Twas The Night Before Month End

Twas The Night Before Month End
(with a nod to Clement Clarke Moore’s 1822 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” of course)

I wrote this sales parody of Clement Clarke Moore’s 1822 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” back in 2010 and shared it again here and in this month’s edition of A Chip off the Block, I hope you enjoy it!

Twas the day before month end and across every floor,
All the salespeople were scurrying – some right out the door.

The goals had been hung on a white board with care,
In hopes that this month would find everyone there.

Sales managers were nestled in a conference with dread.
While visions of bonuses still danced in their head!

The CEO with her figures and I my sales map,
Had just settled down for our afternoon chat.

When out on the sales floor arose such a clatter,
I sprang from our meeting to see what was the matter!

Away to my team I flew like a flash –
Arriving in moments after my 50 yard dash.

Above all the murmurs and shouting I heard… “PO”
Which gave the luster of goal to all gathered below.

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
The salesperson with an order that would make them their year!

So over the details, by line we went quick,
Ensuring the warehouse each item could pick.

More rapid than eagles accounting they came,
And wanted more info, the customer credit to gain;

Away they all went to make the D&B call,
Making sure that the deal would be good for us all.

The answer was quick, as we all knew the stakes!
Yes, accounting cried, you’ve not make a mistake.

Now back to her desk the salesperson flew,
Customer info to update and order entry to do.

The warehouse was bustling, more coffee they drank,
It wouldn’t be THEIR fault if our numbers did tank.

Then the pick slips started printing, the papers did fly,
The pages kept printing, right up to the sky!

They all started running to pack all the stuff,
Sales held their breath, would it be enough?

When the boxes were labeled and stacked on the dock,
We let out our breath then glanced up at the clock.

We did it, we’d made it – yes right on the nose,
Then cheers they did shout and the volume it rose.

To cut through the noise the salesperson did whistle,
“If you needed proof forecasting works, I’m sure this’ll!”

Surprised at this admission, I looked all around,
They were all still smiling, not a face held a frown.

Knowing I couldn’t say it better myself,
I shuffled some paper to stack on the shelf.

Still patting her back, the sales team turned to go,
A good month on the books – we still basked in the glow.

And I heard her exclaim as she left for the night,
It’s amazing what happens, when you plan it all right!

nutcracker © Lisa F. Young | Dreamstime Stock Photos
golden Santa & pear shaped ornament © David Coleman | Dreamstime Stock Photos