Once upon a time
there was a blogger from Boston who offered to write promotional web
content for a car dealership.
It was me. I'm the
blogger, and the dealership is Legendary Motors in Braintree, MA. I
said, “I can write something about your business – maybe a
testimonial or a review?”
The owner of
Legendary Motors, Glynne Kalil, said no. She told me she would find
some notes written by previous customers so I could use them instead.
I offered again to
just write something, but she still said no. She told me, “I can't
have you write something about Legendary Motors, because you never
shopped here. In the auto industry, people who don't want to fall
into the trap of sleazy salesmanship need to always be completely
honest and real.” She smiled and added, “Buy a car from me, and
then you can write a testimonial.”
To be honest, I
hadn't even realized I was suggesting something dishonest. But she
was right, I can't just write a testimonial if I didn't experience
the dealership the way a customer would experience it.
SO, instead of
writing promotional material about the dealership, I'm writing this
positive review of a person:
There is a stereotype about used-car dealerships doing dishonest
business, but Glynne Kalil is the owner of a used-car dealership, and
she gave me a lesson in honesty! When I wrote something for her, it
had to be entirely accurate and informative. When she said she was
going to do something, she did it. When somebody I know needs a car,
I'll send them her way. As a self-employed professional, I'm grateful
whenever I get to network with someone who is rock-solid reliable.
I give Glynne
Kalil of Legendary Motors five stars for keeping it real.
