It’s all in the Preparation

Before I tell you this story, let me draw you a picture of the Zoe Foods Corporate Headquarters… small New England town just outside Boston, 1500 square feet, shared space with a hedge fun manager, 3^rd floor walk-up between Doris’ dress shop (great seamstress) and another shop, wood floors that tilt in all directions and slanty ceilings (can you see the converted attic space?). Low key, low cost, and highly functional.

Four of us are sitting in our conference room (i.e. round table in windowed alcove near stairwell entrance) last week in the middle of a meeting when in walks a very professional looking woman. She profusely apologized for interrupting our meeting (no problem) and stated that she’d like to drop off her resume because she was interested in working for Zoe Foods in sales. She said that she loves Zoe Foods. I step away from the table and introduce myself as Tori. She replies, “and you are?”

Hmmm, she had lots of gumption and presented herself nicely – but she clearly had not done any research on my company. I almost didn’t even notice this point until Tim pointed out the irony of it all. Lesson learned: dream, believe, prepare, and then achieve!