Well, it happened again.
This time, however, I wasn’t about to conclude our staff meeting until my point was made. I was mad as hell. This is an outrage!
“AMD is not even on the list in the Best Print Design Business category as judged by the readers of Inland Business Catalyst!” I shouted. “We’ve never even been on the [expletive deleted] list!”
The echo of my pounding fist receded; the silence in the room was deafening.
I noted—much more calmly—that even my own dry cleaning service was voted best in Spokane. (Flowers and a congratulatory note are on their way to Clark’s Cleaners, by the way.)
Discussion centered on how we were going to take matters in our own hands and ensure victory next year. My senior designer, unusually quiet up until then, offered a suggestion: “Let’s send an email campaign to all of our clients to increase AMDs word-of-mouth value.”
Brilliant, I thought—but when are we going to have time to do that?
My writer yawned, stretched, and brushed the donut crumbs from his belly. “Maybe,” he said, “we should interview the Best Local Business Man to gain insight on what it takes to make it all the way to the top.”
Great idea. Too bad I’ve already been fired once by Walt Worthy in my career.
“Come on, people,” I yelled. “We got nothin’.”
Silence.
And then it hit me: all we need to do is invent a new category. “If Catalyst can have a Best Parking Lot Maintenance Business*,” I said, the realization of my genius overwhelming even me, “then why not a Best Design Firm East of Division category?”
The clouds parted, the sun shone, and an angelic chorus filled the air.
“Damn, we’re good” someone mumbled. “Pass the donuts.”
Meeting adjourned.
*A hearty congratulations to Arrow Concrete & Asphalt Specialties.
