Cornered by Mike Baldwin for April 07, 2012

See: MeGoNow, he/she nailed it.

I went with “Jim Dandy” because it’s a “can do” kind of name. Sort of works for a guy who is top sales person. Yes, sales is tough.

I thought the “Top Sales Rep” on a headstone seemed ridiculous and strong enough to be a gag. The dates hint that that’ is what killed him. Seemed funny (and real enough) at the time, and still does. I’m guilty of doing cartoons that I think are funny. I don’t worry whether everyone “gets it.” Of course I hope that someone does. Thanks, “MeGoNow.” If I think it works I put it out there.

But wait, there’s more to this story….

At first, I had a more generic name.

Then, as I was putting the monthly batch together, I decided it would be fun to do a shout-out to one of the sales reps at Universal Uclick and stick his name on it.

In hindsight, I totally get why that wasn’t a good idea, but at the moment I thought it would be fun and a tip of the hat to a guy who really does his best in a very, very tough market.

A few weeks later I get a call from the guy and he’s pretty spooked seeing his name on the headstone and wants to know why I did it!

So I told him – but as I hear myself explain it, I begin to see it from his POV and realize it was a bad idea. It didn’t help that, as I’m talking to him, my wife is overhearing the conversation and is saying, you did what?!!

All in all, not one of my better days.