We got a letter in the mail last week for one of our designers. I know, how shocking! We're a Charlotte Advertising Agency so we get lots of mail but this particular letter stood out. It was addressed to one of our designers but the front of the envelope had bold, all capital letters that stated "PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL". And if that wasn't enough to pique my interest, the return address was written cryptically on the back of the envelope.
Our designer was out for the entire week preparing for a move but I knew I would be seeing her on Friday. The envelope sat on my desk, searing it's private and confidential nature into my brain. "What could it be?" I thought. Is she a spy for the Soviet Union? Has she turned states evidence against the mob and this is her information to join the Witness Protection Program? The possibilities were endless!
So imagine my delight when I was able to deliver this important message to her on Friday. Something marked "PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL" would surely be an important document she was eagerly awaiting. Well that delight quickly turned to confusion mixed with a healthy dose of outrage when she showed it to me:
A form letter from a printing company? Ridiculous! Now my first impression of this company is that they are A. Disingenuous at best, really more like dishonest and B. In need of cheap tricks in order to get you to look at their materials. Double whammy and I'll probably never use the company in the future because of it.
The bottom line is that honesty is not a bad way to approach someone and tricking people is. I'm sure this letter was opened more than some of their other letters but I'm nearly certain it didn't give anyone a better impression. Theres no need for tricks or obfuscation- just tell people who you are and what you do. If you have done your job well up to that point then that person will see that and appreciate your honesty.
Our designer was out for the entire week preparing for a move but I knew I would be seeing her on Friday. The envelope sat on my desk, searing it's private and confidential nature into my brain. "What could it be?" I thought. Is she a spy for the Soviet Union? Has she turned states evidence against the mob and this is her information to join the Witness Protection Program? The possibilities were endless!
So imagine my delight when I was able to deliver this important message to her on Friday. Something marked "PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL" would surely be an important document she was eagerly awaiting. Well that delight quickly turned to confusion mixed with a healthy dose of outrage when she showed it to me:
A form letter from a printing company? Ridiculous! Now my first impression of this company is that they are A. Disingenuous at best, really more like dishonest and B. In need of cheap tricks in order to get you to look at their materials. Double whammy and I'll probably never use the company in the future because of it.
The bottom line is that honesty is not a bad way to approach someone and tricking people is. I'm sure this letter was opened more than some of their other letters but I'm nearly certain it didn't give anyone a better impression. Theres no need for tricks or obfuscation- just tell people who you are and what you do. If you have done your job well up to that point then that person will see that and appreciate your honesty.
@BirdsongGregory
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