Monday, October 28, 2013

Sales Joke of the Day (October 28) Pitch and Yaw.

A young saleswoman in New York, was so depressed at her sales results from the third quarter that she decides to end her life by throwing herself into the ocean.   She goes down to the docks and is about to leap into the frigid water when a handsome young sailor sees her teetering on the edge of the pier, crying.


He takes pity on her and says, "Look, you have so much to live for.  I'm off to Europe in the morning and if you like, I can stow you away on my ship.  I'll take good care of you and bring you food every day."  Moving closer, he slips his arm around her shoulder and adds, "If I keep you happy, will you keep me happy?"


The young saleswoman nods yes.  After all, what does she have to lose?  Perhaps a fresh start in Europe will give her life new meaning.


That night, the sailor brings her aboard and hides her in a lifeboat.  Every night from then on, he brings her three sandwiches and a piece of fruit, and they make passionate love until dawn.  She can't believe how lucky she is to be on such a romantic journey!


Three weeks later, during a routine inspection, she is discovered by the captain.


"What are you doing here?" the captain asks.


"I have an arrangement with one of the sailors," the young saleswoman explains.  "I get food and a trip to Europe, and he gets to, uhmmm, take advantage of me during the voyage."


"Taking advantage of you, is he?" the captain asks in a Monty Python, nudge nudge wink wink say no more, fashion.  "I say he is taking advantage of you indeed!   Congratulations Miss, you're aboard the Staten Island Ferry."


Moral of the story.   True sales professionals know that in order to succeed in sales you have to be able to deliver a great pitch.  However, those great at making pitches seem much more vulnerable to succumbing to great pitches themselves often find themselves being scammed.  Remember, the next time you hear a great PITCH, rather than react with emotion, it's best just to YAWn.


"Only the brave know how to forgive; it is the most refined and generous pitch of virtue human nature can arrive at."  -  Laurence Sterne