We sell media...  Sarah - event sales

What was your first job in media?

My first job was working for a fantastic magazine called The Resident Magazine, which is a local lifestyle magazine going out to Fulham, Chelsea, Knightsbridge etc. now part of Archant Life.

I was selling classified adverts to frightfully posh plumbers and electricians with double-barreled surnames.

What’s the one bit of advice you wish you’d been given when you started out?

Never take rejection personally!

There are always good days and bad days in sales but never take it personally when people aren’t interested, just go away and come back a few weeks later with another approach – it’s more satisfying getting a yes when they have given you several no’s already.

What’s the best thing about working in media sales?

The best thing about media sales is the people. They work hard and play hard and are always guaranteed to have a good story that makes Monday mornings worth going in for.

A colleague and I went to a client party and after I left, she got drunk and brought a £1,000 non-returnable designer dress, that didn’t fit, on her credit card. She knew how to party though.

What’s the best or worst sales line you’ve ever used/heard?

The worst sales lie…sorry, line is "it won’t take long" – it always takes ages! And it also makes them realise you have already wasted 30 seconds of their 'oh so busy' lives.

What's the funniest thing that you’ve ever seen on the way to or from work?

I have always been amused and impressed by a lady that sits outside Brixton station and blows on a plastic hair comb like a harmonica – it’s surprisingly tuneful. I have a little giggle every time I pass.

I did once try and book her for an event I was helping organize, as ‘Stomp’ weren’t available and recycling themed bands are hard to find but she sadly didn’t make the final cut.

What’s your favourite media brand – i.e. Magazine, TV show, radio station, website...

Heat magazine for gossip, Glamour for everything else, I am currently addicted to Sex and the City repeats, Virgin radio, and I love googling everything and everyone.

Describe your ideal Friday night…

My ideal Friday night would start with getting off work early and would probably be a blur from there on in!