Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Fake Calls & Books Galore

Today at work (on my day off) I had to go in and do a phone call blitz. This includes calling companies around the U.S to see if they are interested in staying at the hotel and using the meeting conference rooms. I was told that if I did this I would win prizes for any companies that confirmed a meeting room. I knew that I would not accomplish this feat because I am no saleswoman. I hate being pestered so therefore I extend my same non pushy hand to others. Whenever the person on the other end of the phone sounded (is sounded a real word?) even remotely uninterested I quickly thanked them for their time and moved on.

I had a list of 16 companies. Most of the numbers went straight to voicemail and we were told to not leave messages. After quickly going through my list I looked around and noticed that most of the other employees were not even close to being done. They are better salesmen. I asked my manager if there were any other numbers and she said that there wasn't and I should just continue to call those that didn't answer in hopes that they will eventually be annoyed and just answered. After doing this 3 or 4 times I felt ridiculous for not talking so I started calling my cell phone and pretended to talk to real people. It was entertaining and I felt as if I got good practice in. "Oh you do come out to Salt Lake on a regular basis?......silence....."Well perfect do you have a moment so I can explain the wonderful amenities that we offer at our hotel?....silence...."Well thank you I really appreciate your time, this will only take a moment."

Any time I got any contact name or address to send further information I received fake money and I was told I could redeem it at the end of my two hour phone blitz. At the end of my real and fake calls I ended up with 27 dollars. I was proud. All the others received between $70-$100. I don't care, I'm still proud. I redeemed my cash for a $25 barns and noble gift card. I was completely stoked!

I got home and logged online. I got quite the deal. Let me explain. Barns and Noble has a great sale going on right now. Buy 2 books and get the 3rd free. I added 6 books to my cart. Also, if you spend over $10 bucks you get free shipping (it will be here in 3 days!). I looked online and found a coupon for 20% on retailmenot.com. Thanks Jill for showing me that website. I added my $25 gift card and the total balance for me was a beautiful $0.94. Not too shabby!

I can't wait to devour these books! All in all it was a pretty decent day.

5 comments:

Kelsey Fairbanks said...

Oh my gosh that's too funny!! That's why I like you. The old manager, Gay, used to make me call places like that... Only I just told her no one liked her deal, haha... you are awesome!

Shanna said...

LOL, I love that you actually had fake conversations with yourself...I thought you had just called your cell and let it ring to voicemail. You are really good at faking busy! I am proud.

Brittney and Nikolaus said...

Major major props! Barnes and Noble is my happy place... along with Costco and Lowe's = )

Jan DeGiulio said...

Love the part of your talking to your cell phone! What books did you buy? You are a great shopper!

Life as Linds said...

Jan,

Below are the books I purchased. They all are just random books.

The Thirteenth Tale
The Sugar Queen
Flowers for Algernon
Almost Moon
Kindness of Strangers
Sacred Bones

The Almost Moon is an Alice Sebold. I did not like The Lovely Bones but I like how she writes so I am giving her a second chance. I will let you know if its good or not. Do you have any good books that you suggest?