accounting industry and Ellis, having read the article, was interested in hiring my firm. Ellis owned a major research-based pharmaceutical company at the forefront of providing breakthrough medicines. An account like his could propel my company to the next level.
A week later, I was sitting in his spacious Park Avenue office discussing business. I thoroughly outlined the specialized accounting services my firm could provide Harlow Pharmaceuticals. My presentation was flawless and I realized Ellis was impressed when he invited me to lunch, under the guise of discussing the increased scrutiny of the S.E.C. on corporate accounting practices. While we were dining, I found myself getting lost in his penetrating gaze more than once, and though we were talking about corporate scandals and accounting fraud, he graced me with a charismatic smile throughout the entire meal. Ellis was six feet of fine. I forced myself to stay focused and think business, and when we finally ended lunch three hours later, I rated the meeting a raving success.
Over the next two weeks, I anxiously waited to hear if I had gotten the account. It was a Friday evening and I was in my office packing my briefcase for the day when I heard a tap on the glass. I had already locked the front door and was prepared to tell whoever knocked to come back on Monday morning—until I saw it was Ellison Harlow III. I quickly let him in from the brisk November air.
He removed his Burberry trench coat, unwrapped his scarf and then sat on the antique leather sofa in my reception area. “Ms. Bradford, I wanted to personally follow-up with you regarding the status of our meeting.”
My mind raced. Ellison Harlow III was actually sitting in my office. I was certain it was an indication I had landed his account,but I contained my joy. It was the moment I had been waiting for.
I sat next to Ellis on the chair. “I appreciated the opportunity to present the unique services Trinity can provide Harlow Pharmaceuticals.”
“Ms. Bradford, while I feel Trinity Accounting and Tax is top-notch and more than qualified to meet our needs, we have decided to go with another firm.”
Not what I expected to hear. An uncomfortable silence filled the room as I struggled not to let my disappointment show. I got up and extended my hand. “Well, Mr. Harlow, thank you for the consideration.”
He hesitated before standing to grasp my outstretched hand. I pulled back from his gentle grip, but he held on.
Ellis cleared his throat. “Ms. Bradford, this is a bit awkward, but would you consider having a drink with me?”
A million thoughts crossed my mind. There was Ellison Harlow III telling me that my firm failed to secure his account, yet asking me out on a personal level. My head willed me to say no, but I heard a soft voice say, “Sure.”
“Great. My car is waiting out front.”
“Allow me to collect my things and I’ll be right out.”
Without Ellison standing in my face, reality settled in. He came down to my office specifically to ask me out. Perhaps that’s what the initial meeting was all about. My firm was probably never a real contender. How unprofessional! I wasn’t running a dating service. I expected more from a man whose company was voted one of the top ten places for women to work, by Fortune magazine the past two consecutive years.
I jerked my briefcase off the desk, turned off the lights and locked up. Ellison’s driver opened the door to the sleek black limo as I approached the curb. I slid onto the soft leather seatacross from Ellison Harlow III. His smoldering smile greeted me.
Before I allowed myself to get caught up in the moment, I fixed Ellison with an icy grin. “Perhaps you can help me understand something, Mr. Harlow.”
“Please, call me Ellis,” he replied, not deterred by my tone.
“Right . . .Ellis. Well, Ellis, if Harlow Pharmaceuticals would be a perfect fit for Trinity, then why is it that we didn’t get the account?”
“I don’t
A week later, I was sitting in his spacious Park Avenue office discussing business. I thoroughly outlined the specialized accounting services my firm could provide Harlow Pharmaceuticals. My presentation was flawless and I realized Ellis was impressed when he invited me to lunch, under the guise of discussing the increased scrutiny of the S.E.C. on corporate accounting practices. While we were dining, I found myself getting lost in his penetrating gaze more than once, and though we were talking about corporate scandals and accounting fraud, he graced me with a charismatic smile throughout the entire meal. Ellis was six feet of fine. I forced myself to stay focused and think business, and when we finally ended lunch three hours later, I rated the meeting a raving success.
Over the next two weeks, I anxiously waited to hear if I had gotten the account. It was a Friday evening and I was in my office packing my briefcase for the day when I heard a tap on the glass. I had already locked the front door and was prepared to tell whoever knocked to come back on Monday morning—until I saw it was Ellison Harlow III. I quickly let him in from the brisk November air.
He removed his Burberry trench coat, unwrapped his scarf and then sat on the antique leather sofa in my reception area. “Ms. Bradford, I wanted to personally follow-up with you regarding the status of our meeting.”
My mind raced. Ellison Harlow III was actually sitting in my office. I was certain it was an indication I had landed his account,but I contained my joy. It was the moment I had been waiting for.
I sat next to Ellis on the chair. “I appreciated the opportunity to present the unique services Trinity can provide Harlow Pharmaceuticals.”
“Ms. Bradford, while I feel Trinity Accounting and Tax is top-notch and more than qualified to meet our needs, we have decided to go with another firm.”
Not what I expected to hear. An uncomfortable silence filled the room as I struggled not to let my disappointment show. I got up and extended my hand. “Well, Mr. Harlow, thank you for the consideration.”
He hesitated before standing to grasp my outstretched hand. I pulled back from his gentle grip, but he held on.
Ellis cleared his throat. “Ms. Bradford, this is a bit awkward, but would you consider having a drink with me?”
A million thoughts crossed my mind. There was Ellison Harlow III telling me that my firm failed to secure his account, yet asking me out on a personal level. My head willed me to say no, but I heard a soft voice say, “Sure.”
“Great. My car is waiting out front.”
“Allow me to collect my things and I’ll be right out.”
Without Ellison standing in my face, reality settled in. He came down to my office specifically to ask me out. Perhaps that’s what the initial meeting was all about. My firm was probably never a real contender. How unprofessional! I wasn’t running a dating service. I expected more from a man whose company was voted one of the top ten places for women to work, by Fortune magazine the past two consecutive years.
I jerked my briefcase off the desk, turned off the lights and locked up. Ellison’s driver opened the door to the sleek black limo as I approached the curb. I slid onto the soft leather seatacross from Ellison Harlow III. His smoldering smile greeted me.
Before I allowed myself to get caught up in the moment, I fixed Ellison with an icy grin. “Perhaps you can help me understand something, Mr. Harlow.”
“Please, call me Ellis,” he replied, not deterred by my tone.
“Right . . .Ellis. Well, Ellis, if Harlow Pharmaceuticals would be a perfect fit for Trinity, then why is it that we didn’t get the account?”
“I don’t
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