Just say "no!"

Well, actually I'd love it if everyone would just say "yes!", but frankly, I'd rather hear a well reasoned "no" than to be ignored, put off, delayed or marginalized.

Too many potential customers or clients must think they are doing their advertising sales consultants a favor by not giving them an answer when really they are just afreaid to say "no". I think we're all adults here. And I, for one, like to be treated as one. So, here are the rules:

1. I'm not trying to "bug" you. I'm doing my job. Return my call. Respond to me email. Be polite and profesional and I will too.

2. If the answer is "no"; hey, I'm a big boy. I can take it. Tell me "no". I will stop calling you.

3. If the answer is "not now". Tell me when to contact you in the future. If it's a week, you can bet I'll call. If it's 6 months, I'll leave you alone for six months. Give me a date.

4. If some rude punk from some other publication, or worse yet a radio station, is constantly bugging you, take it out on him, not all the other professionals in the ad sales business who do their jobs with class and respect.

5. I know you're busy. A simple one line email update from you goes a long way to help me be more accountable to my boss!

6. Golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Thanks!