This morning, I got the most entertaining call of my professional career.
“May I speak with the decision maker in your organization, please?” asked a kindly voice with a southern twang. There’s nothing quite like asking for the decision maker to immediately identify your call as phone spam. Yet somehow, I felt compelled to speak to her, and told her that yes, I was the decision maker.
“My name is Myrtle, and I’m calling from directory services about your listing.”
I rolled my eyes. “Myrtle, I should probably stop you right there. I don’t have a directory listing.”
“Yes, ma’am, you do,” she said with her sweet voice. “And you’re scheduled for renewal in April.”
“Nooo,” I said. “I’m pretty sure that I don’t.”
“It’s right here,” she said. “A half-page ad.”
“And what type of services do I offer?” I asked.
“Well, it says here that you provide in-home euthanization services for housepets.”
I was speechless for a moment. “Euthanization?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I started to laugh. “Oh, Myrtle. I’m a writer. I don’t euthanize anything. What number are you trying to call?”
“Area code 405….”
“Myrtle, I’m in California at area code 408.”
“Oh my goodness! Ma’am, I am so terribly sorry. Here I was, trying to call Oklahoma City…. I am so sorry to have bothered you.”
“It’s ok, Myrtle. This was far and away the most interesting call I’ve had all week.”