In the $ 10+ billion of technology contracts I have negotiated for clients over my career, I have been known to do some creative terms and conditions. But I am really proud of what I just negotiated for myself this morning.
I get between 15 to 25 PR emails a day. It’s my fault – my other New Florence blog covers over 40 categories of infotech, cleantech, nanotech etc. So any green, social, mobile, cloud sounding (and some that claim to combine all of those) PR I must be fair game for. Few of these PR firms ask for permission. They just fire away.
I also seem to get a fair number of telemarketing calls – in spite of being on the “Do not Call” list. (sometimes I think being on that list just confirms to the telemarketers the number is valid). Many of those calls use IVR technology to see if the live person answers and then put you in a waiting queue for one of their reps.
Usually I hang up. But this morning I did a deal with the devil. I told the rep from a satellite network company I would give him 10 qualified leads if he took my name off his. My “leads” – the last 10 PR firms who spammed me. The good news is most of them include phone numbers. Even better news – if one of them signs up, I qualify for a $ 50 check.
So, PR firms – keep on sending me junk, er, news. Only condition: Make sure and include your valid phone number :)
