Much like the old fax machine, my old publisher's axiom was, "There's always a way!"
He told me to call a marketing rep and sell an ad. The rep wasn't in the office, but rather was in the hospital with a case of pancreatitis. I told the publisher I couldn't get the rep since he was out sick. The publisher said -- no joke -- "Well, find out the name of the hospital and room number! He's sure to take your call then!"