We Can All Learn from Telemarketers

As we reach a “certain age” and accumulate a lifetime of knowledge in a specific field, there should be a way to continue to use that knowledge to better mankind. Too often, I see seniors (yep, I’m one) who could make an incredible difference in the world if given the opportunity, but instead are cast aside and left to learn pickleball, or start painting classes just to get out of the house.

I have a loved one, who shall remain anonymous, but who lives in my home and can spend an hour on the phone with what I assume is a favored friend, only to find out that the person on the other end of the call is a telemarketer attempting to extract cash from my unsuspecting guy. Why is it that non-profit professionals haven’t found a way to engage my life partner? He has the financial resources, clout, important connections, and incredible business savvy to share. Instead, he shares his knowledge with friends like himself as they revel in the good old days sharing hilarious stories while nonprofits flounder on the internet like lost puppies in the internet jungle, desperately searching for the perfect bone of support for help.

Simply put, young (under 50… is that young?) non-profit leaders have lost the art of communication. They think a meaningful relationship is a repartee in an email chain, or worst yet, in a mass message targeted at “donors” from $1 or $10 million! Yep… they all get the same mass communication.

But here’s the thing – telemarketers, slimy they may be, have mastered the art of communication. They know how to engage someone in a conversation, build rapport, and ultimately make a sale. Now, I’m not saying we should all become telemarketers, but we can certainly learn a thing or two from these creepy people.

As we age, we shouldn’t be cast aside and left to our own devices. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be incredibly valuable to the world. Non-profit organizations should be tapping into this resource. They should be reaching out to people like my adorable guy,  and engage them in meaningful ways.

So, let’s take a page out of the telemarketer’s book and learn how to communicate effectively. Let’s actually attempt face-to-face meetups, yes, these things often happen, people really do like to go for a coffee and tell stories and build relationships. Why can’t we engage in conversations that can lead to making a real impact in the world.

It is said that age is just a number, and just last week while visiting family in Canada, I met with an amazing friend who just turned 101 years of age. She is incredible with a lifetime or two of knowledge and experience that are timeless, and a sense of humor that is breathtaking.

As a senior myself, but not retired yet and still in the game, I find that there is plenty to learn from those who charted the way for us all. It’s time for non-profit leaders to recognize that they are missing out when they don’t attempt to converse and start tapping into the incredible resource that is the retired community.