Someone in PR sends a reporter an email pitch and the subject includes this: “Please take my pitches!!!” The email includes phrases such as:
The Art of Begging
“THIS IS HUGE FOR ME PLEASE?” and “THIS IS A HUGE CLIENT, TOO!! PLEASE?!!!!” The email includes the word “please” eight times.
This is not unheard of. Someone on a local TV station’s assignment desk shared the story of a woman in PR who pretty much begged for a photographer to show up at a client’s event. She was worried of five local TV stations, none would show up. One did. The one she begged.
Is begging beneath you? What if it works especially when mixed with some charisma? Before reporters bash the beggars, you should know many journalists have pleaded with people for interviews. Sometimes the reporter is desperate to beat or at least keep up with the competition. Sometimes the reporter just doesn’t want a story to fall through only to face starting from scratch.
It’s important to note the two examples above of PR requests of “pretty please” were shared with members of the media they worked with before. Sometimes we say things to friends we would never say to strangers.
But even if begging works, you should ask yourself what perception is left behind. Are you really that desperate? Do you look unprofessional? Or is it simply another tool in the toolbox to get results?
I’m sure the media loves it when you beg. But will they respect you in the morning?