Getting a target agent

I know I have seen a discussion on this in the past, but I cannot seem to find it. What are some tips for getting a target agent if they are never the one to answer the phone? Also, what do you use as your out if it is not them that answers? I have only done one or two targets and it was fairly easy....this shop not so much....

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Hi, may I speak with name?

After a few attempts, the MSC will give you permission to ask for the target by name.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton

@HonnyBrown wrote:

After a few attempts, the MSC will give you permission to ask for the target by name.

Hanging up on the others... I'm sorry I have the wrong number.

Make sure you have the right "name".

I once called and talked to the person I thought was the target because she used her name when she answered the phone. At the in person visit, I found out there were two "names" in the office and I had made the appointment with the wrong one.

If someone else answers ask a question that they can answer in less than 30 seconds...do they have a size apartment you have determined they don't,will you be able to bring your pit bull mix dog, what school district are they in, does unit have gas/electric appliances, do hey accept Section 8 if you have determined they don't, how close are they to public transportation, are they walking distance to [store of your choosing], are they close to hiking trails, etc.

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt

If what KathyG mentioned does not work, you can ask the scheduler if the target is a manager. Often, managers delegate to the others so that they never have to be the first to pick up a call.
If the target is a manager. You can say you would prefer to speak with the manager because you had a bad experience in the past at whatever industry they are in.

________________________________________
Two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts do.

My experience, since my first targeted shop many years ago. is not all MSCs grant permission to ask for the worker. Before accepting the job, I inquire as to if it is permissible to request the person and, if not, I add $10 to my fee. At that point, I am either assigned or the scheduler looks elsewhere.

@turfman wrote:

What are some tips for getting a target agent if they are never the one to answer the phone? ....

For Ellis:

1. Preview shop and note the target name (will be in preview) BEFORE accepting shop.
2. Call property on the local line.
3. If target answers, ask some quick question about pets, smoking, or four-bedroom units and hang up.
4. Self-assign the shop and quickly make a second call to property on the Ellis Call Recording Line. 90% of the time, that target agent is on phone duty and you’re going to snag him/her.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/07/2021 09:27PM by ColoKate63.

Great point!

One target had a variation of her name. This way she knew who the shopper was.

@wrosie wrote:

Make sure you have the right "name".

I once called and talked to the person I thought was the target because she used her name when she answered the phone. At the in person visit, I found out there were two "names" in the office and I had made the appointment with the wrong one.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton

When that has happened to me, I've always been paid with no penalty. It is up to the client to let the MSC know that there are two people with the same name and it's up to the MSC to give you a heads-up.... When it is handled correctly, you'll have a warning in your guidelines about it - and sometimes a suggestion for how to get the "right" person - often a work schedule so that you know when actual target is working and the other not. (If they change work schedules, it's still up to the client to keep the MSC posted.)

@wrosie wrote:

Make sure you have the right "name".

I once called and talked to the person I thought was the target because she used her name when she answered the phone. At the in person visit, I found out there were two "names" in the office and I had made the appointment with the wrong one.

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.

If you do need to ask for somebody by name, be sure to have a reasonable - yet vague - story..... I've done well with "My new boss's girlfriend said that you were the person to contact." and.. "No, I don't recall her name, I met so many people that night."

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.

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Getting a target agent

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