Any good networker, sales person or job seeker understands barriers and how to overcome them. But there is one universal stopper we all can’t always come to terms with in how we deal with them–the receptionist.
This is the woman or man at the front door or at the desk in outer office of the boss or kingpin you are trying desperately to reach. They can be unyielding, unflinching and overly protective of their charge. Sometimes you feel like you could lose a limb or an eye should you say or do the wrong thing. Your message, resume or literature package gets filed in that round file below her desk as soon as you leave.
But wait. Before you completely give up, consider the positive approach. This person is actually a doorway, a portal, an entry point, not a wall, gate or barrier. Look at the smiling face, talk to them because they do matter. Consider this: the receptionist is the face of the company, the first face you see, the first voice you hear. At one company where I worked, the receptionist’s title was “Director of First Impressions.” So valuable was their opinion and perspective, that many of them ascended up through the ranks of the company. They know the boss, his direct reports, his guests and colleagues, his or her habits and maybe even their family.
Sounds like a great resource, eh?
So, before writing off this person as a problem, look at them as a resource. Consider:
- After the first call, call them by name and greet them. You are, after all, getting to know them and they deserve your courtesy.
- Always exchange pleasantries in person first before diving into why you are here and who you have to talk with.
- Listen to them and be polite in all exchanges. Who knows, they may eventually give you information you didn’t ask for. Remember the influence they hold.
Remember the gatekeeper, for they are the gate and the entry to what you are seeking.
Relentless
