Dear Santa,

Thursday, December 7, 2006 at 01:52pm by Gina Laverde in Life

I only have one wish this Christmas. I want my new start-up to succeed. And for that I will need an office space, about five brand new lap tops (for myself and my partners), about $30,000 in advertising money, a Blackberry, a new fax machine, lots of paper, a Rolodex (I’ve always wanted one of those) and a publicist.

Oh, and if you can squeeze them into your bag – I’d really like some really cool business cards. Oh, and my taxes done (properly this time).

Santa, I know I’m 24 now and not a Christian. I know we never really had a relationship before. But I’m at my wits end, San. I’ve started so many businesses without money in the bank. I have great ideas, but no capital and no resources. I know that if I had a place to work and equipment to work with – and money to get my word out – I could so rock the world Santa.

I’ll tell you what Santa — maybe I AM asking for too much here. How about if you just grant me a great credit score — so that I can get a decent business loan and we’ll call it even, huh?

Well, thanks so much for reading my letter. I’ll leave some cookies and beer out for you. I’m not like everyone else Santa. Milk is boring. If you grant my wish – you and the reindeer are welcome to slam down a few cold ones with me before you leave. It’s the least I can do.

Happy Holidays,
Entrepreneurly Sue

Dear E.S.

In the 24 years that I’ve been watching you when you sleep and knowing when you’re awake (yeah, I watch all the kids – even the ones who don’t celebrate) – I have to say that I’ve never been so proud of you. You finally know exactly what you want.

I’m glad you contacted me and would love to join you for a few beers. However, my dear I am not a wish grantor. I make toys for a living. Well, to be honest — I order around a bunch of elves who make toys for a living.

I’m an entrepreneur like you. I’ve chosen a life that allows me to work one night a year. But, it wasn’t easy getting here. I had to ask for a lot of help along the way. And I got help from many unexpected places. It took a while to build a team of dedicated little guys who would work for cookies. But I did it.

It’s good that you reached out to me, and I would help you if I could. But, I think you know that this business of life is one of perseverance. Reach out to as many people as you can and spread your word. Don’t be afraid to accept help – but don’t expect it either.

I sense that nothing is going to come to you very easily. But, when it comes, E.S.– it will be bigger than my summer snow castle in the Alps. That’s pretty huge.

Your biggest job right now is to get the word out and keep working on your product. I’m also not a fortune teller – but I will say to hold strong through this money trouble. Don’t give up your dream because of money. I have a feeling there is much in store for you (don’t quote me on that though. My lawyer would wring my neck).

Remember – this is still a start up. Your partners and employees must understand that they cannot have top of the line equipment YET.

Be patient and keep working,
For Goodness Sake – E.S.
Yours,
Santa

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