Telemarketing: Inside the Hated Profession, from a Telemarketer

I am sure many of you have gotten the call where someone is offering you most anything over the phone. And it usually comes at the most unfortunate time of the day: when you are using the restroom or sitting down to dinner with the family.

Let me just this: Yes, I have been one of those telemarketers many of times. But like you, I am, and was, trying to make a living, just like you do!

Telemarketers get a bad rap because they are calling people in their homes. Sometimes the companies that call, have certain rules, like three no's and then you can hang up, and then there are some who wait until you give one no, it all depends on the company. It is not the choice of the telemarketer calling you. And for you on the receiving end of the call, don't be afraid to ask them, "How many no's do you need for this call to end?" Some will tell you, some will ignore you.

But for your information, there are two types of telemarketing. Inbound and outbound calls.

Inbound calls are where the customer calls in the call center because of an advertisement. It may be TV, radio, newspaper, fliers or even word of mouth. But point blank, the customer decides the best time to call, you as the telemarketer are only the one receiving said calls.

Outbound calls are where a call center making the calls to the customer to sell, inform, send a representative, or even find out if you are casting your vote in the election. They are doing this to your residence at what ever time, the dialer decides to dial your number.

I have worked both types of call centers. I have a lot of experience in sales, customer service and everything in between for many call centers in Ohio and Florida. But I prefer doing it, where you as the customer call in, at whatever time you determine to be the right time.

And for you, the customer calling into or receiving calls from the call centers, once you reach a real person, remember that the other person on the other end, is doing a job, so that they don't have to live on Welfare, and can support themselves and their family. If you don't want bothered, there is no need to be hurtful and rude, simply say "No thank you." and hang up. Do not wait for a response and keep it going. And when calling into the call centers for an ad, that you hear or see, stating it's "FREE" there is still fine print. Nothing is free. You will be paying shipping and handling! So please have some sort of form of payment ready when you call- this makes the call go faster, for both.

Do not hate people because they do this job, when at least they have a job, and are doing it. Someone has to. Just like someone has to be the one who goes to the portable potties and pumps the waste from them. Someone has to!

Also be forewarned, if you purchase something on line, or through a telemarketer, to keep an eye on your banking statement. There have been numerous call centers that have illegally kept the information and used it later. Be sure what the Representative told you price wise, is what you are billed. Nothing more. And again, don't start dialing the phone because you heard FREE! There is always a catch, nothing in life is free anymore!