Not Delicious And Not Malicious, But Compliance Nonetheless
I recently started working for a media company specializing in science, health, and medicine. Part of the job entails going to numerous trade shows throughout the year.
I am talking with the editor-in-chief and one of the sales guys about the expectations and decorum for the trip.
Editor-In-Chief: “Since this is your first trip. Just so you know, you’re required to take any samples that are offered to you. That’s just what [Publisher] told us. However, you’re not obligated to use or eat any of them.”
Sales Guy: “Actually, [My Name], I have a story about why that policy is in place. Do you want to hear it?”
Me: “Sure.”
[Sales Guy] proceeds to tell me a story about a man who held my current position many, many years ago. He was attending the same show and was told not to say no to any of the samples.
The show proceeded as normal with the publisher manning the booth and [Sales Guy] wandering the show floor speaking to his clients and potential advertisers. The employee was also wandering the show floor. At some point, [Sales Guy] went back to the booth.
Both he and the publisher soon realized the employee was due back at the booth but was nowhere to be found.
Publisher: “[Sales Guy], do you know where [Employee] is? He’s supposed to man the booth for a few hours now.”
Sales Guy: “I don’t know. Let me call him.”
[Sales Guy] picked up his phone and called [Employee].
Sales Guy: “[Employee], where the h*** are you? You’re supposed to be back at the booth now.” *Pauses* “What do you mean?” *Pauses* “Why are you back at the hotel?” *Pauses* “Are you…” *Sighs* “Never mind… Don’t worry about it.” *Hangs up*
Publisher: “What happened, [Sales Guy]?”
Sales Guy: “So… you know how you said the editorial team isn’t allowed to say no to samples?”
Publisher: “Yeah?”
Sales Guy: “Well… I think you should’ve added an extra bit of specificity. Apparently, [Employee] thought that ‘can’t say no’ meant he had to eat and drink everything.”
Publisher: “So… where is he now?”
Sales Guy: “In his hotel room, s***ing his guts out…”
Publisher: *Sighing* “Well… so long as he’s not dead… I honestly didn’t think he’d try and eat everything.”
Sales Guy: “To be fair, he didn’t break the rules…”
The publisher then had to emphasize to all new employees that eating and drinking the samples was completely voluntary. That employee was never reprimanded and remained at the company for quite some time. I made sure to listen to the revised policy.
