xp_logs | Log: Mel and Hope at work

xp_trance posting in

Hope and Mel are starting to settle in a good working relationship.

"So word is starting to spread about our new way of working and you say you have people reaching out to us about possibilities to collaborate with us?" Hope leaned forward, studying the tablet in front of her. "There might be interesting opportunities there. I usually work by word of mouth, but we should at least investigate."

"Yes! I've collected portfolios from them all here if ya'd like to take a look." Mel passed over a series of slim folders, all detailing the various independent contractors who’d offered their services. “There are definitely some that are very qualified.” There had been a steep learning curve, but she’d found herself slotting into the job quite well, all things considered.

Hope quickly flipped through the folder, noting the neat color tags for each type of independent contractor. "I am guessing the blue tags are mostly event planners? That is what our name is mostly connected with... etiquette training and image coaching is a bit newer."

Mel nodded. “An’ yellow is etiquette and the few image coaches are green. Not as many of those but still a fair few. I reckon there’s a decent market gap fer yer kinda work in this city.” Not that she paid much mind to the tabloids, but some of the rich folk could use it.

"There is." Hope agreed, her voice just a little wry. "While they might call LA the city of dreams, New York City is not that different for a lot of people. Those determined to rise in society... they will do what they need to." Much like her mother had.

And much like Mel had, in a way. If Cumberland could see her now.... She smoothed down her blouse and said, "Yeah. If any of the candidates strike yer interest, I can contact them to schedule an interview? Either in person or online. I figure you'd like t' make sure they will be a good fit."

"That is a sound plan. I will also have some things to verify for you later." Hope quickly set aside the blue folders, focusing on the green and yellow ones. "Do you happen to remember if any of them have mentioned media training in their portfolio."

"Ummmm," Mel flipped through her digital copy of the files on her tablet, quickly finding the one that came to mind. "The second image coach, Naomi, seemed particularly versed in it." The woman had a background in journalism and public relations before she had set out into independent contracting. "A few others had experience but not as extensive."

"Naomi you said..." Hope quickly flipped through the green-tagged folders, opening the correct one and searching out her resume. After a quick scan, she frowned thoughtfully: "I wonder what she is looking for here... she is very qualified indeed. I wonder... Mel, I will need to review her file further, but I want you to start verifying her qualifications where you can." And she runs a small background check of her own.

A note was made of that on her tablet, as well as a reminder to do the same for any of the other candidates that Hope was interested in. "Will do. It is good that some are a bit over-qualified, yeah? Means yer reputation as a businesswoman is good at least."

Hope glanced up from the folder and frowned a little. "It depends. Based on this first scan, she could possibly have a very successful company of her own, but she might simply be a successful trainer, but not have the desire to be a business woman as well."

“Hm, yeah. That’s true. Scopin’ out the competition maybe?” This surely seemed a tame attempt if if was, for the cut throat world of business. “I’ll look into it. I hope ya can find a few that are agreeable in those that have reached out.”

"I am sure we will." Hope shifted a little in her chair, consulting her own notes. "We might be exploring other possible specialties as well in the future. I would like you to highlight those if we receive more interest."

Mel jotted down another note to pay extra attention to any future applications, as well as to take a look through the current ones to see if there were any unusual skills that might interest Hope. “Alrighty, will do. Anythin’ else I can do fer ya right now?”

"Only this..." Hope handed her another folder. "These are a few contracts, just signed and assigned. All relevant information needs to be sent to the people it's assigned to."

“I’ll get on it, ma’am.” Mel slipped the new folders behind her others, then paused. “I was goin’ to go out fer my lunch after this, want me to grab ya anythin’?” The last part wasn’t necessarily in her job description, but she liked Hope a lot. The Guthrie in her wanted to make sure she was getting fed and watered and such, even if she was her boss.

"You do not have to, Melody..." Hope smiled, looking up from the folder she had already started studying. "But since you are offering, I would love a Thai Beef Salad." Reaching into her purse, she pulled out a credit card and held it out. "Use it to get lunch for both of us."