So I spiked a little fire yesterday when I mentioned I don’t talk to the press. It also reveals why you rarely see quotes from the truly successful IT firm leaders and why a specific set of people seems to be quoted over and over (hint: it’s not because they matter). How does it work?

Successful people tend to be far too focused on their work to waste time on an interview for a chance of winning a surplus gadget of the week.

About two weeks ago a very polite person called me and when I informed her that I do not talk to the press she explained that it was a peer survey, that it helps companies I deal with, that blah blah blah, basically she hit me in the soft spot since I make my business on features designed through feedback. So I figured, ok, let me help, sure let’s go through the survey. Fast forward 28 minutes later, we had completed section 1of 18 – and I politely told her that I have to get back to work as that was going to be my last day at this job before I join a Christian mission excavating a vulcano in the phillipines.

Truth is, anyone even remotely successful is successful because they are on mission and have organized their day not to be interruption driven. 

So who gets quoted? The guy that was unemployed at the time the reporter went down the list and hit the first live body that had read competing publications coverage of the event. Is that really someone that ought to be providing an opinion and be quoted as an authorative source – someone who got the attention solely because they were motivated to give it because they were incentivised by a USB 1.1 switch?

So…?

So the truth is that everyone is aware of the above – which is why the request for any survey gets filled out by exactly 3 people unless it is accompanied by a free tshirt. And the sad thing is, people still buy into the hypothesis of the press coverage supported by an unemployed consultant!

Thats not how you get a clue about whats really going on out there folks. You do it by forming relationships with people, important people, over a period of time, so that when you have something you want to bounce off them they will take your call from the bleachers of their sons basketball game or from under their Harley. People that don’t talk for free, people that charge for their time.

So in case you’ve been thinking that the great way to optimize your day is in following trade press and ignoring your peers and influential business leaders…. think again.

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