It’s always interesting to me when I get pitches from companies thinking that I’m a reporter. I’m usually flattered, but clearly the folks haven’t done their homework. When I get emails with pitches, I always write back and say that I’m not a reporter. Some of the folks apologize and thank me for getting back to them. However, just yesterday I had someone pitch me a story, I wrote back saying that I’m not a reporter, and he replied with a question about what my colleagues write about and if any of them would be interested.
Before you do anything with a customer or potential customer, get to know them. You might not have to know the nitty gritty about them, but give them enough respect to do some research. Before I do any case study or press release call I always always always (yes, always!) check out their website. I find out where they have offices, who their customers are and a bit about their business.
Doing your homework will save you time, embarrassment and the possibility of losing a customer!
