen an incoming call & it's too late & I'm hearing the opening line to a sales pitch (usually telling me that they're not selling anything & 'this will only take a few moments of my time...which in itself racks up a good minute or two!) I like to have a bit of fun!! In my best 'posh' English accent (while they're usually phoning from New Delhi!) I ask them to repeat what they've said as I really didn't catch it....then 'No Sorry...do try again'...after a few attempts I find they generally give up! This works with Scottish, Birmingham or Geordie accents equally well! It may be a tad non-PC & borderline racist, but it breaks the monotony of housework & how the heck did these people get our phone number in the first place?!! Sorry I can't offer any advice on the 'Men' front...not had to deal with that kind of situation in a long while & my skills are more than a bit rusty!! Enjoy the attention but stay in control!! :D

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    1. Ahhh...if only I could tap into those accents. Of course, that would be THE only way I would talk from now on. I adore accents. As for the men, overall it isn't a problem. I can actually block them if need be. I just found the abundance of emails too funny not to share.

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  6. The only thing more annoying than too many emails, is none.

    Count your blessings, your a pretty lady.

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    1. So much more than pretty!! Absolutely Beautiful inside and out!! :)

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    2. Easy big fella, its a blog.

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    3. Joe, as always, you build me up in the most awesome way. So glad to call you my friend.

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  7. You got that right anonymous! Best blog on the net! :)

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  8. She writes better than she realizes, Joe, we agree.

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