Making a pitch? Try following rules for dating

Media relations professionals pitch all the time. It’s a job more analogous to dating than you might think. Here’s some proof:

3. Know when to walk away: Recognize the disingenuous Call me back later. Journalists, like some people you date, will sometimes lie in order to let you down easy. Get your lie-dar going and always be straightforward with journalists (dates). They appreciate it.

4. Do not use any stupid pickup lines: Have a point. Say it. Enough said.

5. Do not filibuster: We have all sat across from the guy/gal/not-sure-which talking on and on and on … and on. That is the last thing a journalist wants to hear on the other end of the phone or during the lunch he took the time to have with your client. Deliver your message. Illustrate it. Move on to the next one. Repeat. (Dates like that as well.)

6. Make that date already: Set up the interview, and get the heck off the phone. Never dillydally or think the strength of a relationship is measured by the how many minutes you spent on the phone. You both know why you are talking — in both cases.