Chapter Thirteen #2
“I take it, it’s not going well,” he replied, settling into the chair facing her desk.
“No. It’s not. I question whether it’s the software or how it was implemented or the data entry, but whatever the issue is, it’s not giving me what I need. It might be necessary for us to do some manual entry to get the full picture.”
Seth didn’t respond immediately. After thinking through the issue he asked, “Do you think the kludginess of the system hinders the operation of the business?”
When she hesitated, he continued. “What I’m thinking is that Jay and Celeste also wanted suggestions for improving White Hall’s profitability.
Can we use this software issue to achieve multiple goals simultaneously?
Us recommending new software gets us a quick deliverable to the client and improved access to the data we need. ”
“We’d help implement the system?” she asked. That seemed a little out there. The Fitzgeralds asked for recommendations, not an overhaul of the business.
“Yes,” Seth said, raising a finger. “Consider the hours of manual input that would be required to be done to get what we need. Now overlay the potential man hours needed for us to help put a new system in place.”
Rachel nodded. That did make sense when she thought of it that way.
“Of course, this only works if the replacement system is an actual improvement and helps long term," Seth said.
“Well,” Rachel said, thinking through the conversations she’d had with Cal. “Cal mentioned some issues with the invoicing. Now that I am more familiar with the software he uses, I understand what he’s talking about.”
“What other limitations or glitches did you find with the current system he’s using?” Seth prompted.
Rachel thought about that briefly. “Payroll could be easier. Granted there’s only three full-time, and a few part-time or seasonal employees now.
But the process, especially in terms of seasonal or casual employees could be far simpler.
And I think in terms of growth,” she added, warming to the idea now.
“Their current software cannot manage relationships or look at the data strategically.”
“Give me an example of what you’re thinking regarding that.”
“The current system won’t let you search through past events or check the frequency of bookings by a particular person,” Rachel replied. She got lost momentarily in the possibilities, enjoying this exercise with Seth.
“For future growth, it would be important to determine the frequency and type of bookings. And the ability to pull out, say, holiday party clients and target marketing to them for early booking could be highly effective. Once you have a system that allows for that, then you can look at profit margins based on event type, time of year, or client.”
“Good examples,” Seth replied. “I know we’ve suggested systems in the past. I can touch base with a few of the other client managers and see which ones they like. Even the one we use here in house sounds like it would be a vast improvement.”
Rachel fidgeted with her pen, “I’m sure the client managers will have names of systems that should work.
Although the software will have to be well-priced, or possibly offer a tiered approach.
The Fitzgeralds shouldn't sink money into the business if there is a possibility of selling. If we could implement the system in stages, that could work. We do the first bit now and then if they keep the business, other pieces like payroll could be added in the future.”
“I like that idea, Rachel.” Seth stood and rapped his knuckles on her desk. “Excellent work. Your recommendation was well thought out and insightful. I’ll get the ball rolling.”
Rachel was too surprised to say anything.
She didn’t realize she had been giving a recommendation.
She thought they were just tossing around ideas.
That said, Seth’s words of encouragement made her do a little jig in her chair.
Proving to him that she could handle large accounts was going well so far. She just needed to finish strong.
Turning back to her computer, she closed the spreadsheet she’d been working on. Time to focus elsewhere, if only for her sanity. Diving into the industry information Seth had gathered, she started crafting the report detailing the pros and cons of converting the property to a golf course.
Happy with the progress, she broke for lunch a few hours later. She was heating her leftovers in the break room when Seth walked by.Seeing her, he backed up and walked in. “Just the person I’m looking for,” he said.
Rachel went on alert. “Oh. I’m sorry. Did you need something?”
“I have great news. I managed to get the Fitzgeralds on the phone and the upgraded software is a go.”
Rachel’s stomach dropped. “What?” she asked, thoroughly confused. What did he mean he’d talked to the Fitzgeralds? Wasn’t he going to research software systems? That’s what she thought he meant.
“I put a call into Jay and Celeste,” Seth explained, his manner upbeat, certainly not picking up any of the dread currently washing over her. “They returned the call, and we had a very productive conversation. They agree with your recommendation about implementing a new system.
“I pitched them using our own in-house tool since that would be the most economical and quickest. They thought it was a great idea.”
Rachel both loved and hated that he kept calling it her suggestion.
Cal was going to hate this idea. He resented that his parents spent money to hire outside consultants, and now they were investing more money and time for a new system.
If he found out it was her recommendation… she refused to consider that.
To avoid alerting Seth to the possible issue, she replied, “That’s excellent news. Did you and the Fitzgeralds discuss a timeline for this? Should I incorporate it into the final stages of the project plan, or will we be treating it like its own standalone project?”
“Well, as you discussed, one bonus of this new system is being able to pull the data we need for the current project. The Fitzgeralds were good with implementing it now and pushing back the deadline for the recommendation report.”
Dang it all to heck and back. She’d forgotten that point. Cal was about to lose his mind when he found out they were making a switch and doing it soon. “Okay,” she said, keeping the enthusiasm in her voice. “I’ll start adjusting the project plan to accommodate converting over to a new system.”
“Please do,” Seth replied. “And circulate the new timeline to everyone involved. I’ll huddle up with people here and get more information on implementation.
“Oh wait. Before you finalize a new timeline, reach out to Cal and get his thoughts on the switch. Make sure our normal system conversion estimates are correct.”
“Will do,” she said weakly. Her thoughts whirled as Seth gave her a nod and left.
Could this get any worse?
She now had the joyous job of breaking the news to Cal about a new software system.
He was going to hate this. Although, hearing about it from his parents would have sent him through the stratosphere.
She didn’t know him all that well, but she’d seen the friction between them from the get-go.
Having his parents break this news would have definitely been worse.
When the microwave dinged, she took out her container and walked down to her office.
Her appetite was gone, so she just set it aside.
She thought about calling Cal but her gut told her she ought to do this in person.
Decision made, she grabbed her coat and bag and left.
She had to let Cal know the situation, and she needed to bring reinforcements.
It had nothing whatsoever to do with the fact that her brain was screaming at her to stress eat.
Not at all.
◆◆◆
When she entered Pie in the Sky forty minutes later, she knew she’d done the right thing. The scents of chocolate, yeast, and coffee swirled together to make an intoxicating perfume of temptation. Her stomach rumbled to remind her that she’d walked out of the office without eating.
There wasn’t a line, so Rachel browsed the row of bakery cases looking for her next victim. She could hear Mrs. S in the back room talking. It sounded as if she were interrogating someone about the taste of a pastry. She loved that Mrs. S was always looking to try new flavors.
Returning to the counter, she placed her order. “Can I get a large caramel latte for here and a ham and cheese croissant? I’d also like a large Americano to go and two of the oatmeal raisin cookies. Can I pay for those now, but have the Americano made after I’ve eaten?”
“Sure thing,” the cashier said just as Mrs. S walked out carrying a tray of cookies. Putting it down, she regarded Rachel and raised an eyebrow. Rachel didn't even pretend to not know what the older woman was saying.
“And a peanut butter fluff blondie,” she said with a sigh.
Mrs. S laughed. “Oh, don’t sound so put out. We both know you would be leaving with that blondie.”
Rachel laughed. “Well, you don’t have to be smug about it. I was playing hard to get.”
Mrs. S smiled and moved down the case to grab her croissant.
“Would you prefer the blondie here or to go?” the cashier asked pleasantly.
“To go would be great. Thank you.”
“Let me heat this up a little for you,” Mrs. S said, carrying the croissant into the back.
“Thanks, Mrs. S,” she called. There weren’t many tables in the bakery, but as it was early afternoon, she had her pick.
Grabbing a seat somewhat out of the way, she’d barely settled herself before her latte arrived.
The first sip was pure heaven and helped settle every jangly part of her.
Could coffee and pastry be considered meditation?
If so, this was a meditation practice she could get behind.