Now Class...an Example Of How Not To Be

I mentioned before that I'm not a patient person. That's not a trait one should have when trying to build relationships with BIG companies. You see, while I want to stay small, I realize one of the fastest ways to grow my bottom line (and build the brand) is to partner with a big company who can get my product before many more folks. I'm not talking about a wholesale retail relationship to a Target/Walmart/or the like, but rather a true partnership where both parties give and gain something from the relationship...like Seattle's Best Coffee and McDonald's - their partnership increased Seattle's Best's revenue and got the product before thousands (if not millions) of new consumers and McDonald's got a coffee that was actually drinkable which, one would assume, increased their coffee sales...so they both benefited.

But the thing with BIG companies is that they don't move quickly...in the least. This is where the patience thing (the thing I lack) comes into play because it's not realistic to think that because you met with them on Monday they are going to have an answer for you that afternoon. But darnit, I want that answer!

Here's an example of my exempliary patience in action:

• Monday: Sent sample package and introduction letter to key person (name given to me by another bigwig in the company) in BIG company. Package is timed to arrive on Thursday or Friday so that key person gets it before the weekend.
• Friday: Kick myself for not remembering that it's Good Friday and even though it's not a national holiday, many people do in fact take it off which may mean my sample package won't be seen until Monday and even then will be under a pile of mail & emails. Decide to followup on Thursday of following week.
• Following Monday: Break down and call key person but don't leave a message. Decide to continue calling back through the week until I either reach them or it's the end of the week and then I'll leave a message.
• Tuesday (the very next day): Call again - no answer. Call a second time a few hours later and leave a message that subtly threatens I'll keep calling until I talk to them (aka, mention that I'll try again later in the week). Then plan to call again on Thursday...not even sure I'll make it until Wedns afternoon!

Yeah, I'm not so patient.

Friday