In a recent online survey of 1226 people, 23% said they would prefer to give up sex for a month rather than make cold calls to businesses. Only getting a root canal ranked higher than cold calling. Also high on the list, public speaking.
In my personal experience, I’ve cold called businesses. I’ve given up sex for a month a few times because I or my partner at the time had health issues. I’ve had a root canal. And I was a member of Toastmasters for eight years. The Winter response to this survey?
I have to agree with most of it. I hate cold calling. The rest?
Sex – Hey, it’s only a month, and let’s be honest. There was no shame in Kramer’s early loss in that infamous bet on Seinfeld.
Root canal – Had one. Fell asleep during it.
Public speaking – Hello! Toastmasters? Only reason I left was because I had other things to do.
Only one other choice on the survey would be worse for me than making cold calls: Surprise guest on a reality series. If ambushed by cameras to find out I’m being drafted for Showgirl of Love with Elizabeth Berkley, my first response, after my wife kicks Liz’s scrawny out-of-work ass, would be to call my lawyer and demand a court injunction. Honestly? I hate being on television. And I used to be a standup comedian. I sure as hell don’t want to be on reality television, thanks.
I wouldn’t mind doing a cameo on, say, Treme or Southland or Caprica, but those are scripted shows. Anyway, the closest I’ve come to being on such a television show was to ask the creative consultant for Stargate:Universe if they would be accepting unagented spec scripts. Acting was not mentioned, nor was a yes answer. (Actually, it was “I don’t know yet.” Haven’t followed up.) As for any other type of television, when I see cameras at the Federal Building, the Federal Court House, or Fountain Square, I cross the street.
Yeah. I’d rather make cold calls than be on television. But I wouldn’t give up sex to avoid it.
