You have to understand something about Microsoft - there's a very healthy competitive relationship between the folks in the field ("us") and the folks at corporate ("them"). It's probably the same rivalry that exists at just about every company in the world that has a large field sales organization and a centralized product development group. It's that spirt that inspired the notes included with the very thoughtful gifts I was given at my "going away" dinner last night. Where I'm going I will be one of "them" - the corporate types that don't carry a bag and have no idea what it's like to be in the field. It will be quite a change to be on the other side of this rivalry for a change. My dear co-workers wanted to make sure I was appropriately prepared:
The stack of "self-help" books above was accompanied by this sweet note:
"Every 'headquarters marketing type puke' needs to have these books as part of their library. Put them on your bookshelf in plain sight. Even if you don't read them, let people see them to make them think you did. The other book ['Start Your Own Wedding Consultant Business'] is just in case this gig falls through."
The Mont Blanc pen (very nice, I might add!) had the following text in the included card:
"Every corporate puke needs one of these. Best of Luck!"
Wow...feel the love. ;-)