You should try Sales Recruitment! Spent 2 years working for Austin Benn in the late 80's, we used to get 4 bo*****ing sessions a day irrespective of how well we'd done. Fortunately employers can't get away with this now without being sued.
Toughens you up though, telesales in this industry is a stroll in the park by comparison.
Things to consider are: that everyone has a cleaning need; most companies have a sales/telesales force so they understand the need for marketing; without sales commerce would grind to a halt; every successful person is a salesman/woman.
In this business a prospective client's situation can change in the space of a few months, appointments are often as a result of your call being made to the right person at the right time, I believe that at appointment stage a prospect doesn't care which cleaning company gets an appointment, although afterwards it does become important.
I try to ensure that all of my prospects are called every 3-4 months. This should catch most opportunities without hassling the recipient. It also helps to develop a relationship as long as you handle it right.
Remember; hard work + opportunity = success!
To soften your approach (if you don't like direct contact) you can send out an introductory letter prior to the phone call, this also helps get past the receptionist/secretary (sales prevention officer!) as you can say that 'Mr Smith' is expecting your call without lying.
I could go on in a lot more detail but I know some of my competitors use this forum so I wont. That's the kind of animal Austin Benn turned me into!
Musicman
PS If someone gives you an appointment just to stop you hassling them you have got it very, very wrong (or they are incredibly weak - in which case they shouldn't be in their job.)