But early on, there wasn't a burgeoning business; there weren't houses in New York, Palm Beach, Fla., or the south of France. It is said that at one point there was one person to answer the telephones who her voice to become the shipping or billing department as needed.
You more or less know the Estée Lauder story because it's a chapter from the book of American business folklore. In short, Josephine Esther Mentzer, daughter of immigrants, lived above her father's hardware store in Corona, a section of Queens in New York City. She started her by selling skin creams concocted by her uncle, a chemist, in beauty shops, beach clubs and resorts.
No doubt the portions were good — Estée Lauder was a quality fanatic — but the saleslady was better. Much better. And she simply outworked everyone else in the cosmetics industry. She the bosses of New York City department stores until she got some counter space at Saks Fifth Avenue in 1948. And once in that space, she utilised a personal selling approach that proved as as the promise of her skin and perfumes.
Result:
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Correct answer: controls
Explanation: The word 'controls' fits grammatically as it is a verb that indicates possession or management of something, which aligns with the context of the sentence discussing market share. It also matches the subject 'a little business' in terms of number and tense.
Meaning: 'Controls' means to have power over or to manage something, indicating that the business has a significant influence over the cosmetics market.
Wrong options:
- offers: 'Offers' suggests providing something but does not convey the sense of dominance or management required in this context.
- refers: 'Refers' implies mentioning or alluding to something, which does not fit the context of market share.
- brings: 'Brings' suggests causing something to happen but lacks the authoritative connotation needed for market control.
Correct answer: changed
Explanation: The word 'changed' is appropriate as it indicates a transformation in the person's voice to fulfill different roles, fitting the context of adaptability required in a small business environment.
Meaning: 'Changed' means to make or become different, highlighting the flexibility of the employee in taking on various responsibilities.
Wrong options:
- relies: 'Relies' suggests dependence, which does not fit the context of altering one's voice.
- cracks: 'Cracks' implies breaking or making a sound, which is irrelevant to the context of voice modulation.
- sings: 'Sings' indicates producing musical sounds, which does not relate to the professional context of answering phones.
Correct answer: enterprise
Explanation: The word 'enterprise' is suitable as it refers to a business venture, aligning perfectly with the context of starting a business. It is a noun that conveys the idea of initiative and effort.
Meaning: 'Enterprise' means a project or business, especially one that involves risk or initiative, indicating Estée Lauder's entrepreneurial spirit.
Wrong options:
- place: 'Place' is too vague and does not specifically denote a business or venture.
- shop: 'Shop' refers to a physical retail location, which is too narrow compared to the broader concept of an enterprise.
- flowchart: 'Flowchart' is a diagram that represents a process, which is unrelated to the context of starting a business.
Correct answer: stalked
Explanation: The word 'stalked' is fitting as it conveys a sense of persistence and determination in pursuing the department store bosses, which aligns with the context of her aggressive sales strategy.
Meaning: 'Stalked' means to pursue or follow someone closely, often with a specific goal in mind, indicating her relentless approach to securing sales space.
Wrong options:
- obeyed: 'Obeyed' implies compliance, which contradicts the proactive nature of her actions.
- changed: 'Changed' does not convey the sense of pursuit or determination needed in this context.
- referred: 'Referred' suggests mentioning or directing attention to someone, which does not fit the context of actively seeking opportunities.
Correct answer: potent
Explanation: The word 'potent' is appropriate as it describes something that is powerful or effective, which fits the context of her selling approach being impactful.
Meaning: 'Potent' means having great power, influence, or effect, indicating that her selling method was very effective.
Wrong options:
- great: 'Great' is too general and does not convey the specific strength implied by 'potent.'
- fresh: 'Fresh' suggests newness but does not capture the effectiveness of her approach.
- stale: 'Stale' implies something is old or no longer effective, which is the opposite of what is intended in this context.
Correct answer: regimens
Explanation: The word 'regimens' fits well as it refers to systematic plans or routines, particularly in the context of skincare, aligning with the products being discussed.
Meaning: 'Regimens' means a systematic plan or routine, especially for health or beauty, indicating the structured approach to skincare that Estée Lauder promoted.
Wrong options:
- glow: 'Glow' refers to a radiant appearance but does not fit as a noun in this context.
- fresh: 'Fresh' is an adjective that does not serve as a noun to describe skincare products.
- references: 'References' implies citations or mentions, which does not relate to the context of skincare routines.
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