Page 18 - English for Executive Administrative Assistant

Maya : Thanks, Marcus. Well, I've prepared some handouts to show you how the figures

are looking. If we look at the sales year, the sale downward has happened since
the beginning of the year. So, in order to meet the budget this year we will, in

my opinion, have to start some cost-saving measures
Anna : What exactly do you mean by that? Cost-saving measures? Redundancies?

Maya : That's one possibility
Anna : I am sorry to have a different opinion. We need a strong workforce. I don’t think

it will be possible to be done.
Marcus : Okay thanks, Maya and Anna. I understand that cost-cutting is something that

we need to think about, however, we also need to stop the downturn in sales
and regain market share. So can I bring you in here David, any comments?

David: : Well, it's hard to know what the problem is. Our products are competitive.

Marcus : So they're not getting better offers from the competition
David : Well, I am not sure about that. Let’s have a discussion later on in your office. By
the way, at the moment I've prepared some handouts yes go ahead it'll be good

to look at the details

Marcus : Ok. Thanks, David. That was all useful information. Anna, can we turn to you
now? Do you have any ideas why this downturn is happening?

Anna : Well, it's true we are seeing a decrease in customs in our region. There's also
been an increase in customers canceling new contracts within 14 days.

David : So, do you know why do the customers say? Why they don't like our offers? I
personally feel that this is vital information. I am sorry, the information is hard

to swallow.
Anna : : I understand what you are saying. So, I'd like to suggest we review our customer

account procedures from first contact to after-sales care. What I mean is
perhaps it would be a good idea to start with that and see if the sales figures

improve.
Marcus : Thanks, Anna. What do you two think of that?

Maya: : Can I make another suggestion? I think we need to see the whole picture from
the customer's point of view. A customer survey perhaps is a good idea.

10 | P a g e
English for Executive Administrative Assistant