Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:00 — 4.1MB)
As Fran and Jesus arrive at the office this day, there is a note on her desk from Marilyn, her manager, to see her right away. She and Jesus immediately walk down to Marilyn’s office. Fran says, “You wanted to see me?”
“Oh, yeah, Fran, come on in. Have a seat.” After a few words of chit-chat, Marilyn says, “Well, I think I have some exciting news for you, for a change. We’ve got a shot at a new client – a big one, Fran: Mitchell Camera Shops. They’re looking for a new agency and we’re one of the three they are considering. So, top management has assigned Jim Clark, Vice President of Marketing to oversee this bid. With a little help from me, he has picked you to assist him in trying to land Mitchell’s.”
Fran’s mouth is hanging open. “Mitchell’s Cameras? Why, they’re one of the fastest growing franchises in the country.” She looks at Jesus and whispers, “Did you hear that, Jesus? I’m going to be the account rep assigned to this prospect – working with Jim Clark? Me!”
She turns to Marilyn, “I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t have to say anything, Fran. Just do a good job. I know you will,” Marilyn responds. “Jim will be here tomorrow and wants to spend the day with you setting the strategy for this proposal. Your first meeting with Mitchell’s is next week, so there’s no time to waste. For the rest of the day, you ought to find out all you can about Mitchell’s; do your homework,” Marilyn advises Fran.
As they head back to her office, Fran can’t hide her excitement. “Jesus, this is really a big deal. And Marilyn recommended me above everybody else in the department. Oh, Ed’s gonna be furious when he hears this. I’m sure he will think he should have been chosen; he thinks he’s the best. It will really goad him because they gave it to a woman over a man,” Fran says with a chuckle.
“Guess I must be doing something right, huh? Wow, just think, I’ll be working with Jim Clark, VP of Marketing. Not often you get that kind of break. Some pretty important people will know I’m alive after this,” Fran says with glee, almost forgetting Jesus was listening to her. She notices that he doesn’t seem quite as excited about this as she is.
“Why don’t you close your door and let’s talk about this, Fran,” Jesus suggests.