Since I first started working in the wireless industry in 1990, there is one question that I have been asked more than any other.  It's come up at birthday parties, holidays, family reunions.  I've heard it from my mom, my friends, my siblings--even people I've met on the train.

"Can you get me a deal on a phone?"

I have developed an assortment of ways over the years to explain that no, that's not really the part of the business I am in.  Most people would be disappointed at first  and then their eyes would kind of glaze over while I tried to explain about selling optimization test tools and planning software to the operators of cellular systems.  (I see you glazing over right now....)  The arrival of Verizon's "Can You Hear Me Now?" Guy was a blessing.  Suddenly, I could just say "You know that guy?  We make the stuff companies actually use for that".  People could grok that and everyone  was happy.  Except my sister, who still thinks I just don't want to get her a deal on a phone.