Want to win some steak knives? Tell us your sales horror stories |
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Glengarry Glen Ross showcases the sales industry at its absolute worst, one of the reasons we love it. David Mamet's award-winning play of foul-mouthed real estate agents looking to close deals is on stage this month at the Seattle Repertory Theater, and Thursday marks "Sales Rep Industry Night."
What does that mean? Well, it means you have a chance to win some cool prizes and have a little fun in the process. We're looking for TechFlash readers to share their horror stories from the sales world. In 500 words or less, tell us your worst sales experience, toughest pitch or the most unusual thing you've encountered in trying to close a deal. Please post your mini essays in the comment thread below, and we'll choose our favorite tomorrow morning sometime before noon. (Make sure you're registered in Disqus with a valid email so we can contact you).
The winner of the contest will receive season tickets to the Seattle Rep's 2010-11 season, as well as two tickets to Thursday night's performance. Heck, we might even toss in a set of steak knives for second place. Third place? Well, lovers of the play and movie know all too well that you don't really want to go there. (Check out the video trailer below to see what I mean).
I realize that Glengarry Glen Ross is filled with profanity, but please try to keep your stories somewhat clean. Also, if possible, please remove references to individuals or companies where appropriate. Enjoy.
John Cook is co-founder and executive editor of TechFlash. He has been covering the technology beat for nearly a decade, writing about startups, entrepreneurs and venture capital, most recently serving as a reporter/blogger at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
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