Recently, when planning a telemarketing unit for a wholesaler, the question came up, How will our other employees react?

I laughed out loud.

Theyll be shocked! I shot back.

And its true. When you develop an in-house tele-sales unit, youre bringing in an alien culture.

Its not quite as dramatic as putting cats and dogs together, but there is an image I cant get out of my mind: lions and lambs!

Not really.

But close!

Telemarketers are rowdy, self-obsessed, mavericks when you compare them to other employees. If they have any substantial experience on the phones, theyll take a glance at your place and don an expression that says:

Ive seen better!

Well, who needs them, right?

You do, and they know it. Either: (1) You cant do what they do; or (2) You dont want to do what they do.

I did some consulting work for Kelly Tire in Cumberland, Maryland, a few years back. They named their tele-sales group, The Live Wires, and they were very lively, indeed.

They had a separate dress code, different working hours, pay, and nearly everything else.

And so they wouldnt be too much of a culture shock to the rank and file, they were even given their own entrance and exit to the building!

So, when youre developing your unit, be aware of these dynamics, and plan, accordingly.

You may want to create a special place for your tele-people, as well!