Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

UPDATE Wed July 26: The Polls are closed.

The StartupNation community has spoken – boy have you spoken!! – and now it’s time for all things to be considered as the winner will be selected and then announced here at StartupNation.com on Friday July 28.

Finalists, hold your breath!! (but not for the entire 2 days) Good luck to everyone.

It`s down to 10 Finalists!

And you get to help us decide. Cast your vote for the StartupNation community member you believe should win the free vacation package for four to Orlando.

The StartupNation team has selected 10 entries and we are now opening it up to a Community-wide poll to help us award a Southwest Airlines vacation package for four to Orlando including roundtrip air, car rental and three nights hotel accommodations.

We asked that the entries be persuasive. We encouraged you to make your point succinctly and in such a compelling manner that you simply cannot be refused.

10 of our community members have made the finals. Who will be headed to Orlando??

This poll will close July 26 & we`ll announce the winner Friday July 28.

Here are the entries of the 10 finalists:

CrystalDesignerArbonneLady

Wow - how can I compete!

I`d like to win the vacation contest for one main reason...

To get more clients for my business every where I go!!  A vacation spot equals more potential clients, and more opportunity for me to spread the word about Arbonne!  (apparently I need a break really bad)

Of course, 90% of the time spent would be relaxing and catching up on sleep.  Being a momprenuer is no easy task as we all know.

Thanks!

Entreprenerd

WOW! Thank you SUN for this wonderful opportunity! Going to Orlando this winter would be an absolute dream to me. The last couple of years have been difficult, and due to a lack of money, we cannot afford a vacation. We haven’t had a real vacation (aside from a couple of weekend trips) ever!

As many of you know, I have two small children (ages 4 and 1) that I care for full time, aside from employing a sitter a couple of afternoons a week. My older son has special needs and requires occupational and speech therapy. Additionally, my boys and I have celiac disease which requires us to adhere to a strict gluten free diet for the rest of our lives. My boys also cannot tolerate dairy or soy, and the younger one can’t handle other foods as well. It is very difficult for us to eat out because of our dietary restrictions, so needless to say we don’t have much fun aside from spending time at home. Additionally, having undiagnosed celiac for thirty-something years has taken a toll on my health, and sometimes it’s hard for me to make it thorough the day.

My business has been doing very well and although I feel truly blessed, I am starting to burn out. I’ve been in business now for over a year and a half. I started the business while pregnant and I exhibited at my first trade show just 10 days from my due date. (My son was born 3 days after the show!) I began a schedule of exhibiting at trade shows and farmer’s markets when my son was only 3 weeks old. From June through December, I only had two weekends that I wasn’t working, and each weekend I was driving back and forth daily anywhere from 1 to 3 ½ hours each way for 2-3 days. Most of the time I had to set up a craft tent plus lug tables, supplies, samples, and product by myself. It was hard physically and very stressful. I was also nursing at the time and had to get a booth-watcher twice a day so that I could run to my car and pump milk for the baby so I could bring it home.

During the week, I was at home packaging my products, preparing for the next show and caring for the kids full time. Around New Years, I decided that I didn’t want to do shows anymore. It was too much to handle, so I decided to start a wholesale program. I thought it would be easier to stay home and ship out boxes, than be away every weekend. My husband and I were also starting to drift apart a little and I needed to be home more because a healthy marriage is the best thing you can do for your family – not to mention he’s my best friend. Selling wholesale involved a whole new learning curve, but within a month I had over 20 stores carrying my products! Now I find that I am busy and overwhelmed again, but at least I am home more.

During the time that I was pregnant and starting the business, I lost my dad unexpectedly to a massive hemorrhagic stroke, on my 35^th birthday. It was very difficult for me and I was so disappointed that my dad would never see the baby I was carrying and I would never be able to share my successes with him. He was the only person in my family that I felt connected to and since his passing my family has fallen apart.

So, as you can see we haven’t had the best of luck in our house lately. I’m hoping this will turn around. I feel bad that a lot of our money has gone toward my business. I’m not quite at the stage where it’s coming back yet. I’m sure you all know how that is. My husband works very hard as an ironworker foreman, and at age 45, he can’t keep it up much longer. I’d love to win this trip and make it up to my husband and kids. Disney is known for accommodating special diets, so we could actually have a worry-free vacation!

Also, did I mention that we live in ccccc-cold New Hampshire?

Thank you again for this great opportunity! I will be thrilled for whoever wins the big prize! Good luck all!

gelmtree2006

Reading the other entries has depressed me! Goodness, there are some sad stories out there. I don`t deserve the vacation based on sad story points. I live near Orlando and have Disney annual passes. But if I won, I would give the trip to my son and his family. He`s in the Navy, and though he is technically stationed at Pax River NAS in Maryland, he has been deployed to Germany for the last 6 months (he`s already served his turn in Iraq). In the time he has been separated from his family, he has missed everything from Valentine`s Day to Independence Day, including some special family events and his younger daughter`s second birthday, all in service to his country. But the trip is really for his wife, our terrific daughter-in-law, Jennifer. She is the glue that holds it all together when he`s gone, and remains supportive of his military career. Most people don`t realize or appreciate the sacrifices military families make. And while every military family deserves some kind of special compensation for those sacrifices, I`m biased, and would like to see my son and his family get to enjoy this trip when he returns safely home.

iouone2

Hello Startup Nation,
After reading everyone’s examples and reasons, I have determined my life isn’t so bad. Therefore, it’s difficult to ask for a vacation for myself. So I would like to write this on behalf of my wife.

I’ll keep it short and to the point. My life is great because I quite my “day job” and started my online business with my wife’s consent. The business world was much more difficult than I had anticipated, and our bank account has went from plenty (first time in my life I have had plenty) to struggling.

My wife’s birthday and our anniversary are within days of each other (Anniversary is the 21st of July) and I have nothing to give. Our business is slowly moving forward, but does not keep pace with the job I once had. My wife, Mai (pronounced My), is always encouraging and tells me how well I am doing. But with dwindling funds it may become my part-time job. Maybe I will be finding a part-time or freelance position as I continue to build the business.

I am asking for everyone to vote for me… or should I say, my wife. I am the person working very hard on the business, but she seems to get the short end of the stick. She works very hard, and even financially supports areas of our business from time to time. She works her “day job” them comes home to help me with tradeshows, inventory, shipping, and even mundane tasks like cleaning the small warehouse.

Of course we are in this together, but it would be so wonderful to give her a gift on behalf of the Startup Nation. I am not one to layout a bunch of “whoa is me,” events or situations. But I would really love to surprise her with a trip to some place other than her office and our home business office.

Vote for my wife Mai. She would like to see someplace other than her cubical.

(chanting)
My my, vote Mai
My my, vote Mai
My my, vote Mai

Jean808

Dear StartupNation and Southwest Airlines Vacation,

I`m so greatful knowing that you have this great idea in giving free vacation to those members that need rest or shall i say to BREATH and REFRESH his/her MIND and BODY before giving back to work again.

I am a single mom, a mother of 5 kids, all boys. A happy single mom treasuring the every moment with my kids, without any support from their father, I`m giving my best to raise them with LOVE and CARE and to have them a good education coz that`s the only TREASURE that i could give which cannot be stolen.

I`m into real estate business which has no fix income and having only 3 hours sleep. Still at my age 38, i don`t lose HOPE that someday i could have that quality time without thinking of my job first. It`s my dream and still a dream to have a vacation which i have not done yet since i got married and left by my ex hubby. Still...I`m hoping that one day i could have it by the grace of GOD.

Whoever wins...i know that he/she deserves a break.

MC

would LOVE to have youth from Creator`s Spot, Incorporated considered for the Orlando vacation!  This GIFT would benefit some of our at-risk youth that live within the communities located in Camden County, NJ – which we serve.  This non-profit organization began with my vision to partner with local school and community organizations to provide at-risk youth age 7-21 years with mentoring, apprenticeship, academic and professional creative arts training. Our goal is to stress the importance of academics and the effect it has on their future, while providing a safe haven recreational  after school facility.  There are NO video games!  We focus on CREATIVE ARTS...thus, the name Creator`s Spot, Inc.  All children are born with their very own set of precious “gifts” that often times are never tapped into!  When it comes to music, most public school programs have been cut substantially or altogether!

Realistically speaking, not every child will become a professional ball player; and many of our young people do not enjoy academics…not to mention those who need to be taught in a creative environment.  For this and many other reasons, it is important that they have other avenues to experience entertainment so they can stay off the streets and enjoy the programs we have to offer.  A great incentive for the many children who have NEVER been out of the state of New Jersey -- let alone traveled across the country - would be the opportunity to visit Disney World for a memorable 3 day trip!  Having visited Disney World for the first time in my 40’s – all I can say is:  What a magical place to tap into the creativity the world provides!  (They will have to write reports on the trip, though)!   Young people need to know that there are other things in life to do besides join gangs, become promiscuous, OR consider yourself a failure if you do not succeed at sports.  Youth must learn leadership, communication skills, be exposed to the world around them through social awareness, community involvement and the importance of experiencing  this colorful world that is a wealth of beautiful people, places, things and talent -- all that exists in the earth.  Our loving mentors and local heroes and our team of professionals are committed to making a difference in EVERY child’s life and their family as well.  The opportunity to pursue dreams and recognize that they are special - AND have a contribution to make – is PRICELESS.   The icing on the cake:  these gifted youth become the mentors when they come of age…just as we were to them!   The GREATEST TRAGEDY in human life is:  to grow old and never discover who you are and why you are here.   Let`s change that starting today!  In the words of the late Dr. Cook:  "Walk with the King today...and Be A Blessing!"  On behalf of the youth of Creator`s Spot, I thank StartUp Nation for your patience and consideration in reading this posting!  Best of luck to all who posted replies  -- and to those who are awarded the trips…a hearty Congratulations!

rocknroll333

I need a vacation because I met my business partner online via myspace.com and we started a clothing company together www.grooverockgear.com. With our new business and his music carreer in which he is self producing his debut EP www.aaronbeegle.com we have opted to not spend the money to meet each other in person, instead, all of our funds are focused on the business and his music carreer. A vacation would be a great way for us to meet each other in person..and he has never been to disneyworld so we would go there.

We live across the country from each other, Aaron is in Nashville and I am in San Diego.  With internet, text messaging and our phones, we communicate daily but have NEVER met Face to Face EVER!!

:) Winning a Vacation would allow us to meet guilt free without having to make a sacrafice on a business initiative that could push our business forward.

SharQ

I can`t believe this contest. I have been praying for this vacation for my son in particular.

He is the most generous kid I have ever known.  A couple of years ago I was making lunch for me & the kids.  My son asked for more chips & I jokingly told him that the chips were all gone and asked if I could have the last two chips on his plate.

I finished up at the counter and sat down to eat my lunch and there on my plate were my son`s last two chips.  I can`t describe the feelings I felt and this kid does this time & time again.

His teacher has a reward system where the kids can earn tokens & visit the "treasure box" from time to time.  My son saved up his tokens and when it was his turn at the treasure box he got something for his sister & brother but nothing for himself.  The teacher had tears in her eyes as she told my wife about it and after class she told him how proud she was of him & allowed him to get something for himself even though he was out of tokens.

You know how it is starting a business, things are really tight & I can`t afford to take my family to Disney World.  This would be a dream come true.

 
SolidGrnd

I am fairly new to this website myself...and although I am not quite yet a full entrepreneur...I am definitely aspiring to such! I have been in the planning stage for quite some time now but only because of funding difficulties due to medical bills (which I will get into later). Although I truly believe we all could use a vacation...and I love the idea that TJG has...I have to admit...and be honest with myself...I would give anything for a few quiet moments...and here are my reasons:

My day starts at 3:45am when my husband wakes to head to work...I try to make sure he has a lunch to take with him. I then get myself ready and our 4 year old son who will then go off to daycare...and I will drive an hour to my full time day job. In the evenings I get home, make dinner, do dishes, work on the upcoming business venture, then fall back into bed. Not exciting...I know...but wait...there`s more!

My dream to be an entrepreneur started 4 years ago when my son was born. He was born with a chromosome abnormality and I have spent every waking (and sometimes the sleeping) hours since researching every term, diagnosis, prescriptions, funding, support groups, non-profits, etc. It suddenly occured to me that it was time to share all this knowledge...which is where my idea for my organization came from. I am starting a non-profit organization that will be (*fingers crossed*) the largest source of information for the special needs community...ever. If we don`t have it, we will find it...and if we can`t find it...it doesn`t exist! Unfortunately...when I say we...I mean me! I created a website and have done 99% of the research on my own during my off time (technically when I should be sleeping but insomnia is horrible). The website took off much faster than I ever anticipated (1200 hits in just under 4 months) and has led me into the realm of trying to get the business end of it all in order to "open the doors" officially on the organization.

I spend most days half at work and half in hospitals or doctors offices with my son. His health has never gotten better only worse, but I also have to pay the bills. My husband and I never got a honeymoon, we don`t get vacations, and we rarely see each other except a few brief moments in the wee hours of the mornings when I am handing him his sandwich and he is running out the door. We are both exhausted, not just physically, but emotionally. Our son just went through surgery #8 about a week ago...and will have #9 in early August. And although I know that there are people out there who deserve a break much more than we do...I often dream of a quick vacation...just a moment to breath...to rest...maybe get a full night`s sleep...maybe get to lay down next to my husband again if for only a moment.

We all work so hard for our families, our companies, our friends. We put our own needs aside so often to fulfill those of others, never once looking in the mirror at ourselves and realizing we are neglecting so much. I am not very good at asking for things for myself...and I have to admit...as I type this I can`t help but think of the million other moms out there who have special needs children who could also use a break....but there is this side of me that is so tired...and could so use it. I spend around 20 hours a day running in circles either physically or in front of a computer trying to put things together.

My family is my life. But for today...I could really just use a break! So glad you are giving us an opportunity to ask for something for ourselves for once...even if many of us aren`t that good at it! Even if I don`t get the trip...at least I finally asked for something for me...good practice!!

TJG

Joel, yes we could all use a vacation. And a vacation to Orlando and Walt Disney World would be fantastic!!

Yet, I`m going to turn this a little differently.

Here`s why I believe that I should be the recipient of this contest ...

We are all blessed to be able to participate here at SuN ... and to dream of a start-up business ... or better yet ... to actually start one.

My desire to win this trip is not for myself ... I will donate it to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Lancaster, PA. (This local chapter has for many years worked with the trucking industry ... and has a major fund raising event every Mother`s Day with a "Truck Convoy".)

Children involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation may not be able to be participants or members of SuN. They may not see next year. That is why I wish to donate the vacation to Make-A-Wish. To help a child and their family enjoy the precious time they will have together.

I hope this entry will be winning entry ... to bring a smile to a child.

TJ Graff

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Joel Welsh
chief community officer
StartupNation

Dearest Joel:  Thanks for the honor of being considered one of the 10 finalists!  I am humbly grateful! 

 

MC  Mary Cross

I have to agree with Mary...after reading everyone`s postings for this...I thought I would never have a chance in a million years! Thank you so much for just giving us this opportunity. Sometimes it is just nice to be recognized for all the hardwork and sleepless nights!!!

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Leah Tucker

I wanted to chime in with a big thank you, and also a congrats and good luck to all of the finalists! 

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Chris

The Dippy Chick Company, Inc.

Being notified I was a finalist certainly made my day! I`m thrilled to be in such good company. Of course I`d love to win, but every entry is truly deserving. Thank you for voting for me; it must have been hard to decide.

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"The Media Fairy"
Carole Holden
Gelmtree Advertising

"Your advertising doesn`t have to be expensive or complicated to be effective. Ask for your free slice of Advertising Pie."

The only question I have regarding this method of deciding a winner .. is that it could simply turn out to be a poularity contest ... rather than a decision based on merits.

I surely hope that my fellow selectees are NOT politicing to win. This contest was originally designed to be based on merit, originality, and creativity. Not on popularity.

Since it has turned into that ... please withdraw my name from consideration.

 

Thank you,

TJ Graff 

I`m very confident in the StartupNation community to be able to make up their own minds based on the merits of the entries & their personal perspective. That`s what a poll is all about.

I am also certain that people will respect your request, TJ.

The polls are open & the StartupNation community is weighing in. Let`s see who comes out on top??!!


-------------------------

Joel Welsh
chief community officer
StartupNation

TJ,
When we received our messages from Joel that we were finalists, he specifically told us "Don`t forget to tell your friends and family" to vote. My friends and extended family are pulling for me, and my family. They know how much we need something nice like this to happen to us, so they have been nice enough to get on here and vote. They know how hard I`ve been working at keeping my business and family afloat. I told them specifically to only vote if they felt mine was the best entry, and I said that if I was lucky enough to win, I wanted to win this fair and square. I also referred a lot of fellow entrepreneurs to the site, and I would be surprised if they didn`t stay and continue to be involved with SUN.

So, it is not a popularity contest at all. I`m sorry you saw it that way. I assumed everyone else would be telling their friends and family to vote as well, since Joel specifically said it was okay to do so.
Chris

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Chris

The Dippy Chick Company, Inc.

STARTUP NATION!
This is great. I cannot believe I am in the running! Nevertheless, we all deserve the vacation.

(please vote for me... uh... my wife)
(still chanting)
My my, vote Mai
My my, vote Mai
My my, vote Mai

(lighting good luck incense too)


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Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words

By your own words it is a "POPULARITY" contest.And thats OK. Its SuN`s contest and they can run it whatever way they want.

I for one, do not buy in on the "American Idol" type contests. If you folks want to ... go right ahead. I refuse to act like a cheap tramp ... or a high- school kid running for "prom queen".

It truly think its a shame that SuN set up a situation where "clicques" start to form, and sham results coulsd take place ... simply because someone got a bunch of "newbies" to come vote for them. (In your own words you admitted that you told family members to vote for you ... but will they ever come visit SuN again? I doubt it.)

If I had known that it was going to turn into an "American Idol" type popularity contest ... I never would have entered. (And folks here at SuN ridiculed me when I had a random contest giving away gift certificates ... warned me about rules and such ... where are they now? Hiding behinf their skirts? Is it ok to have rules that are on the fly ... simply because its a SuN contest?)

Please recall my signature line on all my posts ... (I live it every day)

"Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile."

Best of luck to all the other participants.