I could have been almost-famous a la reality tv – maybe – if I had been at Merage three years ago.
A couple of nights ago, I watched the debut of “The Millionaire Matchmaker” on Bravo (it was on after my secret reality tv vice, The Real Housewives of Orange County. Please don’t hold that against me). Basically, the show chronicles a boutique matchmaking firm that pairs wealthy albeit socially awkward millionaire men with younger, hotter women. The name of the Matchmaker herself, Patti Stagner, seemed eerily familiar, but I couldn’t fathom how I would have known this woman.
So, being the email junkie that I am, I searched my inbox for her name. Lo and behold, a series of conversations popped up from early 2005 (thanks Gmail!) that I had with Patti, the new reality tv maven of millionaire love. Three years ago, I had applied with her company to do freelance PR and writing. She and I seemed to click via email, but one of her staff members didn’t return several of my calls and then accused me of being “flaky” both to me and to Patti, my prospective employer. Needless to say, I was quite peeved.
Instead of handling the situation with grace and professionalism, I bit back and informed Patti that I wouldn’t be able to work with her right-hand-staffer (who was about 19 at the time, mind you) if she was going to act this way. Well, that went over like a lead balloon, and needless to say, I didn’t get the job.
Working in a team environment at Merage, as well as taking part in numerous cooperative activities and excellent Organizational Behavior classes, has taught me a thing or two about working with others in a collaborative environment. Sometimes, working with people that have different backgrounds and knowledge than you is scary and intimidating – but it’s a necessary reality of life that teaches patience, listening, and respect. In fact, opinions and thoughts contrary to my own have been the foundation to some of the best projects and assignments that my team has completed at Merage. I have been humbled and have gained respect for differences that have made me a much better manager today.
So Patti (and yes…second-in-command-girl who called me “flaky,” you too…) – I wish you luck on your show. Sorry for being defensive. I guess you aren’t looking for any PR services now, are you?
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