Stay Persistent, Not Pushy

There’s a significant difference between being persistent on the phone and coming across as aggressive. This distinction can make or break your professional relationships, especially when you’re trying to engage with key decision makers.?

Persistence is about determination, staying top of mind without being overbearing. It’s about following up when you haven’t received an answer, reminding key decision makers that you’re still there and ready to help.?

This could be as simple as checking in if they asked you to call back or gently asking for feedback if promised but not received. Persistence shows commitment, which is a quality many contacts respect.?

It’s this commitment that often leads to new opportunities, as it demonstrates that you’re invested in the relationship, not just the outcome.

Aggression, on the other hand, often stems from frustration and can be counterproductive.?

When you push too hard or adopt a confrontational tone, you risk coming off as rude or disrespectful, which can damage your credibility.

Aggression can create barriers instead of breaking them down. For instance, demanding to be put through immediately because they asked you to call back could sour the interaction.

?It’s the tone, the wording, and the approach that make the difference. Instead of saying, “You told me to call back, so can you put me through now?” try something like, “Hi Sharon, I recall you mentioning this was the best time to reach Steve, could you connect us, please?” This keeps the conversation professional and respectful, showing that you value their time as much as your own.

In my experience, the best contracts often come from decision-makers who appreciate the respectful persistence I bring to follow-ups.?

They see it as a sign of genuine interest, not as an attempt to bulldoze my way through. These are the clients who value a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.?

Over time, this approach builds trust, making it easier to engage in genuine conversations and secure long-term partnerships.

So, when you pick up that phone, let persistence be your hallmark. Approach each call with the mindset that you’re building a relationship, not just chasing an outcome.?

By doing so, you’ll create a positive impression that lasts beyond the initial conversation, turning potential opportunities into real, valuable connections. The key is to be assertive without crossing the line into aggression, ensuring that your dedication is seen as a strength, not a flaw.

It would be great to meet you, so if you want to use this opportunity to ask me anything, discuss issues raised in this article or just fancy a catch up do visit my calendar link here.?https://calendly.com/audreyletschat/virtual-chat

Alternatively feel free to email me:?[email protected]

Client Recommendations

Howard Warburton – Sales and Service Manager – PWS Distributions

Audrey and I first crossed paths through my time in Welfare to Work, we have been connected for a good number of years and share a common interest in self learning, as well as continued professional development for others.?

Audrey and I have worked closely in recent months developing a tailored training programme for a Customer Service working in manufacturing.?

Audrey's time and engagement with the team was superb, which naturally led into natural engagement and buy across the training. Audrey would certainly be welcome back, a definite recommendation.

Rachel Heyes – Associate Director – Employer Engagement and Placements – Nottingham Trent University.

Audrey delivered a fantastic tailored telephone training programme for the business engagement team in Employability at Nottingham Trent University (NTU).?

Audrey's enthusiasm and engaging approach ensured that key new behaviours have been embraced by the team and our sales performance have significantly improved! I would highly recommend Audrey.

Kyriacos Colocassis – Award Winning Service Manager – Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Audrey came to us as a recommendation from IPS Grow and several members of the team were already following her on LinkedIn.?

Audrey delivered specialists bespoke phone based contact / sales training to our large team of Employment Specialists and provided excellent follow along support and feedback. Audrey is highly professional and the follow up and feedback is the best I have seen!?

Highly recommended.