Today was one of those days when the planets align, the stars are just right and you think, “Wow, somebody really gets it. Somebody knows what they are doing.” Today I got the perfect story pitch. Unfortunately I couldn’t write the story, but that part I’ll explain in a minute. The awesome thing is that I got a perfect pitch.
It was from a woman who sounded a bit nervous when introducing herself but then quickly launched into a great presentation. She gave me her name, told me she had just moved into a nearby town from the big city, and threw in a quip about how lucky she was to be now living in this nearby town, then she went straight into telling me she’d like to talk to me about a book she wrote called, whatever it was called.
She was pleasant, polite and to the point. No long-winded explanation on what her book was about. She didn’t tell me that she thought I should write a story, though of course that is what she was hoping for. It was just a simple introduction to get the point across.
However, she was out of our coverage area so I couldn’t do a story. But here’s the kicker. I referred her to our sister paper, which covers her area. I gave her the name and number of the appropriate editor. She thanked me, then asked “Well would you like me to send you a press kit and maybe the book, anyway just in case?”
Interesting. She had a little gumption. I declined because I really wouldn’t be able to do anything with the information and I didn’t want to waste her time and effort. However, I was really impressed that she threw that last bit in there.
I talk a lot about not annoying editors and reporters, about the fine line between being persistent and becoming annoying. This person walked that line with expertly. Just because you are trying to avoid being annoying doesn’t mean you should not be persistent. A bit of gentle persuasion works in your favor.
In what ways has gentle persuasion helped you?
2 responses to “Gentle persuasion”
I’m not a big fan of sales…but then I realized that selling is inevitable, whether you’re selling cars or selling your own products…you have to sell! I was in sales for quite some time and this “gentle persuasion” has helped me close sales many times. I would never hard sell, but sometimes you just have to make options available for them…a call to action! “Which one do you prefer – x or y?”….the worst they can say is no!
You’re right I’m the same. I never liked sales, but at one point in my career I was a real estate agent (still am for friends and family) and I did it full time. I had to get over the not liking sales thing quick. I did and my husband and I became top salespeople for our office. When I got out of full time real estate and back into my other business, I realized do matter what I do, at the very least I’m selling “myself,” so you are right it is inevitable.