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.

3 comments:

Some Guy said...

Sometimes it's just easier to accept the magazine and leave it on a co-worker's desk.

Mighty Morphin' Mama said...

Good to see you guys are still alive and kicking!Please send my hugs and well wishes to Miss Sniz, I miss her.
Kristen

Randy Spradlin said...

Roger,

I read it. Like you, I didn't want mine to die. I got involved so much with Facebook that I unconsciously let my blog go idle. I just wanted you to know that I will be reading yours too!

Randy