Some people really need a lesson on phone manners.
I called a business that had recently joined a local chamber of commerce to see if it was new to Johnston County. The owner told me he had been in the business for several years, but only joined this chamber to expand his clientele. I politely told him that I was unable to include him in my business column because he had been open for more than six months. He did not like that.
He suggested that I change the name of his business and his opening date so he could be included in the column. Of course, both of those ideas were completely out of question. A good reporter never prints false information to readers. The owner said that he could have just lied when I first started talking to him. That is true, but I suppose I rely on the faith that most people are honest. Plus, I generally tell the business owners about the column after I ask how long they have been in business to ensure they are being honest. It normally works.
The man had the nerve to say, “You should help me out because that is what people do - help each other out.” If his statement has any merit, then I wonder if he would have been so inclined to offer me free catering for my wedding. After all, we are supposed to “help each other” right? When I refused to “help him out,” the man said, “Then why are you calling me?” and hung up without letting me respond.
Did the gentleman have to handle the situation so rudely? No. He may have been disappointed, but the suggestion to lie to our readers so he can get a few lines in the paper is absurd. He should try the Internet. I am sure there are lots of web sites he could go to to advertise his business untruthfully. But leave The Herald out of it.
This blog isn’t so much about the man’s lack of communication skills, as much as it is about his statement, “You should help me out because that is what people do – help each other out.” Shouldn’t he want to help other new business owners by allowing them to have the space in my column? Shouldn’t he want other businesses to thrive and prosper successfully? That new business may only get a paragraph in my column, but it could also give them several new clients. Shouldn’t the rude man want to give others that chance, or is he more concerned about helping himself?
Comments
I was only trying to help
Wed, 08/13/2008 - 16:29 — Anonymous (not verified)I was only trying to help the man get free publicity for his business. Most business columns do not publish businesses that have been around for awhile, despite whether you think my "precious little rules" are right or not. This business in particular had been around two or three years. It is not considered new.
Also, newspapers often publish Chamber-related events all the time, including ribbon-cuttings, After Hours, luncheons with speakers, etc. at no cost to the Chamber. So as you see, we do promote community business in various forms of our newspaper. That is one of the reasons that proves we will be around for the long haul.
it may be you who needs the lesson
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 21:02 — bellaparolaLet me get this straight - you, who are not a customer and apparently not intending to become a customer, call a man at his place of business to inquire about his business, then tell him that he has failed to meet some arbitrary requirement to be included in whatever your silly little product is that provides free advertising for those who do meet your arbitrary requirements. He has spent his time and I expect until that point some of his good manners to answer your inquiry, and when you tell him that he isn't good enough for your purposes, you think it's bad manners that he let you know what he thinks of you and your precious rules.
I don't approve of a suggestion that you fabricate things, but really, who died and made you the arbiter of what's new? Chamber membership isn't cheap, and just joining the Chamber should be worthy of a mention if your goal is to promote the business community.
And newspaper people wonder why their jobs will be extinct long before they reach retirement age.