A:     Excuse me sir, may I talk to you?

B:     Sure, come on in.   What can I do for you?

A:     Well sir, as you know, I have been an employee of this prestigious firm for over ten years.

B:     Yes.

A:     I won't beat around the bush.   Sir, I would like a raise. I currently have four companies after me and so I decided to talk to you first.

B:     A raise?   I would love to give you a raise, but this is just not the right time.

A:     I understand your position, and I know that the current economic down turn has had a negative impact on sales, but you must also take into consideration my hard work, pro- activeness and loyalty to this company for over a decade.

B:     Taking into account these factors, and considering I don't want to start a brain drain, I'm willing to offer you a ten percent raise and an extra five days of vacation time.  How does that sound?

A:     Great!   It's a deal!   Thank you, sir!

B:     Before you go, just out of curiosity, what companies were after you?

A:     Oh, the Electric Company, Gas Company, Water Company and the Mortgage Company!