Tim;
I mentioned in an earlier post that I was a Director (Cue manic laughter - thanks, Chris) and that Simon was also Director and Company Secretary. My manic laughter subsides to a mere manic snigger when I realise that it's...
2 - 1 to Simon.
Well, we sat down to fill in the Bertrams account form and the first box to complete was "Name of Manager". The big fella comes in from the left and it's....
2 all.
There's a little scuffle in the "Buyer" box, and my cowboy hat covers my eyes momentarily. When the referee sorts it all out it's....
3 - 2 to Simon.
I am distraught. There's advice begin shouted from the touchline. There's mocking songs floating over the breeze from the grandstand (Who's the b*st*rd in the hat?.) They think it's all over... But what's this? from out of nowhere comes "Account Manager" Whilst Simon is still mouthing "What the hell is tha...." I slip passed his defence and make it....
3 all.
The final whistle blows. We shake hands and exchange shirts and it's off to the baths. At this point Simon throws me out of his flat. Apparently I took the metaphor too far......
4 comments:
Thanks Tim - you've brightened up a miserable moment when I was trying to pretend that I just needed a little break, rather than admitting to myself that the current chapter in my book just isn't working. Sigh... After the laugh i've had at the thought of you and Simon kicking the BGBS account football around, maybe something in the right bit of my brain will have cleared...
Admire what you are trying to do but think you need a sense of realism...
The high street for Independent book selling is a bloody tough place to be & you need more than enthusiasm.
When the going gets tough don't expect anyone to help you...least of all your suppliers as they are all corporate & will want paying,including Bertrams who are owned by Woolies.
hello anonymous,
you should probably read the whole blog. We have over 40 years bookselling experience between us, we've both been managers in high street bookshops, and we're well aware of the 'bloody toughness'.
We've tried to keep this blog light-hearted, but know that this is a life changing decision and are treating it very seriously.
But when the going gets tough I do actually expect people to help. I guess that's because I trust my friends, who I would, and have supported when they needed me. Suppliers like Bertrams (who I know are owned by Woolies) are suppliers, not friends, but we expect to have a good professional relationship with them. We spoke to many people in the trade who we trust, who recommended them.
But it's not all about Berties is it.
There's no point in life if it ain't fun. So please don't worry about us. x
s
Totally agree....wish you guys all the best!
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