Page 37 - That’s Crazy ebook
P. 37
CHAPTER 4
Becoming a “Beltway Bandit”
(Giselle)
C
ox and Associates was a small black-owned business with 6
employees. This contract was Cox's first million-dollar contract
through the minority set aside program. So, I knew I was
walking in the door with power, but I did not know Cox and
Associates were financially strapped. My first paycheck bounced and
that was the beginning of my three-year stint with Cox and Associates.
The owner of Cox and Associates had just purchased the company
and it had high debts and lawsuits. Cox and Associates taught me so
much of what not to do as I constantly thought about preparation for
my big day in business.
By this being Cox's first contract, they used this contract to pay
off some of the bad debt Cox inherited when he purchased the
company. The entire three years was spent running from Cox's
debtors. With conference contracts, you are responsible for paying
upfront deposits to hotels, airline arrangements for presenters, and
many other additional expenses before you are reimbursed from the
23
