Business Expo
It is the day everyone is waiting for. Finally, they'll be able to put their hard work into possible capital that they will get from the investors.
The auditorium was filled with different people, from business owners to investment groups, and people who wanted to get a free taste of the products being presented that day.
Amy and her group arrived early to set up their booth which the investors will inspect to taste what can they offer before they get the chance to be selected.
And soon enough the organizers of the expo went to each booth to select which product was deserving to be presented in front of the executives from the Barnes Group, Inc.
Three of the organizers went to their booth holding a clipboard and gave them a welcoming smile. "What do you have for us, ladies?"
"Good day to you sir" Mary greeted, "Since your day has just started, let me give you one of our bestsellers. Our espresso shot is very popular with hard-working gentlemen like yourselves. Which is also best partnered with our freshly baked blueberry muffins which you can also both have on the go. Please have a taste," Mary added.
The three men tasted everything in their booth and then wrote something on their clipboards.
"Wow, all of these taste great. We will be announcing the chosen groups after lunch, and I can say as early as now, do expect your group to be called," the second organizer set forth.
The ladies can't help but exude their widest smiles as soon as the three men leave their booth.
"Did you hear that? Oh my God! I knew we could impress them," Maya almost squealed in joy and anticipation.
"Now I am really nervous," Amy was really happy but at the same time, her heart was beating really fast. It has been a while since she last stood in front of many people and knowing that the farm is what's at stake is not helping in lessening her stage fright.
If it's true that they will be chosen by the organizers to present their business plan to the executives of the Barnes Group, Inc., each group's representative will need to stand on stage, in front of everyone in the auditorium to say their piece in convincing the businessmen to invest in them.
"Relax cuz, and don't worry too much. Just do your best and everything will follow. Besides, even if Barnes Group does not choose us, there are other investment groups that are present today. I am sure that at least one of them will offer us something," Sandra patted Amy's back trying to calm her down.
She is optimistic that today will give them good results based on the feedback that they are getting from the people tasting their products.
Not only that the ladies prepare sample products, but they also prepared items that they could sell, taking the opportunity to add more sales. People flocked to their booth trying to buy their pastries, coffee, and coffee beans and of course, get a free sample of what they are offering.
In no time, their booth was sold out. And just like Sandra predicted, different business groups and representatives handed out their cards offering a business deal just in case they didn't get chosen after the presentation.
Mitch and Dave bought their lunch since they decided to stay in the booth instead of eating lunch outside, not wanting to miss any announcements or important happenings in the expo.
Soon enough, event organizers announced the end of the product judging, and true to their words, Amy's group was one of the few selected to present in the afternoon.
"Finally, I am so tired of smiling, my jaw hurts. We can now all relax," Mary said as she stretched her arms and back.
"Easy for you to say because it's not you who will stand there and be criticized by everyone," Amy pouted.
"I know you can do it, no doubt about it. Just think of lover boy and you'll be at ease," Mary can't help but tease her best friend trying to make her relax.
"Mary! That's not helping at all," Amy rebutted.
********
Shortly, the presentation started. Amy's group cheered for her when their group was called.
Amy said a short prayer before getting on the stage to ease off her nervousness.
"Good afternoon everyone. Did everyone have their coffee today?" Amy started off her presentation.
The crowd responded livelily and positively, some even shouted, "Yes, from your booth!"
"We love your coffee!"
"We want more!"
The audience's reaction made the panel of judges from Barnes Group chuckle and smile.
"That's good then, you know you can always go to our cafe or order our coffee beans online if you want more of our homegrown organic delicious goodness," Amy jested.
"Speaking of organic, everything that we produce from our farm is organic. We don't use chemical fertilizers and pesticides, making your coffee taste naturally delicious," Amy proudly stated and added.
"This also means that the fruits from our pastries are safe and super nutritious. So, may I see the hands of the people who hoarded our Blueberry Muffins, Mango Panna Cotta, Banoffee Pie, and Mulberry Crumble? Please be honest, can I hear your voices!"
Amy then aimed her microphone at the audience who shouted in joy and laughter. This made the judges look behind them to see the crowd's reaction. Those guilty even raised both of their hands, showing how proud they were to get a sample from Amy's booth.
"I knew it! I swear we brought hundreds of samples but we ran out before lunch, and it's all your fault!" Everyone laughed at Amy's words, which completely melted away her jitters.
"But judges do not fret; we made sure to save some for you."
Mary, Sandra, and Maya then walk toward the judges to hand over their best-selling products for them to taste.
Amy then gave a short description of the products that the judges were currently tasting.
"As of the moment, 100% of the coffee beans and most of the fruits used in our pastries are being produced by our farm," Amy then showed a graph report of the cost they are saving by getting these ingredients from their land instead of buying it from other suppliers.
She also presented other benefits of producing your own ingredients and the current sales report of her coffee shop which impressed not only the Barnes Group but also the other investors present at the expo.
The presentation ended with her saying, "With all the benefits presented, I strongly believe that you will gain a high margin profit by investing in us, you will not only attain a buy 1 take 1 business deal but you will also be promoting good health to all of our customers. Be an advocate of organic high-quality products, support local producers, and choose us! Thank you."
Amy ended her speech with a bow gaining a standing ovation and loud applause from her audience. Seeing the ardent crowd, Amy released a sigh of relief. Finally, her presentation is done, and all they have to do is wait for the announcement of the groups that won the contract deal.
Mary, Maya, and Sandra pounced on Amy and gave her a big hug as soon as she was off stage. "You did great cuz! We are so proud of you!" Sandra tearily said to her.
"Thank goodness, it's done. I thought I was about to puke on the stage the moment I stood in the middle. The investors look scary. They were so serious as soon as I looked at them," Amy told them.
"But, you made them laugh afterward and you nailed it" Mary cheered.
"Can we eat something? Anything… I was so nervous earlier, I wasn't able to eat lunch properly," Amy almost begged after her stomach grumbled.
"Why don't you eat out with Ava and your team? They also didn't eat much, I think they were more nervous than you are," Maya chuckled.
Mary followed up, saying "Yeah, you should go with them. We will stay here. I want to watch the presentation of the other groups. I might pick up something interesting or learn something new."
Amy left with her team and the three ladies went back to their seats.
********
A moment ago, while Amy was presenting, there were three men watching behind the curtains not far away from the stage. They were impressed with Amy's business plan.
"You are right boss; I should get them under our wings," the boss' right-hand man said.
"Do that; inform Barnes that we will take over. I just need to talk to some people here, call me when you start the offer," the boss instructed and they all went their separate ways.
"She will not be happy with what you are planning boss," his left-hand man said.
"I know, but I am not only doing this because of her. You know I don't let a good opportunity pass. Their business plan is solid and flawless. Only a fool will relinquish this chance," the boss smirked as he entered another room filled with different business executives waiting for him.