A producer from ABC News’ 20/20 e-mailed me earlier today and wanted to chat about a story they were working on of people in unique living situations (office living?) because of the mortgage slowdown. We chatted for about 7-8 minutes, and then she asked if I’d want to come on camera.
I turned her down.
I told her when I pay down my debt, or sell my business for like a few million, I’d be more than happy to come on the show. She may use my comments for the story, and that’s fine, but I don’t want to be that screw-up that on tv for being a screw up. I already feel bad enough about my situation as it is.
Was this a good move? I mean, sure it would have drove a ton of traffic to this blog, but I need to stay focused on my business right now that is actually making good money. And I don’t make any money from this, maybe I should put some adsense ads back up…I don’t know. I’m stressed. And apparently quite whinny as well. Hmmph.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I think it was probably good for you to turn down that kind of exposure. Unlike Casey Serin who took up every media opportunity out there to tell the world how stupid he is, you have character and integrity. You live in a unique way because of your own circumstances. What if a potential client sees this, wouldn’t that hurt business? Keep that business strong and thinking big is the best thing for you to do. Like you said yourself, maybe one day you will sell it allowing you to move on to other things? I think the media is feeding right now to link people with the way the market has been heading. They all blame sub prime loans, foreclosures, not enough liquidity, and the victim is the poor consumer against the evil banks. Typical hype until something actually newsworthy trumps it and all is forgotten.
Sometimes Media can be a good thing. Someone can see what business you own and want to buy it. You never know.
You are not a screw up. I do not know any Millionaire that has not failed. The good thing is that you made bad financial mistakes while in your 20s. It always good to make mistakes while under 30 that way you can recover
Good move. The scrutiny you get will only add to your problems. Just think of Casey Serin.
Good call turning down the interview. Keep your focus. We’re rooting for you without 20/20.
Very good move on your part. Your customers don’t need to know your situation – it in no way enhances you or your business and could result in negative customer feelings about you and your businesses viability.
In a few years, when things are stable, you are out of debt, and perhaps have sold the business for a few million, then you can laugh and share your story about “when times were tough.”
Someday, years from now, you can write a book about this leg of your journey. You will be a successful businessman (not that you aren’t now, but you will have years of accomplishment under your belt) and will have put much distance between you and your poor choices. Then your story will have the value you would hope for. I think you’ve made the right decision. As others have said, you need to remain focused, and future business might suffer if potential customers learn of it. No need to create more obstacles for yourself — life certainly offers enough of those.
when i was building my business, there was a wave of interest in it, and people started inviting me to conferences. i ignored most of this because you’re absolutely right: THERE ARE MUCH BIGGER FISH TO FRY, AND FUTZING AROUND WITH ALL THIS BACK-SCRATCH (OR BACK-BITE) MAGPIE CRAP MEANS FISH DO NOT GET FRIED.
anything that gets in the way of success is a bad plan. some bad plans are much more alluring than real work. the power of exposure is overrated.
Time and time again you continue to impress me. Your label of “The Anti-Serin” is ever more true today.
I’m glad you turned down their interview request. Stay focused. When you have successfully accomplished your goals, folks will want to hear your story
I think I’ll parrot what everybody else is saying (includign yourself) now is not the time to go a-media whoring… wait until you’ve pulled yourself back out of this mess and written a book draft that you want to sell… then pimp the crap out of the thing… right now, you’ve got work to do.
I’d only consider it if 20/20 offered you a substantial sum of money that would set you on a good footing… Other than that, It’s a flat out no.
Good move – smart thinking. Turning it down is the right thing to do. You made a great decision there. Focus on the business. The comments the others have made above are right in line.
I also vote good move–I turned down an interview request from the NYTimes (for an article on young people who still have financial relationships with their parents) recently for similar reasons, and when I read the article, I didn’t regret it.