My parents have this friend, his name is Mark Kruse (pronounced “Cruise-ee”). He is an incredibly likable guy, who also happens to be incredibly persuasive. One minute you’re minding your own business walking down the sidewalk and then there he is, arm around your shoulder asking you if you like BBQ. Of course you do! Well, come on over to the house, we’re making burgers. Next thing you know, you’re at Mark’s house painting his spare room, while he cooks you a burger on the grill. You have no idea how it happened. He’d even argue that you wanted to paint, he tried to talk you out of it. In fact, I think Mark’s entire house was built and renovated with this method.

I call it getting Kruse’d.

Today I was on a business call and I totally got Kruse’d. Not only did I agree to do a lot more work, I think I was happy to do it. The guy on the other end of the line TOTALLY knew what he was doing too. He lulled me into a stupor, asking me about my hobbies and talking about the east coast and then wham! there I was saying I thought the project wouldn’t be a problem. I hung up and realized I’d just been sold my own shoes.

Damn good job, man. I totally deserved that.