#Digital Marketing Conference

[malviyafactualcommunication123]

Why Malviya Factual Communication is the Leading Digital PR Agency in India

In the ever-evolving world of public relations, finding the right agency to elevate your brand is crucial. Among the many options, Malviya Factual Communication stands out as a dynamic leader in the industry. As one of the top public relations agencies in India, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses looking to build their brand on a global scale.

Expertise and Specialization in Digital PR

As a trusted Digital PR Agency, Malviya Factual Communication offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to boost brand visibility and reputation. Specializing in everything from press release distribution to media relations, their team has helped numerous brands successfully navigate the complex world of public relations. The agency has deep expertise in building brand positioning, establishing influencer partnerships, and securing media coverage across over 3,500 national and international news outlets.

Diverse Services for Effective Brand Growth

At the core of Malviya Factual Communication’s success is its ability to offer a wide range of PR services. These include:

Press Release Distribution: Ensuring that key messages reach the right audience through targeted media outlets.

Press Conferences: Organizing and managing press events that garner attention and promote brand stories.

Crisis Management: Handling critical situations swiftly to protect your brand's reputation.

SEO: Optimizing content for better online visibility.

Influencer Marketing: Leveraging social media influencers to extend brand reach and impact.

Social Media Management: Building a strong presence across various platforms to engage audiences and drive traffic.

These services have helped Malviya Factual Communication become one of the leading PR agencies in India, trusted by top brands across various industries.

A Reputation Built on Results

With a reputation for delivering impactful results, Malviya Factual Communication’s team has earned recognition as a premier Digital PR Agency. The agency’s commitment to transparency, excellence, and innovation has made them a go-to agency for companies looking to enhance their public relations efforts both nationally and internationally.

Their consistent success in media monitoring, TV interviews, and Wikipedia page creation makes them a key player in shaping the future of branding. By working with such a reputed PR agency, businesses can expect tailored strategies that yield real, measurable outcomes.

Why Choose Malviya Factual Communication?

When it comes to managing your brand's reputation, partnering with a top-tier PR agency is an investment in long-term success. Malviya Factual Communication has proven to be a trusted name, delivering stellar PR services with a focus on results. Whether you're a startup or an established enterprise, they have the expertise to elevate your brand to the next level.

For businesses ready to collaborate with a leading Digital PR Agency, Malviya Factual Communication provides the tools and strategies needed to shine worldwide.

For more information, visit Malviya Factual Communication or contact them at +91 78981 25773 or +91 89648 58263, or email them at contactmfc0206@gmail.com.

[tsreviews]

WebinarX Review: Unlock Top-Ranked Video Conferencing!

WebinarX: Benefits & Features

Scheduled & Instant Meetings/Webinars

Contacts & Segments for Invitation

Audio, Video and Screen Sharing Options

Live Chat / Real Time Messaging

Real Time File Sharing

Multiple Authentication Option

Social Login, Two-Factor Authentication

Complete control over User Profile, Avatar, Change Password, Online/Offline Status

Roles & Permissions Management (ACL) System

Multi Lingual and Locale Management

Auto & Manual Screen Locking

UI and Push Notifications

WebinarX is for :

Teachers and coaching centres who want to reach out to students and share knowledge

Professionals who want to an alternate source of income

All those people who are currently using dated technology at a much higher price

Any school or college student or even drop-outs who want to make instant money

Work-from-home tribe

Those who want to stay connected with their near and dear ones who they can’t meet in person

Any kind of marketer who wants to dominate a particular niche

Small and large business owners who don’t want to part with their profits

Get More Info

[digitalconfex]

DMAT Confex Malaysia 2024: Elevating Strategies in Digital Marketing and Advertising

Join us at DMAT Confex in Malaysia, where the leading minds in digital marketing and Advertising converge to explore the latest trends, strategies, and innovations. Discover the future of advertising and technology in the dynamic landscape of digital marketing. Network with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and propel your business to new heights. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the digital realm – reserve your spot now!

For more info visit: https://digitalconfex.com/dmat-confex-01-feb-2024/

[madstars-festival]

[MAD STARS through Female Eyes] Becky McOwen-Banks, Director, Creative X Global, Meta

[MAD STARS through Female Eyes]

: Becky McOwen-Banks, Director, Creative X Global, Meta

It was the first MAD STARS event Becky McOwen-Banks, director, creative X global, Meta. She also brought their female perspective to the final juries.

Becky has been a creative director, on staff and freelance, at agencies such as M&C Saatchi London, VaynerMedia UK & EMEA, New Republique and FCB Inferno as well as an active member of the SheSays committee.

Becky McOwen-Banks certainly threw herself into MAD STARS. She was a member of the Final Jury and New Stars Jury, as well as a speaker discussing Searching for Innovation? Then Shut Up and Get Out of the Way! A.K.A. Creative Entrepreneurship in Action. Here is her MAD STARS view:

What motivated you to be so involved? What was your impression of MAD STARS 2023? 

Becky McOwen-Banks: I have been on many global awards juries, but none that ran from Asia. I was keen to join MAD STARS, see the approach, meet more amazing talent and see for myself how it has been growing as an awards to be noticed. The combination of creative showcase and marketing business focus provides a balanced view of the industry, so I was excited and honoured when invited to get involved. I believe in the power of learning and curiosity have driven me throughout my career. The opportunity to visit a city I hadn't travelled to before, spend some time with leaders and creative talent was too good to miss. It is so important that we in the West don't become myopically focussed inwards and forget that there is so much more to discover and uncover. 

You were on the final jury. What stood out for you in the jury room (and did any work stand out for you in particular)? What were you looking for in the winners? 

Becky McOwen-Banks: We had a great mix of talent and skills in the Final jury for my categories which meant lots of good discussion about the work. Identifying what is the right work for this specific awards show, at this time and within the specific category makes judging different every time. This year lots of conversations focussed around work that made a difference to the world (like Knock Knock) but also rewarded paying clients for pursuing brave thinking.

A piece of work I loved and have shared since being home is the Ladies of Tang Dynasty for Daning Palace. I'm a typophile - I adore typography - so this was just delicious. The attention to the heart of the concept and then allowing their design minds to fly was brilliant. 

You were also on the New Stars jury. What did you think of the standard of work and the New Stars themselves as well as the judging experience? What were you looking for in New Stars winners? 

Becky McOwen-Banks: The NEW STARS jury was tough. There was a lot of great work and so little time. The awards facilitators were very strict with us to get through all of the entries with time for good conversation. It was really interesting seeing the variation in the approaches, and also seeing how some teams seemed to really get under the skin of the issue. The ideas that linked the heart and head were the standout winners, taking such a sensitive topic out of expected channels, to reach audiences wherever they may be - and all with empathy. You won't change behaviour on any topic by shouting at people and trying to shame them. The ideas required an understanding of the educational job that was needed in order to bring people with you and allow the message to be heard as well as the empathetic tone required.  The three points I had as advice for all teams was: 

1: Really question your own thinking. Be your own biggest critic.  Would the audience REALLY respond how I am suggesting? Would it really work? What is the simple message they would actually take out and remember? If you’re not strict in your own thinking then CDs or awards juries will be and will dismiss your thinking.  Learn to stress test your own ideas. Try them from every angle and always be honest with how effective the idea may be in the actual world. It's only this way you get to water-tight thinking. 

2: Keep pushing ideas.  Some ideas simply weren't evolved far enough, despite having a good insight and idea. Creatives (particularly at the early stages in their career) need to keep pushing to deliver full campaign thinking. It's also a way to test the validity of the idea itself. You can get two executions out of most ideas but then run dry - so push for 3, 4, 5 and show this idea can go anywhere. 

3: Crafting should always be secondary to the idea - in service of the idea, not instead of it. Great design and entry boards can never hide an average idea. Some entries were beautifully crafted, when I'd advise for this time-limited exercise that they should have been focussed 90% on idea and 10% on the board. 

Please tell me about your session. Why did you choose the topic and what were its main insights?

Becky McOwen-Banks: Searching for Innovation? Then Shut Up and Get Out of the Way comes from my MBA thesis subject. I am a creative leader committed to innovation and teams. My thesis enabled me to explore the effects that leaders have on their teams, not through their direct actions but through the team design and process they create - and subsequently if these different team designs then have a different impact on the ability to innovate. This felt like a topic that would bring together the MAD STARS audience of leaders and innovation. We are all after ways to learn and enable our teams and businesses to be better, so I thought this was a good way to share some of my findings. I've had a few enquiries for my presentation so I'm hoping that means it landed with some. The main insight is that the traits of leaders (or founders) do affect the shape of teams they create, and this does ultimately impact the ability to innovate. So, we all need to be more aware of the systems we are creating, that we are the ones inhibiting our own success. It also reveals that innovative leaders are those with interactive and interpersonal traits, and that these leaders create more fluid teams. 

Or to distill that into some simple guidance from my results:  1: Leaders who identify themselves as interactive/interpersonal create more autonomous team shapes  2: A more autonomous team shape results in more identifiable and measurable innovation with the added benefit of team positivity and confidence. 

[saifahmed90]

Discover the Impact of Digital Marketing Conferences in the UAE

Attending conferences is an excellent way to stay updated on the latest strategies and innovations in the marketing industry. Events focused on digital marketing conferences in the UAE provide actionable insights into areas like SEO, content marketing, and analytics, tailored to the unique dynamics of the region. Additionally, they offer valuable networking opportunities, connecting professionals with industry leaders, potential clients, and collaborators, fostering growth and innovation in the competitive UAE market.

[digitalworldvision]

Chris Palmer SEO Expert.

Chris Palmer provides his insights here on this question.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-hector-digitalworldvision

[jbdipama]

Conférence de l’UJEME sur l’entrepreneuriat à l’ère du digital : Stratégie et opportunités pour réussir dans un monde connecté

J’ai été ravi d’animer la conférence de l’Union des Jeunes des Églises et Missions Évangéliques (UJEME) du Burkina Faso  sur le thème : ‘L’entrepreneuriat à l’ère du digital : Stratégies et opportunités pour réussir dans un monde connecté’. À cette occasion, la plateforme Koenoogo.com a rédigé un article sur l’événement, que je vous invite à lire. L’Union des Jeunes des Églises et Missions…

[jolenes-book-journey]

Authors and Others Giving Zoom Presentations

This is for all my fellow authors and others who may be giving Zoom presentations in the next few weeks. Today I was presenting to a small group of authors online who are part of the Writers Alliance of Gainesville for a Marketing discussion. Just before I was ready to sign on there was a flash message that stated ‘UPDATE IN PROGRESS – DO NOT CLOSE’. Well silly me just went on making my coffee…

[malviyafactualcommunication123]

What Is a Press Conference? A Comprehensive Guide From Malviya Factual Communication

A press conference is a key element in modern communication strategies, used by businesses, public figures, governments, and organizations to share critical news, announcements, or updates with the media. It is designed to facilitate direct engagement between spokespersons and journalists, allowing for real-time interaction, questions, and clarifications on important matters. Whether announcing the launch of a new product, addressing a public relations crisis, unveiling a political policy, or sharing significant corporate changes, press conferences serve as a controlled environment for delivering accurate and consistent information to multiple media outlets simultaneously.

This format not only helps manage the narrative around key events but also ensures that the information reaches a wide audience through various media channels, including television, newspapers, radio, and digital platforms. By inviting journalists to ask questions, press conferences provide an opportunity for transparency and credibility, which can help build trust with the public. Furthermore, they are often used to mitigate rumors or misinformation, offering a unified message directly from the source.

What Is a Press Conference? Press Conference Definition

A press conference is a formal event where members of the press, such as journalists and media representatives, are invited by an individual, organization, or government body to address important news, share announcements, or discuss specific issues. It serves as a platform for open communication between the host and the media, allowing reporters to ask questions directly and seek clarifications on the topics being presented.

Press conferences are often organized when there is a significant message to convey to the public, such as the launch of a new product, the introduction of a new policy, a company’s earnings report, or an update on a crisis or issue. Press Conference provides an opportunity for the speaker to communicate a well-coordinated and consistent message, ensuring that multiple media outlets receive the same information simultaneously, which helps prevent misinformation or discrepancies.

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Types of Press Conferences:

Product Launch Press Conference: These events are held to announce new products or services. They often include demonstrations, testimonials, and detailed presentations to generate excitement and media coverage.

Crisis Management Press Conference: Organizations use these to address issues or crises, providing information to mitigate negative publicity. The goal is to communicate transparently and restore public trust.

Political Press Conference: Politicians or government officials hold these to announce policies, campaign messages, or respond to current events. They are crucial for informing the public and shaping political narratives.

Corporate Press Conference: Companies may host press conferences to share earnings reports, mergers and acquisitions, or major strategic changes. This type helps in maintaining investor confidence and public interest.

Importance of Press Conferences:

Direct Communication: Press conferences provide a platform for organizations to communicate their messages directly to the media, ensuring accurate dissemination of information.

Managing Public Perception: By controlling the narrative around significant events or announcements, organizations can shape public opinion and build credibility.

Transparency and Trust: Openly addressing issues during press conferences helps foster trust with the public and stakeholders, demonstrating a commitment to transparency.

Media Coverage: Well-executed press conferences can attract extensive media coverage, amplifying the message and reaching a broader audience.

Crisis Control: In times of crisis, a press conference can help address concerns, clarify misunderstandings, and provide reassurance, thereby minimizing damage to an organization’s reputation.

Can Malviya Factual Communication Organize Press Conferences in India?

Yes, Malviya Factual Communication can expertly organize press conferences in India. As a dynamic leader among public relations agencies, they specialize in facilitating impactful press events designed to promote brands on a global stage. With extensive experience in media relations and brand positioning, the agency ensures that each press conference is strategically planned and executed to maximize visibility and engagement. Their strong connections to over 3,500 national and international news outlets allow them to elevate a brand's presence across diverse markets. Whether launching a new product or addressing significant issues, Malviya Factual Communication is committed to delivering exceptional results and enhancing brand reputation in the competitive landscape of public relations. For brands looking to shine worldwide, partnering with Malviya Factual Communication is a strategic choice.

Conclusion: press conferences play a vital role in the landscape of communication and public relations. They offer a direct line of interaction between organizations and the media, facilitating the efficient dissemination of important information. By utilizing various types of press conferences—be it for product launches, crisis management, or political announcements—entities can effectively manage public perception, address concerns, and foster transparency. Ultimately, when executed well, press conferences not only enhance media coverage but also build trust with the public, making them an indispensable tool for any communication strategy

[thabisonjoko]

Reflecting on the Insights: MTN Bushfire and ARMC's Digital Marketing Workshop

Introduction: Recently, I had the privilege of participating in an enlightening online workshop session on Digital Marketing Strategies, organized by MTN Bushfire and ARMC. The event brought together industry experts and enthusiasts alike to delve into the dynamic realm of digital marketing. As I reflect on the invaluable insights shared during the session, I am compelled to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those who made it all possible.

Acknowledgments: First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to MTN Bushfire and ARMC for orchestrating such a thought-provoking and informative workshop. Their commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and skill development within the digital marketing landscape is truly commendable.

I would also like to extend a special thank you to the esteemed panelists who generously shared their expertise and experiences:

Reggie Rasodi: As an influencer and communications professional at ARMC, Reggie Rasodi brought a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. His insights into leveraging influence and communication strategies were invaluable.

Qhakaza Mohare: Serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Digify Africa, Qhakaza Mohare provided invaluable insights into digital skills development and empowerment initiatives. Her perspective added depth to our understanding of digital marketing's transformative potential.

KrTC of Hip Hop: As both an artist and brand influencer, KrTC offered a unique perspective on the intersection of creativity and marketing. His insights into building authentic connections with audiences resonated deeply with participants.

Eda Iskeceli: A Digital Strategist at Paradise Worldwide, Eda Iskeceli brought a wealth of practical expertise to the discussion. Her insights into crafting effective digital strategies were illuminating and actionable.

Key Takeaways: Throughout the workshop, several key takeaways emerged, which I believe will continue to inform and inspire my approach to digital marketing:

The importance of authenticity and transparency in building meaningful connections with audiences.

The power of storytelling as a compelling tool for engaging and resonating with target demographics.

The necessity of adaptability and innovation in navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape.

The significance of digital literacy and skills development in empowering individuals and communities.

Conclusion: In conclusion, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to participate in MTN Bushfire and ARMC's Digital Marketing Workshop. The insights shared by Reggie Rasodi, Qhakaza Mohare, KrTC of Hip Hop, and Eda Iskeceli have undoubtedly enriched my understanding of digital marketing strategies. As I continue on my journey in this dynamic field, I am inspired to apply these insights creatively and ethically, striving to make a positive impact in an increasingly digital world.

[digitalconfex]

10 Digital Marketing Trends That Will SHOCK You in 2025

The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving. To stay ahead of the competition, businesses need to be aware of the latest trends. 📈 Our blog post, "Top 10 Digital Marketing Trends You Should Know in 2025," provides valuable insights that will be discussed further at upcoming Digital Marketing Conference 2025 and Advertising Conference events. 💡 Don't miss out on these crucial trends that will shape the future of marketing!

Read article here: https://digitalconfex.com/top-10-digital-marketing-trends-you-should-know-in-2025/

[madstars-festival]

Call for Speakers🎙️

MAD STARS 2025 will explore the theme 'AI-vertising, AI Advertising Marketing Era' with groundbreaking ideas and insights. We’re seeking speakers who can share their unique stories and visions with a global audience. If you’re ready to inspire and bring your message to the world stage, this is your chance!✨ 🎤Navigate to: MAD STARS Homepage > JURY/SPEAKER PROPOSAL > Speaker Proposal

[helimadvertising1]

Marketing firm providing content, strategy, branding & inbound services with a focus on life science companies.We use our diverse backgrounds as Life Science experts, marketers, and creatives to develop and execute effective strategies for our clients.While we focus on emerging biotech brands, we also work with brands new to marketing in allied domain.

[kumkaniudaku]

Pop Quiz

Summary: When Asia's in need of a few lessons regarding matters of the bedroom, her colleague and friend, Kelvin, offers his expertise.

Pairing: Kelvin Harrison Jr. x Black!OC

Warnings: Mature Content (18+)

Word Count: 6.2k

MASTERLIST

Noise complaints ran $25 a pop in Asia's building. Twenty-five dollars from her bank account and an awkward conversation with Alister when they crossed paths on Asia's way to the parking garage early the following Thursday morning. 

"Please, don't take this wrong, but you and your friend are…loud. You gave our book club quite the show last weekend." 

Asia could still feel the rise of bile in her throat while she listened to her usually quiet next-door neighbor explain every single sound and shout from her and Kelvin's escapades in extremely graphic detail. The taste seared into her tastebuds, following Asia into the afternoon's internal review. At the same time, Savannah, the brand lead, ran through slides outlining the wonderful world of influencer marketing to sell mid-tier poison their client called alcohol. 

Desperate for a break from endless droning and word soup, Asia carefully took a screenshot of her noise complaint charge and copied it into a message for Kelvin to reawaken a thread that regularly kept them up into the wee hours of the morning. 

Her mental vacation ended before it could start, forcing her back into the action. She placed her phone face down on the large conference table and tried to refocus while waiting for any sign that he'd received her attachment. She didn't have to wait for long. Asia's lips curled into a goofy grin when Kelvin broke eye contact from the presentation to glance at the message notification on his laptop screen. He maintained an impenetrable poker face to take pretended notes, exaggerating every deliberate tap against backlit black keys. 

Kel You lowkey were kinda loud when we got back. It was cute.  I'll pay. Zelle or ApplePay?

Asia bit back a smile at blurred flashbacks of the wall clock above her television ticking down the seconds til midnight with Kelvin's face back between her legs, pushing her past her limits for his pleasure and hers. Her fingers danced across the phone's digital keyboard.

Pretty Girl 💖💚 Don't worry about it.  I had to be loud to cover for you.

Kelvin's grey bubble appeared and disappeared twice before vanishing altogether. Asia tried not to stare at the side of his head, hoping the telepathy she swore existed as a child still worked.  She looked at Savannah and noted the color on her perfectly shaped nails. Then, she counted the grey hairs in the strategy director's beard, stopping at 35 before growing tired of the neverending task. Her attention shifted to the typo on the recap slide as she made a mental note to flag it in her post-meeting notes. A cough in the room made her ears perk for a second to determine if the offender was sick or dealing with a dry throat. Definitely sick. What she could make for dinner floated around with other fragmented thoughts. Potatoes, maybe? Pasta? 

Unfortunately for her, nothing could hold her attention quite like the man coolly clicking-clacking on his sticker-covered laptop, seemingly unconcerned with her last text. 

Kel I like the way you taste. Sue me.  ApplePay: $28 Extra for the transfer

Static enveloped Asia's entire body, sending shock waves straight to the apex of her thighs until she was forced to cross her legs to stifle what she was sure would sound like a kitten's purr if she didn't put a muzzle on it quickly. 

A smug smile graced Kelvin's otherwise expressionless face to add further insult to injury. In his periphery, Asia sat perfectly flustered with no outlet for all the squirming she tried to hide. Squirming that instantly reminded him of how he couldn't let her leave him on Saturday night without kissing both sets of lips one more time. 

"Asia, can you update us on the timeline?" 

Time lost to reliving every atom-splitting, toe-curling moment from the weekend left Asia scrambling to rearrange windows on her laptop to fulfill Savannah's perfectly reasonable yet ill-timed request. "Uh, yeah! One…one second." 

She silently thanked the creator for protecting her screen from prying eyes while she tried to cosplay as a serious businesswoman. Sweat beading at her temples attempted to crack Asia's facade. Still, she recovered with a dancer's grace with nanoseconds to spare before a quick pause turned into awkward silence. 

"Alright, cool. Sorry about that. Thursday is basically Friday for my brain," she apologized, earning mumbling agreement from her peers. "So, yeah, we're tracking toward Friday's round one client review. Andy, you'll take over copy duties for Kelvin since he's moving on to greener pastures at the end of the week." 

Varying degrees of disappointment bubbled from the small group, forcing Kelvin to clarify Asia's intentionally vague announcement. "Greener pastures as in new business, y'all." Kelvin used a charming smile to douse burgeoning speculation sure to follow news of his departure. He shot Asia a warning look meant for her understanding alone. She shrugged to play innocent, and he chuckled at her act. "But, I'll take one of those goin' away happy hours like Ty's if y'all wanna give me one." 

"Speaking of Ty's thing, are we cool with La Chila down the block? My wife says I gotta get more steps in for our family weight loss challenge. A walk to an early dinner counts, right?" 

"Walking off ten calories to eat 700 in one sitting is insane, Chris." 

Savannah's patented matter-of-fact quip generated enough uncontrollable laughter to distract the team from Asia's half-baked project timeline and Kelvin's air kiss in response to her middle finger emoji sent via Teams. 

For all the time spent discussing boundaries and ways of working through their unconventional arrangement, remaining purely professional during their three days in the office was by far the easiest line in the sand to stay behind. They kept a careful distance, never spent time without another party present, kept electronic chats on work devices to a minimum, and never ever discussed their weekends as two parts of a whole when the topic inevitably reared its head during group lunches. 

But, try as they might, rumors swirled in private pockets of office gossip until all interested parties were gathered over creamy, spicy queso and post-work margaritas.

Kelvin sat next to Asia as innocently as he knew how, ignoring the urge to rest his hand on her thigh while they whispered over which entrees they'd choose for the evening. Asia leaned into his body to share one menu despite having her own inches from her fingertips. She listened to Kelvin's recommendations with a soft smile and starry eyes, making sour cream and pinto beans seem like the most interesting inventions since the portable CD player. They were like magnets pulled together by an unseen force, unable to resist the other. 

Already two shots and a celebratory sombrero dance number in, Ty used his privilege as the guest of honor to point in the duo's direction. "You two are super cute together. Aren't they super cute together, Sav?" 

Always his partner in crime and cocktails, Savannah excitedly agreed as she waived an uneaten tortilla chip around in the air. "Oh my God, yes! I always thought that but, like, didn't want to be the blonde white girl shipping the two black people on the team." 

"Well, I am black, and I think so too." Asia and Kelvin shot individual glares in Sidney's direction. She shrugged and smirked. "What! I can spot two hot people who need to be hot together from a mile away. I'm the one who hooked Ty up with Eric in analytics." 

"And, while we despise each other now for reasons I won't share, it was fun while it lasted!" 

Kelvin played it cool for both of them, calmly shifting his torso away from Asia to pluck a chip from the communal basket. "I hate to break up the love fest, but nothing is going on between us. We're work friends." 

"At best," Asia added. 

Ouch. Kelvin internally bristled at her unprompted callout with his cold beer bottle's amber tip pressed against his bottom lip. "At best." 

If they'd tried harder, maybe they could've convinced Chris, Savannah, Sidney, Maddie, or a very tipsy Ty that what they had was a surface-level, totally uninvolved friendship. And, though they had no proof outside of speculation in a side chat, they all vowed to keep an eye on Thing 1 and Thing 2. 

"Yeah. Alright," Sidney scoffed. "Friends at best. That's what we'll go with today. Everybody starts off as friends until that regular hug turns into a mouth hug. Ask my fiancé." 

Chris groaned and ran both palms down his beet-red face. "Ya know, every time we have one of these, I leave knowing way too much about you, Sid. Fuckin' gross!" 

_______________

Though margaritas had long been finished and Ty's desk was now just an empty surface waiting for a new tenant by Friday morning, Asia couldn't roll into her girl's night at Sabrina's without Sidney's accusation searing a hole into her memory. 

Were they just friends? She'd long reckoned with the reality that physical intimacy wasn't enough to swing the pendulum in the dating direction. This was an arrangement for experience's sake, not one designed to turn weekend touching into date nights and meeting the parents. 

But, she couldn't shake how Kelvin tensed at the mention of their working relationship or how acknowledging there was no room for more wilted the sprout of hope she'd been watering since the art show. He didn't correct her, and she couldn't bring it up because, well, they were playing by her rules. And you can't switch the rules in the middle of the game. That's cheating. 

"Wings or pizza? Or and? Wings and pizza?" 

Sabrina contemplating their options for "cheat day" yanked Asia back from a rapidly progressing mental spiral. She sipped from her glass of white wine before responding. "Depends. You getting it from the spot around the corner?" 

"Duh," Sabrina scoffed while scrolling through the restaurant's online menu. "If I'm gonna cheat, I wanna enjoy it! Give me something to look forward to for next time." 

"Um, are we still talking about food?"

The pair eyed each other from opposite ends of the couch, sporting grins threatening to explode into a fit of giggles. "I am if you are," Sabrina answered before slurping from her glass. Her eyes shifted to the ceiling to avoid facing Asia's judgment. "But, I'm not if you're not." 

"Let's not even go there! You turned over a new leaf this week." Asia was more than privy to her friend's past transgressions. Old Sabrina was ruthless in her pursuit of happiness. New and Improved Sabrina was more settled in her relationship. Or, if nothing else, a better liar. 

Before Asia could remind her host about the edibles she promised to furnish for their all-night Living Single binge, her phone buzzed beneath her thigh to steal a second of her attention. 

Kel ??? My place this weekend? Pls Wanna make you a better steak than the one at the restaurant

Each short buzz in her palms made Asia giddy as she suppressed a squeal and mulled over how to reply. Her thumbs typed, deleted, typed, deleted, hovered, then typed again to craft a worthwhile response. 

To: Kel Might need to actually hear you say pls. idk. sounds fake.

Sabrina watched her friend's grin outshine the LED lights bathing her in a faint blue glow from her crossed-leg position on the floor. She tried not to snoop but felt left out. She used a drawn-out sigh to pry Asia's attention away from her phone screen. 

"Is that the boy? Art Hoe?" 

Asia kissed her teeth and rolled her eyes. "I said that as a joke! His name is Kelvin, and yes, that was him. Just confirming some plans for tomorrow." 

"So, is he like…your boyfriend? Y'all dating? Catch me up!" In their decade as sorority sisters and close friends, Sabrina knew of only one romantic interest in Asia's life: Joshua. Tall, dark, and effortlessly flirtatious, what started as innocent flirting while completing their work-study program crashed and burned into weeks of snotty crying. Mary J. Blige cranked to ungodly volumes inside their shared off-campus apartment. Six weeks of heavy-petting caused a lifetime of hurt Sabrina was sure ruined Asia for good. 

Until three weeks ago, when text messages began interrupting their evenings of alone time. Sabrina would consider all the pesky interruptions water under the bridge if Asia was willing to come off of her secret lover and fill out the details of their peculiar relationship. 

Asia wrestled with sharing until the buzz of Sauvignon Blanc convinced her that someone should know about the man keeping her holed up inside her place once a week—for safety purposes, of course. 

Sabrina scooted closer to the edge of her floor pillow once Asia opened her mouth to speak but eeked out a girlish squeak instead. Asia calmed herself with a deep breath and then dished in one breath. "I don't know what the fuck we're doing, but damn it's good." 

"Oooooh, Asia's got a boyfrieeeeend!" Sabrina teased. 

"Not a boyfriend! We're just hanging out. He's…helping me with something?" 

The murkiness in Asia's 'something' made Sabrina press for more. "Something like what? He hanging TVs or laying pipe?" The end of her question awakened a twinkle in Asia's eye like a code word, effectively dropping Sabrina's jaw to the floor. "Oh my God! Are you…are you having sex?" 

Asia shrank back, finding herself no match for the immediate shyness sending heat to her face. "Kinda? He offered to help when we were out one night, and I said yes. We have a lesson every weekend, and he –" 

"Wait, wait, wait, wait," Sabrina interjected as she waved her hands in front of her face. "Hold up. That man is teaching you how to fuck every weekend? That's where you been for damn near a month?" When Asia sheepishly nodded in the affirmative, Sabrina stood to dramatically throw her body on the couch. "Bitch. Spill right now, or I will kick you out of my house!" 

There was no sense in hiding the truth. Sabrina would press until she was satisfied with Asia's answer, completely unraveling any suspected lie thrown her way. Asia needed to be thorough. No stone left unturned. No racey detail left untold. No story too insignificant to go unshared. 

In the middle of Asia, recollecting how Kelvin had her gasping for air the previous weekend, her phone buzzed with an incoming message. 'Kel' lit up the screen. 1 Audio Message sat underneath his contact name like gold at the end of an unexpected rainbow. 

Asia chewed her lip, tossing the idea of opening his gift with an additional set of ears in the immediate vicinity. "He just sent a voice note."

"You gon' play it?" Enthusiasm sent Sabrina inching closer for a better view of Asia's phone screen. "Play it!" 

If not for curiosity gnawing at her mind and her friend's insistence, Asia would've left the message unplayed until she returned to the privacy of her own home. She had to know why a one-word request took three minutes and a few extra seconds. What was so important that he needed an entire song's length to get it all out? 

Her finger quickly tapped the play button to pop the cork on Kelvin's response.

Rustling greeted Asia and Sabrina first. Then, a steady, deep breath filled an otherwise silent recording. 

"Fuck." The audible squelch of skin on lubricated skin mingled with strangled moaning until he could speak again. "You just want me to beg? That's okay. I'll beg for you." 

Sabrina's hand floated up to cover her open mouth. "Girl, is he…?" 

"Shh!" 

Asia couldn't pry herself away from the primal nature of each grunt and groan, no matter how much she attempted to will her body into action. Long, drawn-out moans quickly grew into choppy gasps. Curses devolved into fragmented pleas. Her name became a breathy chant until he'd worked himself into a tizzy. "Please, Asia?" 

Registering coherent thoughts turned into a chore, leaving Sabrina to undertake stopping the recording before she knew more about Kelvin than she planned for one sitting. 

They sat in stunned silence together, waiting for the other to break the ice. Asia slowly turned toward Sabrina to do the honors. "I need you to teach me how to suck dick. I'm talking 2014 Sabrina levels." 

"Okay, first of all, that was a special time that can't be recreated," Sabrina answered before taking a long sip of wine. She'd long retired from legendary status on their college campus. Her jersey was in the proverbial rafters, making her a first-ballot Hall of Famer, able to bask in her long list of accomplishments and leave the game behind. But duty called. Asia watched her friend's lips slide into a smile before Sabrina sat back against the couch. "Second of all, Asia," she cooed as she lunged forward to wrap her friend in a hug. "You like him! Oh my goodness, this is so cute!" 

Asia released a pitiful sound into her hands that eclipsed Sabrina's excited squeals. "I do. Fuuuuuck, I do!"

Realization felt like a prime Muhammad Ali punch to the face. She did like Kelvin. Try as she might, through all the so-called boundaries and walls she'd built for protection, the growing vines of feelings continued to grip her into its warm embrace. She liked him.

"Let's go. I got you!" 

The couch shifting and lightening under Sabrina's retreating weight made Asia's eyes open in surprise. "That's it?" Confusion knitted her brown as she sat up straight to catch Sabrina sliding a light jacket over her arms and sliding her phone into her pocket. "Wait, where are you going?" 

"We are going to the sex store. You gotta drive, though. Eric has my car." She answered while sliding her feet into slippers. When Asia didn't immediately make moves to venture into the chilly night air, Sabrina looked her up and down. "Or you could practice on the dick I got back there, but I have to boil it first. Me and Denzel had a time last night!" 

Asia didn't mean to gag at the thought of putting her friend's used dildo in her mouth as she gathered her keys and phone from the coffee table, but she couldn't control the reflex. "You're nasty," she mumbled en route to the front door. 

"Oh, baby, you haven't seen nasty yet. Just wait." Asia passing in front of Sabrina to exit provided the perfect opportunity for the taller woman to land a hard smack on her friend's ass and laugh, earning a sharp gasp in reaction as the sound reverberated against the hallway walls. 

"Ugh, I'm about to make a mini-me! I'm so excited!"

_______________

All three minutes and a few seconds of Kelvin's begging weren't in vain. 

With the sun setting beyond his floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking bustling downtown streets, Asia couldn't help but pat herself on the back. If she was going to choose any acquaintance to casually fuck and try not to fall for on her way to self-discovery, she was glad it was one with impeccable design taste and a view. 

Canvas art and eccentric sculptures in every corner turned an ordinary space into something of an art gallery. Incense burning near the souped-up entertainment stand filled the room with something rugged and masculine Asia couldn't place but loved all the same. Family photos hung in the entryway gave her a glimpse of his life outside of the buddle they'd created. They looked like a jolly bunch, each with identically toothy grins and peanut butter skin tones. A look at his waffle boucle couch had her wondering what it'd be like to spend a rainy Sunday morning cuddled up with Kelvin's chest pressed to her back and his lips leaving soft kisses on her neck.

She hadn't seen much beyond his open-concept floorplan and the large kitchen with enough appliances to make Martha Stewart light up with joy. Before she arrived with dessert, she doubted Kelvin's ability to whip up anything outside of boy dinner or the occasional pancake. Never did she imagine the fragrant aroma of handcrafted cowboy butter spread across expensive cuts of steak. Creamy mashed potatoes sat steaming beside perfectly cooked broccolini, waiting for the entree to finish and for Kelvin to remove his hand from Asia's bra. 

He kept her pressed against his island, one hand holding him steady against cold quartz and the other palming one breast while their tongues and lips danced a coordinated waltz to share the citrusy bite of orange-flavored sparkling water.

Asia broke their kiss first for a deep breath to treat her weak knees. "You're gonna burn the food," she warned as Kelvin drug his lips down the side of her neck. 

"I'm paying attention. Got about a minute. Come here."  

Their plans for a "more intense" session were doomed by Aunt Flo and her scheduled appearance. Asia insisted on calling the evening a wash and rescheduling for a better time, but Kelvin refused. More than anything, he liked spending time wrapped in her presence. Her prancing around his apartment in her helper's apron and a matching lounge set felt just domestic enough to imbue his mind with thoughts of her being around more permanently. Maybe a few more visits. Perhaps a spare key and a drawer or two for her things. 

Asia returned to Kelvin's lips eagerly to sigh and keen for more against him until time slipped into an abstract concept for two minutes that felt like twenty. Rapid beeping from his microwave timer shocked them into pulling away, eliciting silly smiles and embarrassed chuckles. 

Kelvin left Asia with one more peck before taking quick steps toward the stove to lower the blue flame. Asia watched his back tense and ripple beneath a crisp white T-shirt while he transferred a piping hot steak to a cutting board to rest. 

"Babe, come over here and taste test for me?" 

The word had already tumbled from his private thoughts into the open air too quickly for Kelvin to take back. He clamped his eyes shut to briefly pray God spared him from explaining his slip to the woman he wasn't supposed to fall for. 

Asia calmly closed the distance between them, an easygoing smile showing no indication that she'd heard Kelvin's blunder. He let the moment pass without drawing attention to himself to carefully feed his dinner guest a juicy piece of medium-cooked steak. 

He held a hand under Asia's chin to catch any spillage, and his eyes sparkled with intrigue as she took a small chunk into her mouth to judge his skills. 

She dramatically hummed in approval and nodded. "Mmm. Okay, you were right," Asia complimented after slow chews to savor the taste. "That is the best steak I've ever had. I underestimated you. Forgive me." 

"I'll forgive you after you rate the potatoes. Lowkey, I put my foot in those. Ankle deep."

"Gross, Kel."

Asia's rating for the potatoes? 10/10. For the chef? There wasn't a scale to convey how far he'd shot off the charts. 

Easy conversation, full of budding inside jokes and the right amount of flirting, kept their time together lively. Quiet intimacy worked well for them. When chatter dwindled and cleaning took center stage, they fell into a wordless routine of washing and drying dishes side by side until the job was done and tired legs intertwined to rest from a long week. 

Shadows dancing across Kelvin's face as he focused on some documentary he'd begged Asia to watch stole all her attention each time she looked at the other end of the couch. She tried to subdue Sabrina's voice in the back of her mind, trying to convince her to break the seal on all the knowledge she'd crammed in one night. Rushing into a skill she hadn't quite mastered sounded like a great idea when she had a front-row seat to his goosebump-inducing self-pleasure session. Seeing him innocently learn about the feeding patterns of nocturnal jungle ecosystems and considering a plan to renege on their decision to exist in non-sexual harmony felt wrong. 

 "But he started it." Asia thought to herself. The fondling. The kissing. The innuendos during dinner. The voice note is an invitation. He wasn't looking for sex, but he wouldn't mind it…right?

She had to make her move while she still felt confident. Otherwise, she'd allow Samira Wiley's voice to lull her to an embarrassingly deep sleep. 

"Hey," she whispered to get Kelvin's attention. He didn't budge, finding too much interest in the luminescent carnivorous plant luring insects into its trap. Asia called to him again using a different method. "The potatoes weren't that good. I lied." 

Kelvin scoffed. "Yeah, right. You cleaned your plate. Twice." 

"My mama taught me manners, babe." She sassed, accentuating the pet name on purpose. 

Kelvin kept calm with his signature charming smile while his pulse spiked internally. So she did hear me. He wasn't sure how to respond. Stopping to have a pow-wow about what exactly they were doing now that the rules of engagement felt wildly different would needlessly slow a good thing to a screeching halt. 

So, he swallowed every question to redirect his nervous energy into gently tugging Asia's ankle to bring her a centimeter closer. "You should come down here with me." 

Jackpot. 

Asia didn't expect her plan to unfold so quickly. Swapping sides to lie face to face opened the door to more touching, kissing, shared breaths, and head highs under the twinkle of skyscraper lights. 

Tensions rising brought flashes of Sabrina and her boot camp back for Asia with renewed ferocity. Now or never. Grab that dick by the horns or something along those lines. 

"Can…can we try something tonight?" 

Kelvin tightened his grip on her ass cheek and pulled away from her neck. "Try what?"

"I wanted to try, um, you know…fellating…you?" Asia mentally scolded herself for sounding timid as Kelvin snickered against her collarbone. 

"Fellating? What is this, sex ed?" He chuckled, earning an agitated smack from Asia to the back of his head. He nuzzled closer to kiss a spot at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. "Seriously, you don't have to do that. I'm okay with what we're doing. No pressure." 

He was right. No pressure. She knew that already. But pressure wasn't guiding her off the couch and onto her knees between his thighs. That was curiosity. And the pressure wasn't what drove Kelvin crazy as she helped him out of his sweats and briefs to carelessly toss them to the side. That? That was untamed desire flooding every bone in his body. Pressure had no dominion in his living room. Only the spirit of exploration and freedom. 

And nervousness. Definitely nervousness. 

Give him eye contact. Cover your teeth. Use your tongue. Relax your jaw. Suck, don't just glide. All of the sage advice from the previous night blurred into one incomprehensible ball of incessant chatter across the grooves of Asia's brain. 

She chose to kiss her way into confidence, dropping slow pecks across Kelvin's thighs like he'd done to her in their last session. Delicate touches and soft lips made his muscles tense while he watched her watch him.                                                                                  

He draped one arm across the back of his couch and rested a hand on her cheeks to run his thumb along the spot. "That's perfect. Go as slow as you want. Stop when you want. It's your choice." 

Reassurance and an encouraging smile convinced Asia to test her high school-level knowledge of anatomy. No amount of videos linked in her Girl's Talk Reddit thread or hands-on, dildo-led speed runs with Sabrina could prepare her for an up close and personal view. At least they both seemed happy to see her. 

His dick stood at half-mast, waiting for Asia to make a move. More kisses took her from muscular inner thighs up the length of his shaft and to a tip already glistening as if to welcome her into an event where the host was awaiting her arrival. A spark of wonder made her swipe her tongue over the spot to taste, but the quiet curse from Kelvin kept her there for more.

Spit on it. Sabrina's voice reminded Asia as she debated what to do next. Not a gross factory worker chewing tobacco spit. Slow. Make him watch. Asia used the saliva coating her mouth in a Pavlovian response to connect with Kelvin once she pulled away to get a better look at her subject. 

A slightly above-average size. It wasn't close to her practice dummy, but 11 inches was ridiculous, even by Sabrina's standards. Well-groomed. Prettier than any she'd ever seen on the other side of a screen. Heavy in her hands, but not enough to make her think twice about eventually working it down her throat. A work of art waiting for her oral appraisal. 

Kelvin's head lulled back against the wall as his jaw dropped to make space for a shuttering breath. "Fuck, that's sexy." He used all the strength in his neck to look back down at Asia. "Where'd that come from?" 

"I wanted to surprise you," she answered, round-doe eyes peering back at him. "So, I took a little lesson." She leaned forward to wrap her lips around his tip and suckle for a few seconds to see if Sabrina was right about the expected reaction. Kelvin's hand sliding from her jaw to her chin to hold her steady was all the confirmation she needed. 

At some point, Kelvin would come off Cloud 9 to inquire about Asia's mystery teacher. Not out of jealousy or to accuse, but to find out who should receive the flowers and card he'd already mentally purchased for their service. 

He'd be lying if he said Asia had reached pro status. Every tentative lick and split second of disjointed rhythm reminded him that she was a novice in the game. It didn't stop him from singing her praises while she worked double-time to get the hang of things. 

She listened to instructions and turned them into action, taking every "Just like that" and "Slow up" in stride as she learned the ropes. Asia allowed Kelvin to guide her head up and down until she no longer needed his help to maintain a toe-curling one-woman show. 

He swallowed the lump in his throat to provide positive reinforcement. "There you go. Wow, you look so pretty right now."

Asia felt like she had the entire world in her hands. What power. She could command his every movement with her mouth and illicit unfathomable sounds with a flick of her tongue. Older women made the act sound so degrading as if engaging with a man in this way made her more property than a fully realized woman. And maybe the men they dealt with hadn't been partners willing to treat them like equals. But Kelvin showered her with so much affection and care that it made her want to go the extra mile. 

The twisting motion of her palms against slick skin made Kelvin curse to the ceiling, undoubtedly disturbing the unfortunate soul above him. The sight of him beginning to unravel sparked an idea. "Is this what you like?" 

He blinked his eyes back into focus and nodded. "Hell yeah. You think you can try both?" 

She'd give it a valiant attempt. 

For a moment, Asia mulled over how to maintain harmony between parallel work streams. She observed her hands for the right moment to bring her mouth into action as if waiting for her cue to jump into the center of double dutch ropes. 

Up and down. Twist. Suck. Go now! Shit. Kelvin observed while the wheels turned in her head, trying to split his attention between how cute she looked with her brow furrowed in thought and how that tell-tale pit in his stomach was starting to tense his abdomen. 

Her leap of faith caught him by surprise, dragging out a long, throaty moan as she quickly settled into what looked like an effortless working relationship between body parts. 

Arousal awakened goosebumps across his skin. His nipples ached for touch, and he satisfied them by slipping a hand under his shirt. His brain began to cloud, robbing him of words he knew he should've offered as encouragement. His head felt like a boulder on his neck as he rested against the back of his couch. 

Bursts of light played behind his eyes as the inevitable greeted him with open arms. "Fuck, fuck, fuck," he chanted, desperate to get Asia's attention. He couldn't surprise her with the release approaching hard and fast. "Fuck! I'm gonna cum. I don't wanna –" 

Asia didn't need the explanation. Thankfully, Sabrina had already prepared her for the endless possibilities once an eruption seemed imminent. She slowly removed her mouth and added a second hand to twist in the opposite direction. The grand finale. The moment they'd both been waiting for. 

Kelvin thrust into her palms to coax out warm spurts of semen over Asia's fingers and down her knuckles. She caught herself moaning with him, unable to contain the sound as she watched the reward of her work slide between each digit until her lover was spent and heaving for more oxygen to soothe his burning lungs.  

"Stop, stop." His pleading reminded Asia that she was still pumping, still milking him for all he had left. Her inner voice told her to prolong the moment and see how far she could push him until he was a babbling mess that only she could control. Kelvin saw the monster in her grin and rushed to kiss her, hoping she'd consider a different option. 

Their tongues and lips returned to each other in a panting, sloppy kiss while Kelvin used the distraction to push Asia's hands away before she started something they both knew she wasn't ready to finish. He had plenty of towels and wasn't opposed to breaking a rule or two. 

Sticky fingers growing increasingly uncomfortable made Asia pull away. "This is starting to feel weird in my hands," she laughed. 

"Oh shit, my bad." Kelvin forced himself to forgo one more kiss as he rested his forehead against hers. "Washcloths are in the bathroom closet. Bring one for me?" 

"Of course." 

Asia sported a goofy, proud smile while staring into his bathroom mirror, warming a bathing towel to take back to Kelvin. She wondered if texting Sabrina immediately would be in poor taste. Should she drop an emoji in the broader group chat full of their line sisters and go ghost waiting for them to decipher her cryptic message? Or would it make more sense to try and gather as many of the images flashing through her mind as possible, like reels passing through a view master, and store them for her alone time? 

She pushed all the options elsewhere in favor of returning to Kelvin with a wet rag to gingerly clean all traces of their unplanned romp from his still blazing-hot skin. 

He watched her with infatuation, coloring his gaze and a grin on his lips. His girl. At least for the few hours they got to spend willinging sharing their bodies with one another each weekend. He could pretend they were two people dating in pursuit of the elusive love he'd seen up close once before but couldn't hold on to. She'd be so beautiful sitting across from him on a night out, her fingers interlaced with his while they traded sweet everything over candlelight. He'd learn her favorite colors and her deepest fears. She'd listen to him go on and on about nature docs and make him go to bed when the wee hours of the morning crept up on him and his latest project. 

Asia's gaze flashed up to catch him transfixed in a daydream she needed to know about. "What's going on in that brain of yours?"

Wanting to tell her the truth and wanting to maintain their mutually beneficial relationship pulled him in opposite directions. He took a deep breath to roll the dice, hoping that once he uncorked the words, they wouldn't create a stain big and messy enough to make what they'd created unsalvagable. 

"If you're up for it," he started, cautiously choosing as he spoke. "I think we should try the real thing next time."

--------

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