Each night I”m sure you get the same calls on the phone as we do.  It always begins with my saying “hello” and then a pause…I say hello again and then someone says “hello”…pause again…and I say hello for the third time.  Here’s how it goes from there:

Me: I’ve now said hello three times is there something that you were calling about?
Caller: Is this Mr. Waters?
Me: Yes it is.
Caller: I’m calling to offer you an incredible price on duct cleaning, so Mr. Waters if you’ll tell me how many bedrooms are in your home I’ll give you…
Me: Excuse me but you’re assuming that I have dirty ducts.
Caller: Mr. Waters this is a great price and we’re offering this to you for a limited time.
Me: Do you get paid by the hour to do this job?
Caller: No sir, I get paid by the number of bookings I make.
Me: I think you should quit and go back to school.
Caller: You’re probably right.
Me: Is this going well for you?
Caller: No.
Me: Why don’t you look into returning to school tomorrow morning.
Caller: I think I will.
Me: Have a good night.
Caller: Thank you I will.