gatekeepers

Gatekeeper asks: who is calling

you: this is Bob Richards, is Frank available?

gatekeeper: may I ask what this is about?

you: a new client, is Frank available?

if you are insistent (you keep asking  "is frank available"), this is the best strategy to get connected.

I did have a question about how to best spend my time with gatekeepers and the secretaries that want me to wait while they check if so and so is available or try to find them on the extension in the office directory or listen for that persons name on the auto list that plays on the businesses directory, that sort of thing.  Do you think i should just move onto the next call if i don't get them right away?   Yes.  if secretary cannot put the guy on the line in 15 seconds, then hangup and move on.  Mark as "no answer" and the dialer will call him back on another day.