14 Actionable Tips On How To Get Past The Gatekeeper In Sales

If you ever faced the challenge of getting past the gatekeeper in sales, you’re in the right place. We get it; it can be super frustrating, but fear not! We’ve got your back with 14 super-duper easy tips that will help you breeze through this journey.

In this blog post, we’ll spill the beans on how to tackle the gatekeeper blues using simple, no-fuss techniques. Whether you’re new to cold calling or trying to master the art of building rapport, buckle up and get ready to ace your sales game like a pro.

Without further ado, let’s dive into these actionable tips that will make those gatekeepers open the doors wide for you! Ready, set, go!

What Is A Gatekeeper?

A gatekeeper in sales is like a friendly guard standing in front of a big castle. Imagine you want to talk to the king or queen inside the court (the decision maker) to sell your cool stuff. But the gatekeeper is there to make sure only the right people get in.

In the business world, a gatekeeper is someone who answers the phone or opens emails. They decide who gets to talk to the important decision-makers, like the king or queen. Sales reps have to be smart and polite to get past these gatekeepers. It’s like a game where you need to be clever to win.

To get past the gatekeeper, sales professionals use tricks like building rapport, which means making friends and being nice. They also practice answering questions well to show they know what they’re talking about. By doing this, they can get closer to talking to the decision-maker and making the sale. It’s all about being smart, friendly, and patient in the world of sales.

Is Gatekeeping Bad? 

Gatekeeping in sales, like a big locked door, can take a lot of work to open. Imagine you want to sell something, but there’s a gatekeeper blocking your way. It’s like a challenge! But is it bad?

Not really! Gatekeepers are like guards. They protect busy people called decision-makers. These decision-makers are the bosses who make big decisions in a company. Gatekeepers help them focus on important tasks.

To get past gatekeepers, you need skills.  And sales reps have them. They build rapport, like making friends. They answer questions and make gatekeepers like them. They also do cold calling talking to strangers about their products.

Gatekeeping is right; it’s just a game. Sales professionals use their charm to open doors. They don’t break the gates; they find the keys through good communication and patience. So, with the right approach, gatekeeping isn’t a problem; it’s just part of the sales adventure!

How Do You Get Past The Gatekeeper When Cold Calling? 

When you’re making those nerve-wracking cold calls as a sales rep, dealing with gatekeepers can feel like a huge challenge. We’ve got some super simple tips to help you breeze past those gatekeepers and reach the decision-makers you need to talk to. Let’s see how to get past the gatekeeper step by step.

1. Be respectful and build trust

When dealing with gatekeepers in sales, being polite and friendly is crucial. Imagine the gatekeeper as a friendly guard protecting the decision-maker, like a castle! Speak with a smile in your voice and be respectful. Building trust is like making a new friend; be genuine and kind. Don’t rush or be rude because gatekeepers have an important role. Next, ask questions and answer theirs, too, showing you value their time. Imagine it as a friendly chat where you show interest, and they might help you. Building rapport, or friendship, is key. Remember, just like in a story, the gatekeeper can help you meet the hero (the decision-maker) if you’re nice and patient.

2. Remain honest

When it comes to making sales calls, dealing with gatekeepers can take time and effort. But don’t worry; there are simple tricks to get past them and reach the big decision-makers. First things first, be honest! Tell the gatekeeper who you are and why you’re calling. Honesty goes a long way and makes your chat real. Next, try to build a friendly connection, or what they call ‘rapport.’ Be nice and polite, like you’re talking to a friend. If they ask questions, answer them calmly. Don’t use fancy words; just keep it simple. Remember, the key is persistence. Keep trying, and with time, you’ll get better at getting through those gatekeepers and talking to the important people who can say ‘yes’ to your offer.

3. Stay Calm

When it comes to talking to people who guard the door to the big bosses, like gatekeepers, it can be tricky. But don’t worry; and there are ways to get past them! First, when you call (that’s cold calling), be calm and friendly. No need to panic! Remember, these gatekeepers are just doing their job. Second, be nice to them and answer their questions patiently. Building rapport, or making friends, is key. Tell them why you’re calling and how you can help. If they say the boss (that’s the decision maker) isn’t available, don’t give up! Be polite and ask when a good time to call back is. Sales reps like you need to be constant but always polite. And remember, every call is a chance to learn and get better at talking to those gatekeepers.

4. Use your prospect’s first name

When dealing with gatekeepers in sales, like secretaries or receptionists, it’s crucial to know a few tricks to get through. First, try using the decision maker’s first name if you know it. People respond better when you talk to them personally. Second, building rapport is key. Be friendly, polite, and genuine, as this helps create a positive impression. Third, answer questions confidently. If you sound sure of what you’re talking about, gatekeepers are more likely to let you through. Remember, persistence is important, but always be respectful. Practice good communication with sales reps and professionals; learning from each other’s experiences can help you tackle various gatekeeping situations.

5. Be understanding

When you’re trying to sell something and the gatekeeper is standing in your way, it can feel tricky. But don’t worry; there are ways to get past them! First, be nice and understanding. Imagine if you were in their shoes, just doing your job. Show them you get it, and they might help you out. Next, talk to the right person, the decision maker. They’re the boss who can say yes! Build a good relationship with them. Answer their questions honestly and be friendly. Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep trying, and soon, you’ll be a pro at getting past those gatekeepers and making successful sales.

6. Avoid trying to sell to the gatekeeper

Getting past the gatekeeper is tricky but important. Instead of trying to sell your product or service to them, focus on building a friendly connection. Be polite and ask questions, but don’t spill all your sales talk. The real boss, called the decision-maker, is who you want to talk to. Gatekeepers are just doing their job, so respect that. If you’re nice and patient, they might help you reach the big shot. So, be smart, don’t rush, and soon you’ll be talking to the right person about your cool product.

7. Treat the gatekeeper as a resource instead of an obstacle

When dealing with the tricky gatekeeper in sales, consider them your secret weapon, not a hurdle. Think of them like a treasure trove of information! These friendly folks can spill the beans on what the big boss really wants. Be nice, ask about the company’s needs, and you’ll find they can be your best ally in cracking the sales code. So, next time you make that cold call, remember the gatekeeper might hold the key to your success.

8. Mention a connection

To get past gatekeepers, you need to be smart. First, be friendly and build a good relationship with the gatekeeper. Second, answer their questions honestly and confidently. If you know someone in the company, mention their name. This creates a connection and makes the gatekeeper more likely to help you. Remember, sales is all about talking to the right person, so don’t give up! Keep trying, and soon, you’ll find the right person who can make the decision you need.

9. Show confidence

There are tricks to get past the gatekeepers and land your pitch where it matters! First things first, be confident. Confidence reflects positivity and can win hearts. Speak clearly, believe in your words, and watch how your energy spreads. Also, being friendly – building a good relationship can make a huge difference. Remember, even gatekeepers are people. Don’t hesitate to answer their questions politely. Lastly, know your stuff. Understand your product or service inside out, so when you talk, it’s like you’re the wizard of your field. 

10. Gather knowledge about the gatekeeper

Do your homework! Learn about what gatekeepers do so you can talk their language and ask the right questions. Building rapport is key. Be friendly and genuine; it goes a long way. Also, when cold calling, be ready with answers to their questions. If you get stuck, feel free to ask the decision-maker directly. Sales reps often face this challenge, but with the right approach and understanding of gatekeeper roles, you can navigate through and reach the people you need to talk to.

11. Ditch the small talk

When you’re making sales calls, you might face a gatekeeper, like a receptionist or secretary, who guards the decision-makers. To get past them, it’s crucial to be polite and not waste time on chit-chat. Focus on your purpose and explain why you’re calling in simple words. Be respectful and confident, even if you’re nervous. Answer questions clearly and directly. If you face objections, handle them calmly and confidently. Remember, building a good relationship with gatekeepers can open doors to decision-makers. So, be genuine and patient. With practice and constant efforts, you can improve your skills in getting past these gatekeepers and reaching the right people for your sales pitch.

12. Be prepared for hangups and failures

Always be ready for setbacks. Rejections and hang-ups are normal, so don’t let them get you down. Stay cheerful, learn from each call, and keep going. Second, building rapport is key. Be friendly and genuine; people are more likely to help someone they like. Third, know your stuff. Understand your product or service inside out so when you talk to the gatekeeper, you sound confident. Lastly, be constant. Don’t give up after one try. Keep calling and trying, and you’ll find your way to the decision-makers. Remember, practice makes perfect.

13. Try another department

When facing a tough gatekeeper during sales calls, don’t give up! If the main entrance seems blocked, try another way in. Some companies have different departments, each with its gatekeeper. If the gatekeeper in one department could be more friendly, try reaching out to another department within the same company. Sometimes, a different person might be more willing to listen and help you out. It’s like trying other doors until you find the one that opens easily. By exploring different paths, you increase your chances of connecting with the right people, making it easier to talk to decision-makers and sales professionals. 

14. Make a call outside business hours

When dealing with gatekeepers in sales, timing is key! One smart trick is to make your calls when the business is closed, like super early or after work hours. This way, you might catch the big boss without the gatekeeper blocking your way. Imagine this: you call when the gatekeeper is taking a break, and voila! You talk directly to the decision-maker. It’s like finding a secret path. Also, be friendly and polite, ask questions, and be patient. Building a good connection with the decision-maker is like making friends; you want them to like you. So, remember, be sneaky with your timing and be nice – that’s how you get past those gatekeepers.

What to Say to Get Past the Gatekeeper?

The following are a few suggestions an individual could say to get past the gatekeepers:

1. Say you’re trying to help

When dealing with gatekeepers in sales, it’s crucial to be sincere and straightforward. Instead of trying fancy tricks, just be genuine! Start by telling them you’re not there to waste their time. Be honest about why you’re calling. Say, “I really think our product/service can help you, and I’m here to help however I can.” Building a friendly connection is key. Don’t use complicated words; keep it simple. Being polite and genuine can open doors, even in the business world. Be yourself, be nice, and you might find your way to the decision-maker.

2. Use humor to build rapport with the gatekeeper

One way to get past gatekeepers is by using humor. Imagine telling a small, funny story or joke. It’s like giving them a sweet treat, making them friendlier. But remember, just like too much candy isn’t good, too many jokes might annoy them. So, keep it simple and nice. Also, try talking to the gatekeeper like a friend. Be polite, ask questions, and be patient. If you’re friendly, they might open the castle door for you, leading you to the decision-maker inside.

3. Ask the gatekeeper for information

Instead of trying to push past gatekeepers, simply ask, “Hey, can you tell me who deals with buying stuff here?” This friendly approach makes them more helpful. Once you know the decision maker, it’s easier. When talking to them, be nice, too. Ask about what they need and answer their questions. Building a good connection helps. Salespeople, the ones who sell things, do this to find the right people to talk to. It’s like making friends – being nice enables you to find what you need.

Examples Of Gatekeeping Scripts 

Here are three simple and effective scripts to help you navigate the tricky waters of gatekeeping and get to the decision-makers.

1. Script 1: The Friendly Approach

Sales Rep (SR): Hello, may I speak with the person in charge of [specific department]?

Gatekeeper (GK): I’m sorry, they’re busy at the moment.

SR: Oh, I understand. I’ll just take a moment of their time. I’m calling to help [specific department] save money on [product/service]. Please let them know it’s about a great cost-saving opportunity. It will only take a minute, and I promise it’s worth their time.

2. Script 2: The Curiosity Sparkler

SR: Hi there! Can you help me? I’m reaching out to the person who handles [relevant topic] for your company. I have some valuable information that could make their job easier. Who might that be?

GK: Um, I think that would be [Decision Maker’s Name].

SR: Perfect! Thanks a bunch. Please let them know [Your Company] has a fantastic solution that has been helping businesses just like yours. I bet they’d love to hear about it.

3. Script 3: The Compliment Card

SR: Hi, I’ve heard great things about your company’s work in [specific industry]! I’m calling because I believe we have something that could complement your efforts beautifully. Is the person in charge of partnerships available to chat for a moment?

GK: Well, yes, that would be [Decision Maker’s Name].

SR: Wonderful! I appreciate your help. Please let them know that we admire the work they do, and we’d love to explore how we can work together to achieve even greater success.

Connect, Persist, Convince To Get Past Gatekeepers

In the sales realm, navigating past sales gatekeepers resembles discovering a secret passage to success. Grasp the finer details to overcome sales objections effectively. Cold calling, though intimidating, becomes more manageable with a strategic approach, impressing decision-makers in the process. Equipped with knowledge, sales reps adeptly address questions, effortlessly building rapport. Consider gatekeepers as mere obstacles, not tough barriers; exercise patience and employ savvy strategies to win them over. Forge connections with sales professionals, utilizing lead-generation techniques to unlock new opportunities. When faced with objections, view them as chances to learn and improve. Ultimately, persistence and a positive attitude prove invaluable. 

Keep striving, keep learning, and soon, you’ll master the art of navigating past sales gatekeepers to achieve your sales goals. Success is just a call away.

You can thank us later for the tips & tricks. 

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