She couldn't decide how she felt about that. She'd even thought that blowing
this deal might be a good thing. She'd never wanted to go to Golden Grove in the
first place—dreaded it, in fact.
But there was her job to think about. Danni had made it clear what the expectations of the group were. A failure here would most likely be a career killer. And her career was something she'd worked on too hard and for too long
to consider losing.
She straightened her spine. At least she could pretend that she knew what she was doing. Even if she was about to get fired.
Danni spoke up. “Although the report is rather…thin, I think we may have
something to work with.”
Good ol' Danni. Thank you, Danni.
“Although there's going to have to be a lot more work done regarding the basic premise of your proposal. For example, what are some of the core concepts
you're working with? What about the international aspect of the company? How
does that fit in with Nitrovex's Midwest origins?
“Yes, the international aspect. Well, I feel that first, we must come up with
the foundation—the core of what makes Nitrovex unique. The essence of the company may seem very basic, but the overarching theme of its products is much broader than we suspected. To that end, I feel we must do a deeper examination of all the different aspects of the company's very diversified holdings, especially in Europe, where they are making significant inroads in, um,
flocculating solvents.”
It was a stall, a non-answer. She felt like a politician, or a beauty contestant
trying to answer her question about world peace without really saying anything.
“Flocculating solvents?” a group member said.
Kate nodded. “Yes.” Just yes. She couldn't say much more about flocculating
solvents, especially since she'd just made it up in order to save her job.
“I see that you've spoken almost exclusively with the owner, Mr. Wells?”
Madsen was asking.
Kate nodded, shifting in her seat. “Yes, he's been very helpful in giving me
the backdrop, the history of the company.”
No one changed their expression, just stared at her, waiting.
“Yes, and I'm also consulting with another local expert. And I'm hoping to meet with the grandson of the owner next week. He's much more versed in their
European operations, as well as the future of the company.”
It was kind of a lie. Well, it was mostly a lie. Okay, it was a flat-out lie, and
she wished she hadn't said it. But she did know that Corey Steele was supposed
to be back in Golden Grove soon, and she was sure that John would be happy to
set up a meeting with him.
Finally, one of the members nodded. “That should be very helpful. A better
picture of the future of the company is what we'll need.”
“Should” not could. For the first time since the meeting had started, she felt like she had a chance at not being booting form the account…
“However…” Madsen said.
Oh, geez, not a however.
“…we're going to have to have a much more extensive report at the next meeting if we're going to trust you to present the full proposal.”
Kate nodded vigorously. “Yes, of course, much more complete, I promise
you. Once I have a few more pieces of the puzzle in place, I'll be able to suggest
a full package. Logos, slogans, and branding.”
