Now, I am usually pretty level headed and calm when it comes to dealing with the obscene number of vendors that are actually out in the HR Technology world...Given my changing role (To be officially announced in May) I have spent a great deal of time over the past few weeks talking with new vendors that I previously didn't work with demo'ing systems and building partnerships.  ALL vendors have something a little quirky about them - but one thing that I have unfortunately run into is the receptionist that thinks they own the place.

 

Today, quite honestly, takes the cake.  While you may think - I'm not in the ATS/HR Tech space this doesn't apply, but think about what your company does do and the impact that first impression really makes on a company (or person calling in).  This is something that every should look at in their own organization and even "test" by having random calls in to see how a receptionist can handle a situation.   To be quite honest, I will more than likely now NEVER suggest this product to a company and will probably tell people of my experience with them (obviously - without naming the name).   

 

Today I called into a vendor that provides software services for a niche market (ex. of niche markets include healthcare, education, retail, etc) and spoke with their receptionist "Lois".  I politely asked if I could be forwarded to their strategic alliances or sales team.  She put me on hold came back a few minutes later asking what region of the country I let her know I was located in the midwest.  She then said that she can't give out contact information for a sales rep (Strange...) and she would have to take my information and someone would get back to me in a few days. (again strange such a delay if you are trying to sell a product)  I let her know that I often end up getting bounced back to strategic alliances from sales reps and asked if I could speak with whoever handled that if they were in the office, vs waiting a few days to get a response for a client that I am working with that is ready to buy something ASAP.  She then replied "Just who are you!" I told her my name, my title, my company name and explained a bit about what I do.  I then said - is there anyone in Customer Service or anything that can just answer a few questions I have on the product and was told "not for you".  At this point, I was a bit appalled (it gets better) because it had been a normal calm discussion over 45-60 seconds to this point.  I then asked her for her name aftet that comment and was responded back "I'm 'Lois' and you are a BIT** calling in here asking to speak with different people.  You heard me a BIT**."  At this point my jaw literally hit the floor!!!  I said excuse me, I am just trying to get information to  purchase this product - I am working with5 clients who fit in your market.  She again called me a B**ch and offered to forward me to the CEO who she was certain "may" respond today. 

 

Now, I know this is an extreme, but for those of you vendors that are out there and for those of you that are in an industry where people actually call in to your office to speak with sales people and purchase the product - imagine just how appalled you would be with this situation knowing your receptionist is calling people a bad name within 1 minute on the phone just because they are trying to get information on the products you are SELLING!!!!

 

So, so bizarre....Lets hope the rest of the day doesn't turn out the same.... :)