Getting through the door is the hardest part

I'm about a week into my new career now (as it was half term last week so i took a couple of days out to spend with the children) and it's going slowly, but reasonably successfully so far.

Although my background is in publishing it's been more on the admin side so sales has always been my big worry - how would I sell any advertising space? I must have made dozens of phone calls over the last week and have had such a range of responses from people, from very positive interest in what I'm doing to out and out rudeness! Getting through the door has proved to be the hardest part - as soon as I mention advertising on the phone 8 out of ten people lost all interest. I did get a couple of appointments booked last week and found that, when people knew I was coming and knew what I was doing, they were really happy to talk to me and very interested in being part of my magazine - and out of two visits I booked two ads on long term contracts!

 So this week I've been trying a new technique on the phone, where I don't mention advertising at all. most people will, in their heart, know that that's what it's all about and will be expecting it to cost them something, but it seems that by not being so upfront about it more people are happy to meet me in person. I booked in a quick appointment yesterday and came away with half a promise for the back page - fingers crossed! - and have another five bookings already. A busy week coming up!