I was in a business meeting last week with our design firm and we were discussing the acronym AIDA (Attention, Interest, Decision, Action)and integrating AIDA into the design of our new brochure. I immediately mentioned the cameo of Alec Baldwin in Glengarry Glenross - the Broadway play which was made into a not so successful movie of the same name. They had never heard of the movie or the cameo - which surprised me.
For those of you that don't know - Alec Baldwin plays the head honcho from "downtown" who is there to shake up this regional sales team of under-achievers. He starts the meeting by thoroughly dressing down a sales rep played by Jack Lemon. Jack Lemon is pouring a coffee just as Alec Baldwin starts his rant - Alec shouts: "Put that coffee down" he yells - Jack Lemon smirks and is startled at the same time. Alec then says "Coffee is for Closers".
This clip is absolutely amazing and is filled with every sales meeting cliche in the book. I highly recommend it for any sales guy who needs some motivation, or sales manager that needs to shake up their sales team and adding some humor at the same time.
For anyone in sales you fully appreciate the scenario. The message is extremely dark and resonates deeply.
A warning of sorts - this 10 minute clip has course language and some derogatory terms so I suggest you thoroughly review prior to showing it at your team meeting. You don't want to be showing this clip with the HR guy in the room.
It is thoroughly enjoyable in dark and cathartic way.
Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-AXTx4PcKI
