I pitched a producer once who I really wanted a client to get in front of. The story idea was strong, the timing was right, the show covers this topic, and I thought for sure it would be a yes. But the answer came back, no.
Oh wow. I honestly wasn’t expecting that. To say I was surprised is an understatement. But here’s the thing. Sometimes (often, in fact) we hear no. If you let that shut you down, you’ll miss amazing opportunities. Because no doesn’t always mean never. Many times, it simply means, “Not right now.”
Years ago, my friend Arielle Ford shared with me a wonderful question to ask when someone says no:
“Is that, no never in a million years? Or is that no, not right now? If I come back with another idea that’s a better fit, will you consider it?”
In all the thousands of pitches I‘ve sent over the years, I’ve only once heard, “No, never in a million years.” It was the Harvard Business Review. Funny how you remember things like that. Every other time, the response has been some version of, “Oh yes, of course. Send me more ideas.”
That’s exactly what happened here. I stayed in touch, circled back later with a fresh angle, and this time the producer said yes. Not only did my client get the spot, but it turned into an ongoing relationship that opened other doors, one that continues to this day. That’s what I call a win/win.
The lesson? No rarely means never. Stay gracious, stay present, and keep the door open. Often, the second try is the one that gets you through.
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. As Aaliyah sang it best: “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.” Because in book publicity, no doesn’t mean never.
#PersistencePays
#NotYetIsNotNever
#SavvySunday
#MediaDarling
#BookMarketing
#BookPublicity
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