Four Ps Approach Pays Off

In a blog I wrote on here a year-and-a-half ago, I referred to my four Ps approach: patient, polite, professional, yet persistent.  That’s a constant in terms of the way I operate.  It’s not something you apply now and then, in certain situations, and/or when you feel like it.

As such, it for all intents and purposes comes natural to me.  It’s a mental state that the switch flips to when I go on business mode.

Thus, I am not surprised that I’m able to report to you two recent success stories that came from applying that approach.  It’s through these accounts that I’m about to describe that I encourage you to be moved in the same direction.  Shift your mindset and know that there will be results.  Remember, though, that the first P means that the results might not come overnight.

The first example is an interview I wanted to get, meaning, getting myself placed on someone else’s show.  I admire this individual because of the professional nature that I observe in everything that gets put out (Web, social media, etc.).  I also only had a virtual relationship with this person to-date, so I felt that it could strengthen a connection between us.  After all, if you listen to “Now Hear This Entertainment” and/or read this blog on a regular basis, you know that I’m a strong proponent of “you can never have too many contacts.”

When I saw this individual put out a call on LinkedIn, I knew it was a matter of time before I’d get a guest spot on the show.  Equally important here is that I knew I could bring value to the listeners and thus was a good fit.  In other words, it wasn’t a case of just trying to get booked because I like the show.

I was fortunate to get the ‘Yes,’ but ultimately I believe the host had to reschedule me three times before we finally got the interview recorded.  Fourth time’s a charm?  I know, I can laugh about it now.  Trust me, I did think of the expression, “Three strikes, you’re out” when the postponements kept coming in, but knew that my patient, polite, professional, but persistent approach would get it to become a reality eventually.

On the flip side, there was also an interview I was very interested in getting as far as someone who’d be a guest on my show.  Something made me want to pursue more so than others who I contact but don’t hear back from.  While the communication with this one was spotty, with just drips here and there from late May until approximately four months later, it seemed as though I was meant to facilitate this particular interview.  Despite the inconsistency of the communication, my four Ps approach prevailed and the story had a happy ending.  Not only did I land the guest and get the interview recorded, but, this individual was such a kind person and now a more solid and open line of communication has begun.

Don’t give up.  There are so many “No” responses in this business, but leap over the hurdles.  Keep your eyes on the finish line.  You’ll be better for it when you reach the end of each journey.

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