Friday, August 12, 2011

Trade Publication Salespeople

I'm the marketing & pr manager for a decent sized company in the Midwest. We're not a Midwestern company as our sales are literally worldwide, but with the greatest concentration still in North America. Anyway, I get a LOT of calls from trade publication (i.e. magazine) salespeople who want me to advertise with them. I've been in my particular industry for over ten years now. Practically no one reads trade publications in our industry so there's little reason for print advertising. Furthermore, their electronic advertising also tends to be pretty worthless. I KNOW this based on my experience and we choose to market in much more creative and effective ways. But it doesn't matter to the salesperson who is convinced that his/her magazine is the "perfect fit" for my company. They're just doing their job and I totally understand. However, when I tell them that I'm not interested I don't feel as if I owe them any explanation--especially when I took the time to call them back (after they called three times in two days) and it just so happens that I was lucky enough to get their voice mail.

So, if you're out there, slightly annoying sales guy, please don't take it personally that I have zero interest in spending money on your dumb magazine that no one reads. And I don't have to tell you why because I know that no matter what I say you will have a stupid response. I cannot win with you and I don't want to waste my time trying to explain it.

I'd rather waste my time ranting about it on a blog that I have not utilized in nearly a year. Now go take on your day.

No, I'm Serious...This blog still exists

It's been nearly a year since my last post. How pathetic. Honestly, I don't have time to do this blog, but I cannot let it die. So, here goes another attempt to revive it. If you're reading this, please let me know. I'll try to get back and check some of the blogs that I used to frequent as well.