"If a man smiles all the time he's probably selling something that doesn't work."-- George Carlin

I almost feel sorry for salespeople who cold call me. Almost.

It's no secret that I cannot stand telemarketers or salespeople who "pop-in". I tend to curse whenever one calls me and I'm stuck talking to them. Or run the other way when I see one approaching. I almost become a deer-in-the-headlights when one pops-in...If I stand really still and don't make eye contact, he can't see me.

But I do feel a little bit sorry for them because I know how difficult it is to cold call people, trying to sell your product, and most times, getting hung up on. I, and only because I work for a church, never do this at work. I won't hang up on you. But I will tell you that I'm not interested. And do you know the reason? Because I am fully capable of calling you if I want a quote on something. I know, I know. There's an off-chance that your phone call might be the one I was waiting for all day. "Geez, who can I call about signs? I just don't know who to call! I wish someone would call me and give me a spiel about signs!". Guess what? I'm not doing that.

And the pop-in! Oh, how I hate those. I'm usually heading out the door to eat something because my stomach has been growling for 2 hours, and that's when you decide to pop in. Couldn't you make an appointment? You have to make an appointment to see the doctor. Treat me like your doctor. I'll be more than happy to give you a prostate exam. I'm not sitting around, waiting for salespeople to drop by so I can chit-chat with them for hours about some product I don't even want or need.

I know it's hard to believe after reading that rant, but I actually do feel just a teensy-eensy-bit sorry for them. This is hard to admit, almost shameful to admit, but my brother has had to cold call people. And I always think of him when I tell a salesperson I'm not interested. My heart breaks a little thinking about the number of times he was probably rejected. That can't feel good. He's a successful man, doing well, but I bet that sucked.

Good thing he didn't call me.