A shopkeeper was dismayed when a brand new business much like his own opened up next door and erected a huge sign which read ‘BEST QUALITY’.

He was horrified when another competitor opened up next door on his right, and announced its arrival with an even larger sign, reading ‘LOWEST PRICES’.

The shopkeeper panicked, until he got an idea. He put the biggest sign of all over his own shop. It read ‘MAIN ENTRANCE’.

A fire alarm rang at 4 pm in a large office campus when almost all employees were present (approx 5,000 people ).

As per past fire-drill practices, the entire office was quickly evacuated within 3 minutes, and all employees gathered outside the complex in designated areas waiting for further announcement.

Before long, the fire drill officer in-charge made the following broadcast over their loud-speakers system : "My dear colleagues : With sincere regret, I have been asked to announce that for many of you, this will be your last evacuation drill with us. Due to the on-going recession and bad business climate, the company is laying off almost 50% of its staff. So when this announcement finishes, I ask all of you to move back into the building. And if your swipe-card does not work, then it means that you have been laid off, in which case you will not be allowed inside, and all your personal belongings will be couriered to you by tomorrow.

The company is using this innovative, never-before approach as we do not want to choke our email system with lay-off notices and farewell messages going by the thousands, and we also wish to avoid any fighting inside the office and the consequent security issues for all staff.

We hope you have had a rewarding career with us. Now please move back in… and good luck!

A businessman walks into a bank in a city centre and asks for a $100 loan. He offers his luxury car as collateral. The collateral is too good, and the bank manager approves the loan.

A year later, the businessman comes back. He repays the loan and the 10% interest and is ready to collect his car. Finally, the puzzled bank manager dares to ask him: "Excuse me, sir, could you tell me: did you really need that $100 so badly? In order to get the money, you left your luxury car with us for a whole year!"

The businessman replied, "That's simple – just think outside the box: where else in the city centre can I find such a great parking place for just $10 a year?"