Is a world without rude, shameless people possible? No, it isn't, so why are we so surprised when we encounter one?

My good friend, Sensei, is selling lawn service door to door. It's a tough slog. B to C sales usually is especially cold calling. Sensei called me after a few too many rude greetings. "What is wrong with people?" He yelled. "Who answers the door, puts on a sneer, and says WHAT?"

Sensei is a good man. A successful man.

He's a spiritual and giving man and a good dad, brother, husband, and friend, BUT when you see him at your door, he's just an annoyance. I explained this to Sensei. I said, "Sensei, how happy are you when someone knocks on your door to sell you something? These folks don't know you – The Sensei. You're just some peddler on the porch. You cannot be insulted by someone who has no idea who you are. Their derision is directed at NOT YOU. They are speaking to the annoying person they have prematurely labeled you as.

(And, by the way, rudeness is usually an outward manifestation of a person who is unhappy inside)

"Have fun with it!" I advised him. "If you knock on 100 doors, how many will buy…2? So, what will you lose if you have fun with it and respond with a wisecrack or something irreverent? Nothing. Ninety-eight weren't buying anyway!"

I teach this to all cold callers. Be different; interrupt the usual patterns.

When that guy answers the door and says WHAT? Respond with, "Well, obviously, I shouldn't show YOU what I have. You're certainly not in the mood for me today. Maybe next time." And then turn to leave. Five out of ten times, Mr. Rudy will say, "Hey, wait a minute. Go ahead, tell me what you've got."

My final remark to Sensei was that every day would be like this. 98/100 say no. Some say it more nicely than others. All you can do is have fun, piss some people off, laugh at some others, and close a few contracts in the process.

Remember the five SWs of selling: Some will, Some won't, So what? Someone's waiting, so Stick with it.

Own Your Sales Gene…