You Catch More Flies with Honey (10/1/14)

I got a random email a few months back from a gentleman who was curious if I would be interested in writing a book. Initially I felt a little flattered to find his correspondence in my inbox, but those positive feelings didn’t last long. I sent him a thank you letter explaining how I had just finished my first book, it was published by Morgan James Publishing, and I probably wouldn’t be looking at another project until I finished my first book tour.

My opinion did a complete 180 the second this publishing house representative responded to my email. His response was one attacking my publisher with no real substance for his points. His response is taboo in my books. I’m loyal to a fault, and this individual chose the wrong tact when communicating with me. Everything he said could be 100% accurate, but I would never work with him or the company he represents because his character will always be tarnished in my eyes.

Had he listed all the things his publishing firm would do, and provided me with a list of New York Times Bestsellers in his catalog I may have entertained further discussion. Unfortunately he decided to use negative recruiting. He didn’t focus on the strengths of his arguments. Instead he chose to attack what he perceived as the faults in his competition. I get enough negative campaigning in an election year, I don’t need an extra helping from someone whose trying to pitch me on working with him.

My point is that if you can’t sell me based on the merits of your product or service and have to resort to attacking your competition then what you are offering can’t be all that good to begin with. You may find people who won’t be put off by these negative tactics, but I tend to believe you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.