episode 20100611
The scene opens with a wide view to a huge and fabulous rooftop gala at The JoStrut Corporation. It’s a typical social-networking event, hosted by Mr. JoStrut himself, and graced by JoStrut’s clients and prospective clients, by his staff, by a crowd of other business associates, and by a crowd of other very important people. The jazz-music is upbeat, the wine is sweet, and the hors d'oeuvres are a treat. It’s an excellent array of wholesome, dignified, and colorful entertainment. It’s a "happy hour" of power in which everyone’s looking and feeling fabulous.
LaKeysha narrates: "‘Virtual’ social-networking on the internet, such as with Facebook.com, is powerful – and we use it everyday. But JoStrut declares that ‘in-person’ social-networking is the most powerful. So, he throws these big traditional Hollywood-style parties regularly, in order to reinforce his declaration. At JoStrut’s parties, it’s ‘lights-camera-action!’"
As the beat goes on, smiles, laughter, and hand-shakes intertwine with the exchange of stories and ideas. But, what’s a social-networking party without the exchange of business cards? Hence, the exchange of business-cards proceeds so naturally that it is almost an unnoticed transaction. However, within the upscale crowd, one particular transaction did indeed get noticed. The business-card was so noticeable, that it became the object of a silent controversy. Hence, Miss Erma and Jarvis Buluxy smoothly excuse themselves from the party, in order to view the video evidence.
As Miss Erma and Jarvis Buluxy enter the video-room of Buluxy’s office, they are joined by Francisca-Lu.
Jarvis Buluxy: "Francisca-Lu, we’ve called you in to investigate and to resolve this issue."
Miss Erma (to Francisca-Lu): "The video-footage here tells the whole sad story. It’s a mess, and we want you to clean it up, quickly. Discretely get that man to comply."
Jarvis Buluxy (to Francisca-Lu): "Do it quickly, but be careful, as we do not wish to embarrass him."
As ordered, Francisca-Lu returns to the party with a simple objective to locate Mr. Helms, and to politely yet firmly invite him to a brief and private meeting, away from the party, while still in the presence of the party. If she can accomplish this simple objective, then she’ll have no trouble in getting Mr. Helms to cooperate.
As Francisca-Lu smoothly navigates through the party-crowd, she radios her support-team to stand-by. And, finally, she meets the target with a light touch to his hefty shoulder: "Greetings, Mr. Helms! You look fabulous! How’s business?"
Mr. Helms: "Francisca, Dear! Hello there! We’re hanging-on in this tough economy! But, business could be better! Perhaps this wonderful networking party will bring-in some good leads."
Francisca-Lu: "Well, thanks for being here. And, speaking of networking, may I chat with you by the north fountain?"
At the north fountain, still at the party but away from the crowd, Francisca-Lu bluntly but gently explains to Mr. Helms the issue: "Sir, look around at the quality of the guests here. They’re all ‘polished’ professionals who are consciously and subconsciously analyzing the quality of each other. If someone dares to come with tore-up shoes, it is noticed and frowned upon. If someone dares to come with too short of a skirt, it is noticed and frowned upon. If someone dares to come with foul breath and dirty hands, it is noticed and frowned upon. They’re not being ‘judgmental.’ They’re being ‘conscious.’ After all, at high-class parties like this one, everyone expects everyone to come sharp, or stay at home. Anyone who comes negligent is considered to be disrespectful. It’s fun and games here, but it’s also business. It’s like one big job-interview here, where everyone is expected to put the best foot forward. Hence, the ‘quality’ factor is a ‘critical’ factor. And no one here is going to do business with or associate with anyone who does not exemplify ‘quality.’ Do you know where I’m going with this speech?"
At this, Mr. Helms sighs and slowly hands-over his box of cheap business-cards to Francisca-Lu. Francisca then radios Miss Erma and Jarvis Buluxy, who instructs her to burn the box of cheap cards. At this, Francisca-Lu places Helms’ box of cards onto the edge of the stone water-fountain. She presses a button on her smart-phone, and a thin laser-beam from out-of-nowhere instantly disintegrates the box of cards into a tiny pile of ashes. As Mr. Helms holds back his tears, Francisca-Lu reassures him: "Don’t worry, Mr. Helms. We’ve got you covered." At this, Francisca-Lu radios her support-team: "Beam me the replacement."
From out-of-nowhere, a fresh box of "quality" business-cards materializes into the palm of Francisca-Lu’s hand. Mr. Helms is delighted as she hands him the box of "quality" business-cards: "Oh, thank you! Thank you Francisca! My cheap low-quality business-cards were an embarrassment! I owe you!"
Francisca-Lu (with a smile): "We’ll send you a bill."
LaKeysha narrates: "A quality business-card, though small, is a big ‘introduction.’ A simple but dynamic card reflects credibility. It is a powerful marketing tool and an important representation of a company’s image. It is a fierce first-impression at social-networking events and at formal affairs. JoStrut.com designs exciting cards that people want to keep, cards that command attention and respect, cards that evoke questions and comments. Never ever bring cheap flimsy business-cards to any event. Always, ALWAYS invest stiff, well-designed, and professionally-printed cards that will represent the fine ‘quality’ of your work."
As Mr. Helms returns to the party, he phones his secretary: "Ms. Welch, throw that cheap stuff away. From now onward, we’re investing in ‘quality’ materials. Please contact The JoStrut Corporation Monday for help."
As Francisca-Lu returns to the party, she is pulled aside by Mr. JoStrut himself, who commends her: "Good work, Francisca-Lu. Mr. Helms’ cheap cards were an embarrassment to the entire universe."
Francisca-Lu: "He knows. He knows. – And he’s been rehabilitated. Hopefully, this problem will not return to our parties."
LaKeysha narrates: "So the party goes on, and the fun and laughter continues. Thanks for gracing us with your presence."