persistence | Blake Snow

If there’s a better approach to selling than this, I’m all ears

I was recently asked my approach to sales, given that I spend significant time asking people if I can write for them. Here it is in its entirety:

“Hi, human. I sell this thing for a living because I believe in it. It’s benefited myself and others like you. Are you the right person to pitch? If no, do you know someone who is? If yes, is now a good time?”

That’s it. This gentle but persistent approach has served me well, because it respects timing as much as finding and asking the right person.

Self-promotion: Never let negative people, wrong trees, or bad timing discourage you

From the “never give up” files—Last month, I received a suprisingly condescending email in response to a story I was pitching. “Does this strike you as something we would publish?”

It was sent by a deputy editor from the nation’s third largest newspaper. “I was hoping it might it might fit your travel section, which I guessed you might oversee,” I replied. “Would you be willing to forward to the appropriate editor?”

The next day, the gentlemen apologized for being rude. But then he continued “in a spirit of friendliness” to list many greviences in a patronizing 350 word follow-up.

Blake Snow

writer-for-hire, content guy, bestselling author

Tagged persistence

If there’s a better approach to selling than this, I’m all ears

Self-promotion: Never let negative people, wrong trees, or bad timing discourage you