Desperate Salespeople

Well, I don't know if the economy is recovering or not (mostly because I don't go to Chipotle very often anymore so I can't use the Chipotle-line-test to gauge growth/contraction) but I do know one thing. I am so glad I'm not in sales right now!

When I started my current job, I learned that there are many fascinating things about being a receptionist. For example, one aspect of the job is to protect your boss from people who want to waste his/her time. The first time two guys in suits walked in and wanted to talk to my boss, I thought "OMG they're with the FBI." I went in the back and had a conversation something like this:

Me: "There are 2 guys here who want to see you."
Boss: "Well, who are they?"
Me: "I don't know. But they're wearing suits."
Boss: "Of course I'm not going to see them. Tell them to go away."

I politely told the suits that my boss was not in, and they tried to chat with me about what phone system we used (I think I told them that my phone is black with lots of buttons... how's that for being helpful?!) and then they left their business card. Voila, my first experience shoo-ing away salespeople.

Nowadays, I just laugh (inside, only!) when someone wants to talk to my boss. Let's just say my boss's name is Bob. Yesterday a lady called and said "Bob please" when I answered. Ummm.... really? Is that how that works? Like, can I call Microsoft and say "Bill please" in a crabby tone of voice and expect to be transferred to him? Cause that'd be cool.

The most desperate of all the salespeople in my opinion are the ones selling copier services. We've had probably half a dozen people offer to buy out the rest of our lease on our Xerox equipment. These poor people! I feel bad for them.

In happier news, the Chipotle near my house will soon open, at which time I can resume my economic analysis.