I call 51 days in a row and then if I still can't get through, I will bring in a box of cigars (my Dad works at the airport) and when the secretary is so impressed that I remember the prospects birthday, usually makes me wait in the lobby for an hour and then lets me in and I give him some recomendations...

In all seriousness...

I have found the quicker you realize which ones will eventually let you through and which are a dead end and move on, the better... I tell my trainees to give them 2 lines.

"Please tell him ____ is one the phone from _____, it's of a personal business matter"

OR

" I believe Mr......... has spoken to an associate in the past, I just wanted to introduce myself, can you please tell him ________ is on the phone from ______"

Still no go...

Thanks for your time I'll try later, OR Excuse me my other line is ringing, thanks OR whatever you wish to say that is polite and immediately ends the call. Then DO NOT put the phone down but immediately dial the next number...

Just my opinion... be succinct as possible and always be ready to move to the next guy.

Look at cold calling as disqualifing all the people you don't want to do business with.

Or how about just poking yourself in the eye with a railroad spike?

navet - I think that is the first thing you have posted that is worth reading. very funny and my thoughts too.

Call their office before their secretaries get in. Before 8:00 am or after 5:00 pm.

He probably doesn't get in before they do....If he is like most of our office....

Just keep a note who the gatekeepers are and move on. It just depends on how much pounding that number you are calling is getting.