Peter Sheriff uses MediaDashboard to get a weekly update on Entrex's media profile - the charts showing trends over time are particularly useful. For his monthly meeting with Simone he also enlists MediaDashboard's creator, Investor Dynamics, for two days of consultancy every month - their reports and recommendations save his department a lot of work.

Their report's just arrived, in plenty of time for the meeting with Simone tomorrow. At a glance: the landscape's showing dips; need investigation. Simone's personal brand remains high, but a competitor's showing big gains. In fact, the whole peer group's looking strong; lots of fast actions are needed. He resolves to prepare his presentation tonight.

Someone enters his office. It's Simone. (She's the MBWA type.*) "Peter - the VCs want me in Palo Alto tomorrow. Can you give me an hour now?" She's gone again, without waiting for an answer. Peter prints i.d's report and heads for the corner office. He's going to have to wing it.

* Management By Walking Around.

Next: Peter spreads his wings.