At 5:30 p.m. on a Friday, while you're stuck in traffic heading home, I'm just hitting my stride. The timing is ideal. Secretaries are gone, and the executives that I want to reach are still at their desks. They're finishing up e-mails to subordinates or calls to the West Coast. They even pick up their phones just in case the CEO is finally returning their call. It's a perfect time for me to catch them at their desks and make my pitch.

"Hi my name is Hesh. We met last week at the 'women in technology' event. Are you available for dinner Saturday night?"

"Who are you?" is the typical response and always said with total bewilderment.

I repeat my line, and add the clincher: "Remember, I was the one who commented on your beautiful lavender shoes."

"The guy with the shoe fetish?" she asks. Great, she remembers me. "So you want a date? And you're calling me Friday at 5:45 p.m. for a date tomorrow?"

"Yes," I respond, "why not? If you are available, seize the opportunity. Carpe diem." …. Dial tone.

Now other guys would feel dejected, but not me. I have learned as an experienced salesman to not to take it personally. The odds are with me. I know if I make 10 calls I will score.

Time is money; my computer is already dialing the next number. The software enters the critical details into my script, and I am ready for my next call. (I use the same programmers who have developed the software for the most sophisticated call centers of Bombay.)

"Hi, my name is Hesh; we met last week at the 'Women in Forensic Accounting' breakfast. You were the guest speaker, and I asked that question about where you bought your lovely earrings. Are you available?"

She hangs up.

But I am not discouraged. I know my system works. I have done my homework. I have pre-qualified my prospects. I have--at a minimum--visually confirmed that the woman is attractive, and that she is both a professional and single.

How do I know that a prospect is a professional? I attend meetings of every women's organization in town and fortunately we have a lot: attorneys, accountants, financial advisers, and PR types. It's interesting that I never get asked why I am at the event. Either the women are happy to see a guy at their meetings, or they just ignore me.

How do I know that a prospect is single? I used to look for a wedding band. However, I learned the hard way, that data is not conclusive. I did find a foolproof method. I ask other women at the meeting; they always know.

When I am successful, and the woman wants to see me again, I have this dilemma. Do I continue prospecting? Actually it really is not an ethical issue. I look at it as any business would. If I get complacent and think I have enough customers, before I know it, I will be out of business. So, no matter what happens Saturday night, Monday morning I am back at my desk preparing to make more calls.

Fortunately my CRM (customer-relationship management) database is very sophisticated, and it can eliminate all prospects that may have a relationship with my "active" account.

A tidbit of wisdom I would pass on to novices using my system. Don't start your calls until Thursday. I have found that prospects who make commitments early in the week are usually backing out by Friday.

One problem I do face is that my software crashes frequently. Many of my previous customers have hacked into my database and transposed telephone numbers.

If you are interested in a trial version of the software, just send me a check for $99.95. The price includes cold-calling techniques and proven scripts for closing the sale.

If not satisfied, I offer a money-back guarantee. Please send proof that you are male and single.

This article may not be copied or reproduced in any way without the expressed written consent of the Author. All licensing reqests are handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact Hesh for more information or to discuss licensing.