PRactical P.R. BlogThe Leader in Small Business Public Relations

I’m not a bigwig or anything, but I still don’t have the time or the inclination to respond to all of the phone calls or e-mails I get. As I learned from my business coach Suzy Girard-Ruttenberg, the best business coach ever, I don’t have to respond to everything. 

In case you’re wondering why I haven’t responded to you, please check out this list: 

1. You ask me for f*ree advice.  And, as one of my favorite comments goes, “I am NOT a non-profit.” Who knows, maybe someday I will be.  In the meantime, if you’re looking for f*ree business advice, visit the Small Business Development Centers or SCORE.
2. I no longer have the business lead you are responding to or you are not a good match for it.
3. I don’t respond to questions on publicity opportunities. Send me what you’ve got, and if something happens, someone will be in touch.
4. I don’t know who you are and you leave me a name and phone number.  You’re probably a tele-marketer or salesperson.  If not, I have no reason to believe otherwise.
5. I was irritated by something you said in your voice mail or e-mail.  I don’t respond quickly or at all to something when I’m angry. 
6. You are sending me information that doesn’t warrant a response, in my opinion.
7. You ask something from me that I don’t want to do.
8. I’m busy and will eventually respond to it.
9. You ask me to do you a favor, without offering to help me out in some way first.
10. I have other priorities – family, health, current clients and projects, future projects, fun stuff, life stuff – in that order.