Meet the Big C

He was a master of business models and never passed up a single opportunity to know them better. This had resulted in three divorces at last count. He featured regularly in media. His opinions were sought after by all and sundry, whenever the economy twisted in its slumber. He was a man who had a reputation, which wasn‘t something that anyone from the agency team could honestly claim.

"The reason for that is that we have created new niches in the market and have sustained our value proposition across non homogenous audiences across the years, so we are prepared for any eventuality," Dharti, the agency‘s curvaceously crafted account planning head, chipped in while maintaining unwavering eye contact with the Big C.

The Big C was studiously at it on his machine when the others were speaking. From time to time he was checking the temperature in the room and was drawing imaginary triangles of influence across the various speakers in the room. He had an all knowing grin permanently plastered on. Ram found all this very strange.

"Absolute nonsense," exploded PP.

"That‘s completely short sighted," exclaimed Vikas.

"Such mediocre thinking," commented the receptionist (though outside the room and in a completely different context)

"We need a promotional scheme to keep the consumer loyal initially," murmured Mr. Bose, "the propensity to switch might be high initially."

"What do you have to say, sir?"

"The tool is my trademarked model ACPM, a brand defense module against aggression in the marketplace. This is inspired by the ICBM, which famously formed the bulwark of the security programs of many nations around the world." He paused again drinking in the awe, for those who keep status; even PP was jumping up in intensity level on the ‘awe continuum‘.

He concluded as he triumphantly scribbled the acronym on the board, adding the trademark symbol almost mechanically.

Ram excused himself to leave the room, he deliberately walked behind Big C‘s chair to sneak a peek at the wonder gadget and what he saw made his jaw drop beyond the confines of his face. There was nothing on the other side of the impressive shell. It was just a sophisticated game of ‘0‘s and X‘s‘ that the Big C had been playing all along. The Big C caught him looking at his little secret and shot back a refined but decidedly dangerous glance that made Ram scurry to the men‘s room even faster.

"Your ideas make for meaningful meal, but if you aren‘t careful someone will steal," the high pitched cackle, the express delivery of the tea cup and Chai-La disappeared in the words typed out in bold on Ram‘s screen. ACPM