All successful small businesses are populated by very special people—the business world refers to them as entrepreneurs. These brave individuals form the backbone, indeed the DNA, of the US economic system of free enterprise and provide the catalyst for our economic engine. Day-in and day-out these folks face tremendous pressures to succeed, to protect their livelihoods as well as those of their employees through a fanatical devotion and dedication to meeting and surpassing customer requirements. In addition to having to deal with competitors trying to do the same thing, ever-increasing government regulations and taxes compound the challenge. Is it any wonder then that many small businesses see the passing of the holidays not only in the traditional sense, but also as “having survived another year?” To celebrate this survival, the following is offered for your holiday enjoyment. The tune is the traditional “Twelve Days of Christmas” with some much needed poetic license exercised as appropriate.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

A biz plan with some seed money.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Two smart phones and a

Biz plan with some seed money.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Three HD tablets,

Two smart phones, and a

Biz plan with some seed money.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Four thumb drives, Three HD tablets, Two smart phones, and a Biz plan with some seed money.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Five—prepaid—clients.

Four thumb drives,

Three HD tablets,

Two smart phones, and a

Biz plan with some seed money.

Now that you have gotten the hang of it, just add the following verses:

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Six bankers banking, all loans no interest.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Seven accountants counting, no missed deductions.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Eight lawyers talking, no billings issued.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Nine collectors collecting, payments before shipments.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Ten system specialists, no systems crashing.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Eleven vendors vending, all extended payments.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Twelve salesmen selling, all orders closed.

It should be noted that the inclusion of some adult beverages combined with the above rendition does somewhat enhance the total experience.

Merry Christmas!

Following a successful international business career, John Riddell turned his attention to small business/entrepreneurial pursuits that included corporate turn-arounds, start-ups, teaching as an adjunct business school professor, authoring award winning business and sports columns, and serving as VP for the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce directing its Center for Entrepreneurial Growth.