Just Say No?
It’s all about conversation these days, but that’s a two-way street. And I know it can be tough.
As PR people, we strive to do our homework; we investigate what you’ve been writing, we craft a pitch we think will catch your attention and have relevance to your readers. We understand that sometimes you get too many emails to really read each one, we know that there are days when you’re super busy. But if and when you do get a chance to check out our emails, and you see something that just doesn’t fit with what you’re doing, what stops you from just saying no? In the long run, it’ll help us help you, and it’ll save your inbox from extra notes that you’d rather not get.
Is this unreasonable? Is it a nice idea but just too far-fetched? What would make it easier for media folks to just say no when the pitch doesn’t quite work?
Etiquette, Public Relations | Comments (6)6 Responses to “Just Say No?”
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I think this is a great point. As much as I don’t like to hear “no”… that simple two-letter word provides me with feedback to know that I shouldn’t waste mine, or the reporter’s time, with additional follow up.
Amanda – came across your blog the other night, a la one of your BFF’s from back in the day (think oldest LeDoux – her and I are … BFF++ and then some) – anyhow – great content, we’re both in the same field …
I came to realize a few years ago, that “No” is a perfectly acceptable answer, it’s actually an answer. Sure the client may not want to hear it right then and there, but it’s a valid and sometimes very powerful answer. Our job is to tell our clients what’s right, wrong, strategic and out right ridiculous. That’s appropriate client or internally project team facing. What I have seen is though, too many client teams trying to over-service a client by NOT saying no, which end up being a dis-service to our own resources, capacity, the program, and eventually our clients. If we say no and back it up with the appropriate recommendations and responses, it’s what the client needs. We spend way too much time in this day and age chasing after land-grab activities with the advent of these social platforms, sometimes we forget, is this really appropriate for the program?
Kill ‘em with kindness, but still just say no…
peace,
mike
livelife365
Oh Amanda, such a dreamer.
Here’s a technology reporter’s perspective: I don’t have any trouble responding to a pitch with a “Yes” or “No” when I have a solid reason. (For instance, “It’s not by beat” or “It’s not a timely topic.”) But I struggle when I really don’t have a good explanation, yet have to say “No.” The reason a topic doesn’t get covered could be as dumb as “I’m not in the mood to cover data-management this month” to “I don’t know enough about the topic.” So, instead of providing what I know as an unacceptable answer, I chose to ignore the pitch. (Please don’t hate me.)
But you’re absolutely right: The PR person who has put in considerable time and energy deserves the courtesy of a response, at the very least. I promise to make a concerted effort to do that.
Here’s a technology reporter’s perspective: I don’t have any trouble responding to a pitch with a “Yes” or “No” when I have a solid reason. (For instance, “It’s not by beat” or “It’s not a timely topic.”) But I struggle when I really don’t have a good explanation, yet have to say “No.” The reason a topic doesn’t get covered could be as dumb as “I’m not in the mood to cover data-management this month” to “I don’t know enough about the topic.” So, instead of providing what I know as an unacceptable answer, I chose to ignore the pitch. (Please don’t hate me.)
But you’re absolutely right: The PR person who has put in considerable time and energy deserves the courtesy of a response, at the very least. I promise to make a concerted effort to do that.