Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 115288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
I get starstruck and tongue-tied every time I see Selene, even if it’s through a screen. She’s a powerhouse when it comes to social media influencing, and at times I feel woefully inadequate next to her. She has a sixth sense for exactly what works and when to post for maximum reach. Social media has its own science, and Selene knows what makes people tick and how to inspire them. She was a big part of what made the Teamology partnership so successful and helped take Spark House to the next level.
“I probably won’t be there until closer to seven thirty, but can we go for a late dinner, maybe? And I have to be online for a bit because the fantasy hockey draft is tonight, but after that I’m all yours.” Chad’s obsession with fantasy sports leagues isn’t something I understand, but then my love of all things crafty and glitter can be equally consuming.
“That’s okay. I have an assignment to finish, so I’ll do that while you’re handling the draft.” Staying on top of the online coursework is a part-time job of its own.
“Perfect. Okay, babe, I gotta run, but I’ll see you later.”
“Sounds good.”
We end the call as I pull down the Spark House driveway.
Jackson’s Tesla and Declan’s SUV are already parked out front.
I’m barely in the door before Avery grabs my arm. “Apparently there’s already a ton of interest in the Spark House franchise locations, and the Mills brothers want to iron out the financials sooner rather than later so they can get started. This is so freaking exciting, isn’t it?” She squeezes my arm.
“So exciting.” I wish I felt her enthusiasm the same way, but with every new change, I feel like I get further away from the things I love about Spark House. It’s like we’re moving full steam ahead, and the brakes are shot on this adventure. My degree felt like something I should do for me. But I’m starting to look at it as a legitimate fallback plan. And secretly I’ve been worried about what it’s going to be like when both of my sisters are trying to juggle kids and working here full-time.
I enter the conference room where we’ve been holding more and more meetings lately. Around the table is London, Jackson, his personal assistant, Mitchell, and Trent, who is Jackson’s best friend and Selene’s husband, all of whom are affiliated with Holt Media and Teamology. And projected from one of the screens is Selene. I wave to everyone, including Selene’s two-dimensional face, and take a seat at the table.
We all felt the connection with Teamology was something that should be part of the franchise, which makes sense, since they’re a huge part of the reason the opportunity presented itself in the first place. We’d been doing well on our own, but with the help of Holt Media, Teamology, and Selene’s social media skills, we’ve grown our base substantially.
“Excellent, everyone is here! We can get things rolling.” Selene directs her warm smile my way. “Harley, it’s so great to see you again. I loved last week’s posts and the focus on the symbiotic relationships you have with so many local companies. You’re doing amazing with the supplemental promotion.”
“Thanks, I’m glad I can help,” I manage to squeak out, feeling both good and bad. The praise is nice, but “supplemental” is a glaring reminder that my role as the social media manager has shifted, and now I’m only responsible for additional content. But I love taking photos and capturing candid moments around Spark House, so it’s never really felt like actual work. I used to spend a good part of my day setting up shoots and planning out photo sets, but now I’m lucky if I can devote an hour or two a day to it.
“You’re doing a great job and making mine that much easier.” She shifts her gaze to Jackson. “Let’s have the Mills team join us so they can fill us in.”
“Sound good to me.” Jackson brings up the Zoom meeting and connects us.
A few seconds later Bancroft, Lexington, and Griffin Mills appear on the screen. They’re all huge, formidable-looking men, dressed in suits and sitting at a conference table side by side. Griffin is slightly shorter and leaner than Bancroft, and despite being older, his face is softer. Lexington looks like a model and is nearly as broad as Bancroft, who used to play professional rugby. He has a few facial scars and a small bump on his nose from it being broken more than once, which somehow makes him even more attractive.
After some pleasantries, we get right down to business, and I find myself overwhelmed by the conversation. Despite all the time we put in to prepare, I wasn’t aware of exactly how much work goes into creating a franchise or how detailed the business plan would be. We discuss everything from the styles of the rooms, to the estates that are being purchased and renovated to fit the unique Spark House model, to the sponsor liaisons who will be assigned to each new hotel.