As a small, independent retailer, I am often targeted by publications that want me to advertise with them. Last week, I had a phonecall from someone representing a publication for the local cinema. I seem to remember being very brusque during the first phone call as I had a shop full of customers and better things to do than to have someone trying to sell me advertising space. After asking if they could call back another time I hung up and presumed that they wouldn't bother again. At the end of the day, I was relieved not to have heard any more. The following day though, I was called again and this time they said they should come in and show me the publication and the deals they could do.
Later that afternoon as I was flitting around the shop barefoot wearing short shorts, a youngish man comes in. He says what a lovely shop this is and how his daughter (who is 2) would be swinging from the chandeliers. We sit down and chat about the advertising options and make polite conversation. He asks how I got into the job and if I enjoy it etc. all very polite, standard conversation. He asks if I work many hours (yes!) and comments that my boyfriend must find that a pain. No boyfriend, I tell him- men are too much time and effort. A customer has walked in by now so I check that she is ok and help her find a few things whilst mr sorts out the paperwork side of things. Once done, he gets up and shakes my hand to say thanks for the advertising. After trying on a few things, my customer is now back to browsing the rails and I'm standing behind the counter with this bloke in front of the counter. Hands have been shaken, papers signed, and I have a customer who needs some attention- that's his cue to leave. Instead, he asks what I'm up to that evening. A bit taken aback, I may haave told him that that was a bit forward but in my shocked state I couldn't think of anything I might be doing. Then he asked for my mobile numer... my customer is still lurking behind the rails trying not to interrupt the situation... I politely told him that, no he couldn't have my number and he left. At which point I started laughing and my customer came our of hiding and said that she didn't think I looked that desperate!!
That was certainly a first, and a very entertaining one at that! Although he wasn't mr smooth or mr hot, it was still flattering and maybe it won't be the only time I'm asked out by someone trying to sell me something. Lets just hope that if there is a next time, he's hotter!
Jen xx
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