I understand the labor market here in Sacramento is relatively cheap, so we have a number of telemarketing firms - and all three of my kids have been stuck doing telemarketing work or political surveys. I did a lot of phone work as a government investigator and got my share of hangup calls, so I have a lot of sympathy.
I try to finish the call quickly, but I also try to say something that will brighten up their day a bit. I can't think of a more thankless job to have.
I used my home phone for government business when I was working, so I still answer rather formally, "Hello, Joe Offer speaking." Many telemarketers think it's a business phone, and I think that word gets around. I don't get many telemarketing calls.
-Joe Offer-