I had a TM call once trying to sell home security systems. I asked, "How do I know that you're not a burglar trying to find out if I have a security system currently?" Then I hung up.
Four things I have done that have helped tremendously: I get about 1-2 calls a month, and my 'solutions' have cost nothing:
1. I do the "Put me on your do not call list" when they call.
2. I request my name/phone list be taken off their "List of numbers to sell to other TM's" list.
3. If I get a second call from a certain company within a short time, I immediately request to speak with a manager, and threaten them with "I'm calling the Better Business Bureau if you call me once more!"
4. I never, NEVER put my phone number in any form/application/survey. I always say it is unlisted. If they require a phone number, I give my work number. (They must have screens there....) Putting your number down in one of these surveys is like asking for TM's to call you!
Take these steps, and you're TM calls will definately go down.
Now, if Ed McMan wants to get a hold of me, my number is: 555-1234!
BTW: before the elections in November here in NJ, I received a recorded message from a certain George W. Bush endorsing the republican candidate Bret Schundler. I won't erase it off my answering machine: I mean how often do you get a
personal call from the president of the United States?
-Zoltan.