02:57
Faizan
As a writer, you would think I would get used to rejections. I wish that were true. For some unknown reason, the rejections stay with me longer than the acceptances. Logically, I know that my materials are not for everyone, but come on... give me a chance, you haven't really read the details! At least that is what is going on in my head.
This is how it plays out for me (maybe you feel the same way, too). I apply to 3 different venues to do some speaking engagements on the topics I know will please a wide audience. I spend copious hours writing the headlines and the one or two sentence descriptions. I play on the emotions in the headline and draw in the reader with sentences that beg the reader to want to know more. Hours seem to go by to make sure everything is in place.
I send off the materials to my 3 hand-picked locations (in this case is was to apply to speak on some cruises). I send off the information, fill out the appropriate forms and wait a few days before looking for any responses (I want them to take the time to read what I have written). I hear NOTHING! I am sure something has gone wrong and they did not get my applications. I wait another week just to make sure and then start looking for additional contact information for another follow-up.
Following-Up
I phone the first location. The phone is out of service and there is no forwarding number, the email bounces, and the website is still intact. Something is not right here. I find a friend that has worked with this company before and get some personal contact information with a new phone number, email, and address. They have moved from Palm Springs to Hollister. OK, fair enough. I am still wondering if they received my application.
My friend is actually going to meet the business owner for lunch the following week, so I am going to wait to follow up because he said he would mention me. Perhaps this is the way I will get in the door! I wait in anticipation!
While waiting for this opportunity, I phone the second business and get the email address for the person that goes through all the applications. I eager craft what I think is a great follow-up and send it off into oblivion. No response, oh well, I will give them a few more days, these businesses can often be very busy and not get back to people on a timely basis.
The Waiting Game
The third business has not given me a response. The form looks as though it has not gone through. I decide to fill out another application just in case, and hit that submit button. This is where I will wait another period of time (a week) to see if there is any reply. sigh... this is getting onerous to be sure.
This is how it plays out for me (maybe you feel the same way, too). I apply to 3 different venues to do some speaking engagements on the topics I know will please a wide audience. I spend copious hours writing the headlines and the one or two sentence descriptions. I play on the emotions in the headline and draw in the reader with sentences that beg the reader to want to know more. Hours seem to go by to make sure everything is in place.
I send off the materials to my 3 hand-picked locations (in this case is was to apply to speak on some cruises). I send off the information, fill out the appropriate forms and wait a few days before looking for any responses (I want them to take the time to read what I have written). I hear NOTHING! I am sure something has gone wrong and they did not get my applications. I wait another week just to make sure and then start looking for additional contact information for another follow-up.
Following-Up
I phone the first location. The phone is out of service and there is no forwarding number, the email bounces, and the website is still intact. Something is not right here. I find a friend that has worked with this company before and get some personal contact information with a new phone number, email, and address. They have moved from Palm Springs to Hollister. OK, fair enough. I am still wondering if they received my application.
My friend is actually going to meet the business owner for lunch the following week, so I am going to wait to follow up because he said he would mention me. Perhaps this is the way I will get in the door! I wait in anticipation!
While waiting for this opportunity, I phone the second business and get the email address for the person that goes through all the applications. I eager craft what I think is a great follow-up and send it off into oblivion. No response, oh well, I will give them a few more days, these businesses can often be very busy and not get back to people on a timely basis.
The Waiting Game
The third business has not given me a response. The form looks as though it has not gone through. I decide to fill out another application just in case, and hit that submit button. This is where I will wait another period of time (a week) to see if there is any reply. sigh... this is getting onerous to be sure.
Posted in: arts
