Gatekeeper - no such thing

A 'gatekeeper' is a term that salespeople use for someone that

won't let them talk to 'the boss'.

Gatekeepers receive instruction from the boss, meaning;

1. they represent the attitude and operational style of the boss.

2. they are the Business.

3. if they are rude, the Business probably is too. Meaning you can rule them out - job done.

So trying to GET PAST them is illogical.

If they are not difficult then working WITH them is logical

For example, asking, "who do you work with to purchase your ...?"

Using tricks won't work. Courtesy, brevity, helping and persistence might.