@pwright wrote:
Hi, Hoping somebody can help answer. I have been assigned an apartment complex shop for a specific agent. I have done a few shops, but not when asking for a target person. What if a person answers (1st/2nd call, etc.), and they don't introduce themselves by name? I assume we don't want it to be known that we are shopping that individual? Thanks all!
Been there, done that...got the T-shirt. Its a one-time use tool but here is what I’ve done in the past.
First look at all the listings for ACME Apartments. Often they have 3 or 4 shops for the same place. Make a note of all the names. Then....Don’t do it on the first call. Don’t do it on the 2nd call. By the 3rd call pull this act.... Lets say your target is Janet Wood. When you call after they say, “Thanks for calling ACME Apartments, can I help you?” pause for a beat. Maybe a second or so....then say in a confused voice, Astrid? (use a name that isn’t too common these days...Elenor, Morris, Feliciana, etc... just make sure it’s not one of the other targeted leasing agents).
They will likely say “who”. Then you ask for Astrid again. They they will say, “Nobody here by that name. May I help you?”. At this point, asking who they are is something that would happen normally in a conversation and you don’t look like you’re trolling for a specific person. If she gives the name as a target...score! If not, you can come up with a benign excuse saying you have the wrong number to disconnect the call.
Usually after 2 or 3 days, EPMS will let you ask for first names only.
Good luck.