GITJ Tangent Thread: Marketing Program (1)

Far Horizons Evolution Center – Administrative Wing

Late Monday Afternoon

The administrative wing of Far Horizons had a quiet, confident hum to it. It was nearing 5 o’clock, but the women working here didn’t seem nearly ready to end the day. Far removed from the clinical bustle of the main facility. Here, the air was subtly perfumed with something warm and inviting, like vanilla and cedarwood. The décor followed suit in making everyone feel at ease and productive: white walls, sleek, modern furniture in deep grays and  earth tones, illuminated in the glow of carefully placed lighting. It was a space designed for business - every detail refined, intentional.

In one corner of the open floor plan sat Lexi Samuelson, head of marketing, comfortably poised at her desk as she waited for her guest, one of the new therapists in the Behavioral Clinic. 

Allie Burton, LCSW, arrived precisely on time, coming around the corner and stepping up to Lexi’s desk with a bright, eager energy, like she was walking into something bigger than herself - and loving it. She had that fresh-faced glow of someone who had spent the day exactly where she was meant to be, and it showed in the soft flush on her cheeks, the way she barely held back a big, giddy smile.

Lexi took immediate note of Allie’s appearance. She was a strikingly shapely woman, who Lexi knew to stand just shy of 5’9”. Her lushly curvaceous figure was fit snugly into a professional yet flattering outfit: a deep green blouse that clung just right to her full, rounded chest, tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt that emphasized her wide hips and sculpted legs. The skirt’s hem hit just below her knee, showcasing a pair of elegant heels that gave her a few extra inches of height, but her presence was casually commanding enough that she normally wouldn’t need the added boost. Now, though, working around all these statuesque women, Lexi figured she’d probably decided on her highest heels this morning. Her just-past shoulder-length brown hair was neatly styled, though a few loose strands gently framed her soft, glowing face. Despite the professional look, there was a full softness to her features that made her seem approachable - a perfect blend of warmth and confidence that likely worked wonders with her clients.

“Lexi?” she chirped, eyes shining as she stepped forward, extending a hand that was warm and just a tiny bit too quick, as if she had to remind herself to slow down, act professional. “Oh my gosh, it is so nice to meet you! I mean - officially, you know.”

Lexi smiled as she stood, taking in Allie with an appraising glance - pleased, but not surprised. She had done her research. Allie was exactly the kind of woman who would thrive at Far Horizons.

“Likewise,” Lexi said smoothly, shaking her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you already. Have a seat - can I get you anything? Coffee? Tea? Water?”

Allie plopped heavily into the spare chair aside Lexi’s desk with an enthusiastic bounce, then quickly straightened, smoothing her skirt like she was trying to remember to act polished. “Oh! No, I’m good, thank you!” she said quickly, then let out a small, breathy laugh. “Sorry, I just - wow, this place is so nice. Like, I knew it would be, obviously, but still. Wow.”

Lexi’s lips quirked in amusement, and she looked around the big open space, with its high ceilings and contemporary, elegant fixtures. Whoever had designed the place had done a nice job, assembling the administrative area of the Women’s Health and Wellness wing into a picture of modern office elegance. “Yeah, my first day working in the new wing, too. It is pretty nice.”

“Oh, for sure,” Allie shook her head, still taking in the office. “I mean, this whole day, in the new clinic - it’s just been amazing. Like, better than I even hoped. Everyone’s just so…on the same page, you know? I feel like I’ve finally landed exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Lexi leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the desk. “I can imagine. The new clinics opening, a whole new department…and on top of that, you’ve got a very unique practice.” She smiled, her eyes sharp with interest. “Which is exactly why I wanted to meet with you.”

Allie’s breath hitched just a little, like she couldn’t believe she was sitting here, having a serious meeting with the head of marketing at this powerful, visionary place.

“Is this a marketing thing?” she echoed, voice tipping up slightly, almost like she was afraid of sounding too eager but just couldn’t help it.

Lexi chuckled. “Exactly. You’ve brought a few of your own clients with you, which is great, but I want to help you - and the Behavioral Clinic - expand. I think it’d be great to get it out there, bring in more of the right kind of people.” She tapped a perfectly manicured nail against the desk, weighing her next words a bit. “I think we have an opportunity here, with your face and figure. A big one. Do you agree?”

Allie blinked, then let out a soft, almost nervous laugh, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She’d been used to compliments about her face…and her figure, which was, yes, a big one. One that had, admittedly, not hurt in attracting clients in the past. “Oh, wow. I mean - yes! That’s - yes.” She shook her head, grinning. “I mean, I love what I do. And I know there are so many more people out there who need it. I just never really thought about, like… advertising it.”

Lexi smiled, tilting her head slightly. “That’s where I come in.”

Allie bit her lip for a second, like she was trying to contain herself, then leaned forward a little, eyes shining. “Okay. I’m listening.”

Lexi’s eyes gleamed. “Good. Now, I’m not technically a graphic designer but I do have a little experience,” she began, “so I’ve taken the liberty of drafting a quick ad we can push out online in support of the Behavioral Clinic. Wanna see?”

”Sure!!” Allie beamed, pulling her chair closer to the desk. 

Lexi turned towards it also and grabbed her mouse, screen coming to life. “Far Horizons has been doing a lot of advertising to the female market, but I don’t think many people know we offer some services, like yours to men also,” she continued, pulling up the graphics software she’d been working with over the past half hour. “I hope it’s okay but I used a pic of yours I found on one of your accounts.” 

“A picture…of me? Like as a model?” Allie half-gasped, heart suddenly fluttering, “In an ad? Like, online?”

“Yeah and we might do some print stuff if that’s okay. And don’t worry - if we decide to go ahead with more ads, we can take some other pictures. Okay. I actually have a couple. Here’s the first…” After two clicks, Lexi pulled up the image she’d put together. “Tell me what you think…”

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so, whatcha think, higher-level Patreons? Should we continue this thread, see how the marketing campaign rolls out? If it's successful? Let us know in the suggestion box by the front entrance.

And thank you to TopographicSociety for the inspiration for this one