How do you like to be contacted by vendors?

We might turn this into a new poll, but I think this type of question will help the process between vendors and corporate executives: Executives, how would you like to be contacted from vendors? Hopefully, everybody sees how the vendor/client relationship can be a positive one, but it's not without annoyances along the way, if vendors don't know what is the most convenient way to contact potential prospects. So can you give some guidance to make sure that vendors understand the best way to get a hold of you?

I like telephone contact first. Then I usually request that info be sent to my email. That way I can review it, then set an appointment IF I am interested in the product or service.

When being contacted by vendors I prefer email. When I say that, it doesn't mean I want to be automatically subscribed to your newsletter. I like a personal and customized message that shows some insight into my company, and one that doesn't assume I need your product. You don't know me yet, and just because I am not a customer of yours does not mean I have no idea about your product or that I am in desperate need for it.

I prefer email and text messages over any other other form of communication. That is unless I make the initial contact and asked for a call back.

I would be interested in seeing poll results on this subject. Almost all of my contacts and clients have come from referrals and word of mouth. Almost nothing has come as a result of the "cold call" method.

Ask and you shall receive, Jonathan. The poll is on the left side of the page now.

glass of wine always works...

seriously...never cold call, email or snail me...never! Trade Shows and conferences are the best for me because I have that "hat" on and I'm ready to listen & learn.

You've inspired me, Kellie! After reading your post, I realized that every person has their own unique preferences on how they want to be contacted. But how are people supposed to know how one person or another likes to be contacted? So we have added a new profile field to answer that question!

Now when you edit your profile , you can select how you prefer to be contacted! (shown on the "Profile" tab). This is designed to help everybody, as vendors don't really want to annoy their prospects, so this gives them guidance on how to approach them.

You can see an example of how it looks here: www.multifamilyinsiders.com/home/userprofile?InsiderBrent

(If you think we have missed an option, please let me know.)

Ditto, Misters Juleen and Brewer. Email first. Personally crafted.

Vendors who contact me without having done any research into what I and/or my company do let me know that I'm just a number that has to be reported on their daily tally sheet as a "sales call".

These days more so than any other it's easier than falling off of a log to take a peek into who/what/where me and my company interests are.

As a suggested follow-up after an email intro, a gorgeous pair of size 7 shoes always gets my attention.

Kudos for the topic & Thank you Brent! I've already updated my profile...personally crafted emails are best since I didn't see "glass of wine" as an option on my edit list:)

Great idea Brent. Its great to see everyone's best practices and thoughts being discussed.

@Tamela- You illustrate it well

@Kellie -white, red or chablis?

Great discussion topic and the response from Owner Managers is one that is echoed in this industry. Appointment, reason, opportunity, prior connection, all necessary for a meeting to take place.

Grassy Jonathon and Ditto Heidi. I updated my profile as well.
Kellie, will you share the grapes?

Also, will you guys please make sure to pass my revised contact info on to George Clooney.

I'm on the road, and I can't get a cell to return his call today. AT&T must have a dead spot here where I am.
Way to go, Brent.

Thanks Brent...changed my profile as well...good idea! And I'm not picky on my type of wine...just as long as it isn't in a box...then I'm good to go!