Things That Make Me Mad...At Work
posted Tuesday, July 20, 2010 by Rebecca Brooks
The other day a producer saw an angry tweet from me and was shocked. She said I’m the most even keeled publicist she knows. She also said that in all the years she has known me, she never sees me angry (note: when I told my husband he got a good laugh). Yes, sometimes I get mad…here’s my top 5:
Number 1
When we bring a client to a television show they usually kick ass - I’ve found that 8 out of 10 times a producer says “we’d love to have you on any time.” Note: Clients take that very literally - please only say it if you mean it.
Number 2
Publicists at Brooks Group try very hard to be strategic and targeted when it comes to pitching media. We spend hours researching outlets, reading columns, watching shows, etc before pitching. If we (or any other good pro) send you a to-the-point, well thought out pitch, can you respond? I know you can’t respond to everyone…especially the dimwit publicists who send mass mailings that make no sense, but why do the good ones have to suffer?
Number 3
Clients who don’t respond or miss deadlines. If you don’t respond, the media takes note.
Number 4
People who think we are mind readers. If you want or need something, simply let us know. We are here to make you happy!
Number 5
People smoking (visualize ash flying in my face) or walking slow in front of me when I’m on my way to the office.
Phew – I feel so much better now. What makes you mad?
Comments for this post
Monday, July 26, 2010
Karen said:
I am decorator and many things can make me mad. I pride myself on patience but even the most diplomatic still have mad moments. If I stop to think about what is irking me this week (and truthfully, I think I have to chunk my irrations into weeks) this is what is getting my goad:
1. Manufacturer's that discontinue product after you base an entire design around their color schematic (and you checked 1 week prior).
2. Price points that are so ludicrous you can't even present to a client.
3. Saying yes to a client's unrealistic budget (that would be my fault) and then spending unbillable hours trying to prove that their sophisticated wish list exists at Big Bob prices.
4. Waiting 4 hours online for the Droid X, spending 10 hours learning it, then deciding it sucks. Should have switched to the I-phone afterall.
5. Finally watching Mad Men on TV after the 4th season - where have I been?
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Adriano Marinelli said:
I am a gourmet pasta sauce manufacturer and found this topic very compelling to let off some "steam"..no pun intended! Here is what's cooking me this Sunny Saturday morning.
1) People that jump to making judgment calls without knowing the who,what ,where, when, why first. I'm probably guilty of the same sometimes but it ticks me off when it happens to me !!...so that makes me even more upset.
2) Truth in advertising...why is it that the larger you are as a brand or service that people somehow hold you to a different standard..and its usually lower. People in general have become so used to being lied to subconsciously and never take a moment to question anything.
3) I have to agree with Rebecca on #1....say what you mean and mean what you say. Political correctness even in the simple act of small talk is sickening. Also lets not be so afraid of the so called 'awkward silence' that can occur in conversation....breath and enjoy the silence..
4) Airports...Taxi drivers eating roasted chicken while driving...Airlines (enough said)
5)The fact that I should keep this list of irritations to only 5 this morning to match the theme!....I'll be Back!
Thank you for giving me this outlet this morning...way way better than black coffee!