If there's one thing I hate about my job, it's pushy callers. I feel really suspicious when I answer and someone says, "Hi, how are you today?" I just know that I'm in for more than a routine "Could I speak to whoever please". (That by the way, is my favorite type of caller - know who you want to speak to, state it clearly and concisely so I can move you along and get back to surfing the web, or reading my book, or whatever you had the audacity to interupt with your call. Do I look like the receptionist to you?? Oh... wait...)

Anyway, these pushy people always start off by asking how I am. Yeah right, like you care? Then they start asking all these pushy questions... "Who is your assistant executive vice president of business software development?" First of all, I have no idea, secondly, if I did know, why should I tell you? You haven't told me who you are or why you want to know. I question your motives because I'm onto you - you're trying to sell something. So I give my best guess, "Um, well, I'm not sure, maybe... Amy?" Then they pounce: "What's Amy's last name? Could you spell that please? What is her email address? Does she have a direct line? Cell phone number? And what is her exact title?" I told you I don't know. Do you think if you keep asking, I'll finally break down and tell you? I really don't know. Me: "Well, you know, if you'd like to speak to Amy, I'm sure she can help you..." Them: "Um, no! No, that's o.k. I just wanted to send her some information..." Uh-huh, I thought so.  ¶ 9:46 AM