A publicist called me earlier in the week, interested in “speaking about some out of the box ways we might work together in co-branding efforts.”  He’s the publicist for a popular author whose work I support.  And if you’re reading this, I mean no disrespect, it’s just a good example to share.   I emailed back that “I don’t sponsor or barter advertising, so I guess that means I don’t go out of the box or co-brand.”  He called again last night, 15 minutes after I closed the office, and was leaving for a meeting.  My mind was completely on what I was doing and where I was going, yet I answered the phone automatically when it rang.  He’d earlier asked for ad rates and we were up on deadline, so I wanted to make sure to get him in if he wanted in.  But I was on the way out the door with other matters on my mind, and frankly, I did not have time to hear a press release about why I should donate an ad to his client.

I mean no disrespect, but that’s always what that boils down to: Someone wants me to partner with them, meaning I give them ad space in return for me being listed as a sponsor in their workshop handouts, and having the magazine available at the venue for attendees to pick up.  But they won’t come right out and tell me that’s what they want.  They want to give me a verbal press release as if they have to convince me of the value of their work. They don’t begin by asking, “do you have 3 minutes to listen to a business idea?”  That is their first mistake if they are calling a busy person.  Don’t they teach this stuff anymore?

I knew this author’s work and I knew their process was effective.  Nonetheless, I’m old school, I don’t jump in with a sales pitch to anyone.  If I’d like a few minutes to pitch someone an idea, I ask them if they have the time for it.  Just because someone sees me in public or gets me on the phone does not mean I have time to discuss their idea.  So I cut the call short, and later emailed him:

“I apologize for the short phone call yesterday.  I was headed out the door, scribbling notes into a file in my hand, at the end of a 14 hour day.  My mind was completely on what I had to do in front of me, and not on the words you were saying.  I knew I could not give you the attention your topic deserved right then, that is why I had to cut you short.

The reason I need you to email me about what you have to discuss is that (1) I’m on the phone constantly and so I prioritize phone time and (2) I’m very visual, and only if I have something to read at my leisure will I make a decision about partnering with someone.  Even an unofficial, informal, off the record email; I’m not talking about an official proposal.

For instance, you use a lot of terminology that I am just now becoming familiar with.  Most people I know who use those terms are network marketers and people wanting me to sponsor or otherwise barter/donate ad space in return for association with them. I don’t use those terms and phrases, and they are confusing to me.  I want to make sure I understand quite simply what someone is asking me.  At the end of our 3-4 minutes yesterday, I did not know what you wanted other than a chance to talk again.  It is for just that reason that I don’t discuss partnering over the phone.

I want to give your idea the attention it deserves.  I hope you don’t think me rude or abrupt, I certainly do not mean to sound like that.  I support the work you do.  I simply have a lot of work each day and have found how it works best for me to get through it all easily.  Like here it is 1:00am and I am making the time to write to you.

I don’t typically partner with anyone; I’ve learned that’s easiest for me.  And with the amount of work I do each day, I’m all about what’s easiest.  The more we can email in simple language, the more likely a long term association can be built.  I understand you have events worldwide and that you are the contact for that.  I appreciate the significance of the work you do.  Thank you for understanding.  I look forward to hearing more from you. –Andrea

I guess I’m not a sophisticated, savvy business person.  I just want to do my little thang, spread some good words, enjoy friends.  It’s not that I don’t see the value in all the networking and marketing scenarios, it’s just that it’s not my thing.

And if you’ve got a business proposal, I always welcome an email.  Simple language, please, and don’t make me have to watch a video.

If you make me sit through an unannounced sales pitch, the answer is always no.

But I’ll adore you just the same.

🙂

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