"You can't handle the truth!"

With apologies to Aaron Sorkin, the original author of a great script, and with deference to TigerHawk, where I have found the first parody, I present to you the VeraSage version of "A Few Good Men:"

Professional pricer: "You want answers?"Consultants to the professions: "I think we are entitled to them!"Professional pricer: "You want answers?!"Consultants to the professions: "I want the truth!"Professional pricer: "You can't handle the truth!!!"

Professional pricer (continuing): "Son, we live in a world that is based on value. And that value must be identified by people with elite skills. Who's going to find it? You, Mr. Consultant? We have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom.You scoff at value and you curse our rational beliefs and economic theories. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what we know: that while the costs of business are excessive, they don't matter if they don't provide value to the customer.And my very existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, drives VALUE! You don't want to know the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at industry conferences ... you want me at that conference. You NEED me at that conference!We use words like price discrimination, leverage, integrity, and sensitivity. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent valuing something. You use them as a punch line!I have neither the time nor inclination to explain myself to people who rise and sleep under the very blanket of value I provide and then question the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you figure out a way to create some value. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!"Consultants to the professions: "Did you price based on value?"Professional pricer: "I did the job I was hired to do."Consultants to the professions: "Did you price based on value?"Professional pricer: "You're goddamn right I did!"

Ed Kless

Ed Kless joined Sage in July of 2003 and is currently the senior director of partner development and strategy.

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http://edkless.com
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