A quick reminder from the trenches of networking and pitching…

Sometimes when you're reaching out to potential collaborators, producers, or industry contacts, you're going to miss the mark. Maybe you contact the wrong department. Maybe your pitch isn't a fit. It happens. We're all human.

But there's no excuse for being rude to someone who approaches you professionally.

I recently got a snippy response from someone after a polite inquiry. I won’t name names because this isn’t about revenge or finger-pointing... it's about a broader truth: you never know who you’re talking to, or where they might end up.

I’ve interviewed for jobs I didn’t get, but because the person on the other end treated me with kindness and respect, we ended up working together on a different project years later. That kind of professionalism builds bridges. Rudeness? It burns them before they even exist.

And honestly, I’ve been on the other side too. At my day job, I sometimes turn away walk-in salespeople or cold pitches that don’t fit what we do. I get the instinct to shut things down quickly. But professionalism is about how we do it. A simple, respectful “no thanks” can keep doors open down the line, and preserve your own reputation in the process.

So to anyone out there in casting, producing, distribution, or any field really, keep in mind: your reputation doesn’t just rest on your résumé. It rests on how you treat people when you think they can’t do anything for you.

Because one day, they might.

Have you had a similar experience—on either side of the equation? Feel free to share. I’d love to hear how others have handled this kind of situation.