I spent my summers during high school working as a telemarketer. Every day, I called strangers to request money for the Leukemia Society, March of Dimes, or any other organization name that appeared on the script I was supposed to read.

The script always started with a standard "we need your help" spiel, and then the haggling began. Judging by the tone of the person's voice, I'd suggest a dollar amount:

"Would you be willing to donate $75?"

Measuring the outrage in their response, I'd determine whether I recommend $50 or drop straight to $25.

"Okay, I understand that?sure?of course?but let me assure you that even the smallest bit helps. Could you spare $10? What about $5? Hello? Are you still?"

Dial tone.

If someone agreed to send money, we sent him a pledge card for the amount he agreed to contribute. More importantly, whenever I made a "sale," I earned a tick on the white board:

Tyler C. - 1

We were expected to average one sale per hour. I was lucky to get one before lunch. So eventually ...