Coming up against a gatekeeper doesn’t mean you have to retreat. With a few simple strategies, you will be able to safely negotiate your way through to your valuable prospective customer. Here are things to keep in mind:

1—Respect the gatekeeper’s role . . . Whether it’s a receptionist, an executive assistant or another subordinate, it’s important to realize that gatekeepers are being paid to filter people out and protect the time of Mr. Big Cheese. Not all people of course—just the ones who they feel wouldn’t be of great value to their boss. Contrary to popular opinion, they don’t hate all salespeople — just most of them. And for good reason. Most do a poor job of patiently explaining how Mr. Big Cheese would benefit from speaking with them.  Use empathy when speaking to them such as, “I understand that part of your role is to figure out what’s relevant or not for Mr. Big Cheese.”  Understanding that they are simply doing their job will go a long way to connecting with them and reduce defensiveness.

2—Sell them first . . . When you approach a gatekeeper, it will take more time because of the additional effort to sell them first. If you can convey the potential value that your product or service might bring to Mr. Big Cheese he or she is much more likely to let you pass through. A few months ago, I was faced with a very good gatekeeper named Arlene. When I asked for the President, she politely but firmly explained to me, “I’m sorry but I can’t put you through until I know what it’s regarding”. I noted to her that I respected that she was trying to ensure that the President’s time isn’t wasted. I then engaged in a conversation with her similar to what I would with a Mr. Big Cheese. I treated her with respect and carefully explained why it would make sense for Mr. Big Cheese to speak with me briefly. After a few moments, she came back with, “Michael, based on what you’ve told me, I’ll put you through.” I complimented her on the way she handled things and ever since, she recognizes my voice and is warm and friendly.

Remember though that you are only selling the gatekeeper on the benefits for Mr. Big Cheese to speak with you. You are NOT selling your product or service. Yes, the gatekeeper decides who gets through but they are not the economic buyer.

3—Don’t bulldoze them . . . Gatekeepers have the power and authority to shut you out. Trying to muscle your way through them will almost surely backfire. If you irritate them, it’s human nature for them to want to help you less.

4—Call before 9 A.M. and after 5 P.M. . . . I’m not a huge fan of calling prospects on their cell or well outside of business hours—prospects need their personal time too—but calling between 8 & 9 A.M. and between 5 & 6 P.M. will often allow you to dial direct to Mr. Big Cheese’s desk and speak to them while things are less frantic.

5—Be assertive . . . Salespeople sometimes invite gatekeepers to question the purpose of the call by sounding well, like salespeople! One of the concepts we teach in Northbound’s “Connecting to Mr. Big Cheese” workshop is that you are one business professional contacting another on Equal Business Footing. Ask for your “Mr. Big Cheese” as you would if you were calling a colleague—firmly and assertively. Often reception won’t even question your authority to speak with your prospect.

When all else fails—If you’ve tried the above and the gatekeeper is stubbornly shutting your efforts down, you could try this very bold verbiage: “Would you knowingly stand between Mr. Big Cheese and (the major benefit of your product/service)?” Yes, it’s bold, but you’ve got nothing to lose at this point and it has opened the door in some situations.