I began work two months ago amidst a lot of excitement. My mom was relieved to see me occupied and less grouchy, Dad was proud that his daughter was going to be heading a bureau and my brother was pleased at the prospect of getting presents from his big sister. But life wasn't exactly easy. Not many people in Chennai knew of my company. So I was given the dirty task of explaining what we do - to telephone operators and bigshot secretaries - before eventually getting through to the boss.

Getting through to media planners in ad agencies was easier. Often they seemed excited and assured me that their day began with our site. Some promised to invite me to press conferences and launches, while others simply forced me into drinking tea with them amidst false promises of keeping me posted on what was happening in their organization.

Getting through to channel heads was however more difficult. On calling them, I was usually welcomed to the channel by a woman's voice that had a distinct American accent, "Dial the extension if you know it. Otherwise wait for the operator."

This fancy voice was usually followed by the operator's madrasi accent, that would demand, "What for you want to speak to COO?"

Since I couldn't afford to annoy them, I'd politely explain that I was representing an online daily that carried articles on the media itself, more specifically anything that would be of interest to the media planner, media buyer or marketer.

"Hmm… So what for you want to speak to COO?"

Getting irritated I'd reply, "So I can tell him that we have a bureau in the South now and if anything is happening in your channel, I'd like to do a story on it."

"Oh ok. Now I understand. How much you charge?"

"I don't want to be paid. I just want to speak to your boss."

Finally I get past her and reach the COO's secretary. She is just as curious. After her round of questioning, she pretends to ask her boss and returns with a much-practiced line, "He is busy now. Call after 2 hours."

I call again after 2 hours, and 2 days later I manage to get through to the boss.

But nothing prepared me for S [fearing that she might read this article, I'm forced to keep her anonymous]. S works for a not so popular agency with branches all over the country. As a rule, I try not to underestimate people and companies, as you never know when someone might suddenly create wonders. So I called the office and asked for the head. An authoritative feminine voice questioned me on my work and what I do. Having been quite used to this by now, I rattle out all that we do. And surprisingly, she didn't ask me how much I wanted to be paid. Instead she said, "Ok, ok. We don't require your services."

Horrified, I yelled back, "I don't intend to give you my services. Put me through to your boss."

"I am the boss," she replied more gently.

I introduced myself again and asked if I could meet up with her that evening. She agreed and I took down her address. By now I didn't believe they had any big clients, if someone like her was heading the agency. Nevertheless, curiosity got the better of me and I set out to meet her.

I reached their tiny office. The walls and door had been smeared with turmeric powder. The walls were adorned with pictures of deities. Each picture had a garland around it. An empty bookshelf nearby carried no proof of the company's success stories. No awards or pictures of ads they had created.

S walked out smiling. She was friendlier now than she had been on the phone. She explained that she hadn't understood me earlier and asked questions on why media planners would find information that I gave out important. I explained patiently. Eventually she said that she'd let me know if anything newsworthy did come up. I was getting ready to leave, when I asked if I could have her card. She looked around hesitantly and said, "I don't have a card. But I'll give you my VP's card." After rummaging through the contents of her drawer, she fished out a card and scribbled something on it.

Curious, I looked at it when she handed it to me. Beside her VP's name she had written, "S - Secretary," in big bold letters.

Amused I walked out. I had more secretaries to meet that day.

Some of them are nice familiar voices today. If you are on good terms with them, they connect you to their boss immediately. And if you do visit their office, they offer you coffee, tea or a soft drink, depending on how kind you've been to them.

When I started I'd decided I disliked them, as most of them were rude initially. They usually acted important, sometimes making you wait for an appointment for days. But now 2 months later, I'm wiser. So after I've met the boss, I always remember to say "bye" and "thank you" to the secretary as well.

After all, I am dependent on them indirectly for my salary!