LinkedIn User Brutally Roasted For Claiming That Proposing To Girlfriend Taught Him About B2B Sales

When what was supposed to be a romantic moment descends into corporate cringe.

LinkedIn is the corporate wasteland where people post overly enthusiastic updates about jobs, events, and achievements that, let’s be honest, no one genuinely cares about.

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We've all seen it: "What an exhilarating time at the Annual Employee Wellness Fair!" Sally captioned a shot of herself sporting a serious business suit and smiling brightly beside her teammates. 

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Come on, Brenda, we know you didn't have the time of your life at that fair. You were counting down the minutes until you could leave—we can tell from the smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes.

But we get it—it’s all about keeping up appearances and, of course, that sweet health insurance. Can’t have your boss questioning your enthusiasm now, can you?

LinkedIn can feel like purgatory for those navigating the treacherous waters of unemployment. Endless resume submissions to faceless companies, hoping for a glimmer of interest. 

Meanwhile, your feed is flooded with posts from self-proclaimed LinkedIn Influencers sharing tales of overcoming adversity to build an empire—usually leaving out the part about the hefty inheritance that made it all possible.

But occasionally, a post emerges that is so bizarre, it transcends the usual corporate fluff. Enter Bryan Shankman, a man who took the concept of the "inspirational LinkedIn post" to a whole new level.

Bryan Shankman popped the question and learned more about B2B sales from it than from any business school…

Bryan Shankman popped the question and learned more about B2B sales from it than from any business school…LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com
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Sometimes saying 'No' leads to the perfect 'Yes.' Take notes, people.

Sometimes saying 'No' leads to the perfect 'Yes.' Take notes, people.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com
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In a moment of sheer brilliance (or perhaps lunacy), Bryan decided to share how proposing to his partner taught him invaluable lessons about B2B sales. Yes, you heard that right. He drew parallels between one of life's most personal moments and the art of closing a business deal.

In his now-infamous post, Bryan detailed his proposal strategy as if it were a sales pitch. He talked about prospecting, negotiations, pricing, and might’ve even referred to his fiancée as a “product.”

Sealing the deal both in love and business.

Sealing the deal both in love and business.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

Throw out those applications to business school, folks, because Bryan Shankman is preaching.

Throw out those applications to business school, folks, because Bryan Shankman is preaching.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

Psychologists suggest that blending personal life and professional concepts, as seen in the LinkedIn post, can reflect a deeper misunderstanding of relationship dynamics. According to Dr. Esther Perel, a renowned couples therapist, "The skills that make you successful in business often do not apply to personal relationships." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Laura Berman, a sex therapist, who states, "Using business strategies in romance can lead to misunderstandings and emotional disconnect." This mismatch can lead to cringe-worthy moments that undermine both romantic and professional connections.

Send that DocuSign—I mean, ring!

Send that DocuSign—I mean, ring!LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

On some teams, love is off-limits.

On some teams, love is off-limits.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

It was as if he had taken the soul out of romance and replaced it with a corporate training manual. Eyes bled all over LinkedIn as slack-jawed users watched Bryan mash two completely unrelated puzzle pieces together and insist they fit.

The good part is, they didn’t keep the brutal honesty to themselves. Bryan had unintentionally become the target of a LinkedIn roasting session, and it was merciless.

It is the dream of every woman to be treated like a sales prospect. Bryan Shankman can confirm.

It is the dream of every woman to be treated like a sales prospect. Bryan Shankman can confirm.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

We need the deets on that growth strategy.

We need the deets on that growth strategy.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

The Risks of Overgeneralization.

Overgeneralizing experiences from one context to another can lead to misunderstanding and social faux pas.

Research indicates that emotional intelligence plays a key role in recognizing the appropriateness of behavior in different settings.

In romantic relationships, emotional sensitivity often trumps analytical skills, and failing to recognize this can create tension.

Epic levels of disbelief.

Epic levels of disbelief.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

When B2B lessons and love collide, interesting metaphors are born.

When B2B lessons and love collide, interesting metaphors are born.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

Behavioral scientists observe that individuals who struggle with emotional regulation may resort to awkward comparisons as a way to express their feelings.

When faced with significant life events, such as proposals, the pressure can lead to misguided analogies that miss the mark.

Understanding one’s emotional state and how it influences communication is crucial for healthy interactions.

Should have probably just sent that as an email marked urgent.

Should have probably just sent that as an email marked urgent.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

Because birds of a feather and whatnot.

Because birds of a feather and whatnot.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

Navigating Romantic and Professional Worlds.

To successfully navigate the blending of personal and professional experiences, it's essential to develop a clear sense of boundaries.

Research in relationship psychology emphasizes the importance of context, suggesting that effective communication is rooted in understanding the unique dynamics of each relationship.

Practicing empathy and active listening can help bridge the gap between different spheres of life.

Two years or two weeks?

Two years or two weeks?LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

When business lessons come from the heartache department.

When business lessons come from the heartache department.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

Dr. John Gottman, a leading relationship researcher, emphasizes the importance of emotional validation in romantic settings.

His studies suggest that recognizing and addressing emotional needs is key to fostering healthy relationships, contrasting sharply with business-like transactional approaches.

This insight can guide individuals in rethinking how they approach personal milestones in a more meaningful way.

We’re literally at the edge of our seats.

We’re literally at the edge of our seats.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

When your wedding invites come with a Zoom link.

When your wedding invites come with a Zoom link.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

Learning from Mistakes.

Making mistakes in social situations can lead to growth and increased self-awareness.

Reflecting on these experiences through a psychological lens can help individuals understand their motivations and the reactions of others.

Practicing self-compassion and openness to feedback is vital in moving past cringe-worthy moments.

Strategic family planning.

Strategic family planning.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

Virtual vows gone wrong.

Virtual vows gone wrong.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

It was as if he had taken the soul out of romance and replaced it with a corporate training manual. Eyes bled all over LinkedIn as slack-jawed users watched Bryan mash two completely unrelated puzzle pieces together and insist they fit.

The good part is, they didn’t keep the brutal honesty to themselves. Bryan had unintentionally become the target of a LinkedIn roasting session, and it was merciless.

NB: Check chat for slides post-wedding.

NB: Check chat for slides post-wedding.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

When you’re disgusted but still wish them well.

When you’re disgusted but still wish them well.LinkedIn.com / Reddit.com

Psychological Analysis

This situation reflects a common challenge in human interactions, where the blending of different relational contexts can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

Recognizing the nuances of emotional expression in different settings is crucial for fostering understanding and connection.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches.

Ultimately, the blending of personal and professional experiences requires careful navigation and a deep understanding of emotional dynamics.

Research shows that those who learn from their social missteps tend to develop stronger communication skills and healthier relationships.

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