Dear media sales reps, please kiss off

Don’t make this a big deal.
Its awkward enough for all of us and we have all unofficially agreed on the kiss. If I wanted to shake hands at 20 paces I would have been a lawyer.
Also, delving into tounging, etc – nobody does that!

Grin and bear it Jen… I’ll be expecting that smooch the next time I see you.

Firstly why this is aimed at reps and not just people in a business context, is ridiculous. Secondly is this the issue spinach are taking a stand on in our industry? Aim up guys

And here I was thinking the article titled “It’s time to challenge TVC duration lengths in Australia” was the worst thing I’ve read today. Then this beauty came along. Hard to believe this was even published.

So….two questions:

Are we talking boy-on-girl, girl-on-boy, girl-on-girl or boy-on-boy kissing?

How do we feel about hugs?

This phenomenon is just as rife in agency land also…Agency coordinators who lean in for a kiss from a sales manager they’ve never met before! Would like to get on first name basis at the very least before we start snogging each other please

No kisses but you’ll happily take a bottle of bubbly -and not any old bubbles French no less! hmmm #ethicscommitte

First person to spell tongue, tonguey or tonguing correctly gets a firm handshake!

I am a radio rep and I HATE the kiss… I always avoid it (and even hugging) where possible but it seems very ingrained in media culture. Keep your distance thanks.

Surely this mid-life crisis article would be better served in a social media rant than trade press? The click bait mafia would be proud of this piece.
Who/what does Spinach even do, it won’t matter too much as this article is one sure-fire way to improve Spinach’s SEO results when prospective clients search the agency in future.

Love a good kiss. I would argue that we need to finesse the kiss.. haling from the UK media scene we would plant at least one on each cheek, or rather, kiss the air beside the cheek. We’re behind the curve, guys. Plus, hands have way more germs.

My, what a hostile response from commenters to a light-hearted piece that many can agree with…

As a guy, I never feel threatened but do feel awkward regarding those ‘business kiss’ interactions. Handshakes all ‘round keeps it nice and simple.

To those who you don’t think the article is high brow or important enough for your time, why bother spending more time commenting?

Must be pretty far off budget to even know Spinach buy media.

I’m with you, Jennifer.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/please-greet-you-its-time-say-goodbye-kissing-office-simon-lawson/

On kissing and germs: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1575436/Cheeky-kiss-is-healthier-than-a-handshake.html

This is the most useless article yet. You have outdone yourselves Mumbrella

Hmmm,
Imagine how much Spinach would be kissing the backsides of their own clients………hey team Spinach, get yourself enough business for it to be really important to greet you with a kiss….

I’m with you all the way Jennifer!
The media kiss is so uncomfortable. Go for the handshake by all means, but don’t invade my space with a kiss.

I would tend to agree this happens quite a lot in agencies when I head out to meet new reps. But to be fair it never really bothers me.. I mean I’ve had my fair share of awkward moments and you just crack on.. I have never really let it hinder a good meeting or stop a good business relationship from developing. I agree with Andrew above, as a Male however sometimes you can feel awkward with what’s acceptable, I’ve figured out that a good defence is key! Always shake, and let them come for the hug/kiss, if it happens… who cares.. crack on

As a media sales rep it is my job to build relationships with my agency counterparts, I speak to these people more often then I speak to my own family members! A formal handshake hello to people I see 2/3 times a week discredits the relationships and connections we put so much effort into building.

Great variety of responses and opinions.

If you do not feel comfortable shaking hands, air kissing cheeks, hugging, you are responsible to share that information with the people trying to have those physical interactions with you.
Everyone has their own preferences.
Hearing a team is making fun of people (who are their business partners) is really disappointing to hear and there are more professional ways of discussing something that may be making a percentage of the team uncomfortable.

My recommendations are to:
1. Stand up for yourself with the individuals. They are thick skinned and will make an effort to change their approach based on your feedback.
2. Try and avoid contributing to a culture where your media partners are positioned to be “sloppy” or “stage 5 clingers”
Sales people, like media agency people work hard to represent themselves, the company they work for.

Mutual respect would make everyone feel a lot more comfortable in having those sometimes awkward “I would prefer if we just shake hands” conversation.

I think it’s necessary when dealing with reps.
I like to get kissed, before I get f**ked.
(in a business sense)

I don’t think I’ve read such transparently banal drivel in quite a while.
Lift your editorial standards Mumbrella, For Shame.

Nice to have a little bit of humour on Mumbrella. I enjoyed the article, can certainly relate. Some well-timed comic relief. Thank you

This is the worst piece of journalism I’ve read in a long time. Jennifer is clearly jaded by her poor relationships within the industry. As friends and colleagues, regardless if they are from sales, agency or client, kissing hello is often a sign of a great relationship. Whether it’s right or wrong within a business environment is fair debate, however to say that it’s a “sales rep” thing, is complete horseshit. I’ve had to endure the cold lips of some miserable agency people like Jen in my time.

Wow, what a self important, pointless opinion piece. Nice way for Spinach to build relationships with the most important stakeholders they have in terms of looking after their clients and delivering comms products.

Nice read Jen! No, not a big issue like some have commented on but something that invariably is discussed. I try not to over think it, you know Keep It Simple Stupid philosophy….XXXX

Who are Spinach’s clients and should I be attempting to make contact with Jen? Will kiss for revenue.

I find “corporate kissing” awkward af, but to write (and might I add publish, Mumbrella) an article admitting you have a running joke about people who are just trying to do their job by being FRIENDLY is pretty f*cked up and shows you think you are better than them. Newsflash – you are a salesperson also, love. To the media reps who have an entertainment budget for Spinach – spend that money on “french bubbly” all for yourselves.

I’m a fan of the hug myself..

Don’t let the naysayers ruin your day though Jen. Feel no shame 🙂

Something to consider , written by a man born 55AD
“If a person gave your body to any stranger he met on his way, you would certainly be angry. And do you feel no shame in handing over your own mind to be confused and mystified by anyone who happens to verbally attack you?”
Epictetus

Is it okay if it is a kiss goodbye the next day?

I bet the people who think kissing is fine are the same people who complain that they’re too busy to get sick.

While we’re on it, can the young women in media please stop signing off professional email with X’s?

If we are friends and we’re ,meeting in a friendly capacity or sharing a social and personal email, kisses are go. For proposal and media schedules, please no.

Thanks

Boo hoo. If that’s all you need to object to, you’re obviously stuck in First World Agency problem. And stay away from European Agencies. You’ll hate their cultural ways.

What rubbish for a business media. Has Mumbrella turned into Mamamia???