John Hansen, Charlie Wentworth's photographic assistant, was surprised when he was told he had a phone call. Nobody ever called him at the studio.
"Hello."
"Hi Johnny, it's Nicole."
"Hi what's up?"
"I wanted to tell you that I've decided to start my own place and I was hoping you'd tell Charlie and put in a good word for me."
"I'll be glad to try, but I'm not sure I have a lot of influence."
"I'll appreciate it if you'd try."
"Okay, I'll let you know what he says."
"Great, thanks, bye."
"Bye."
*****
A couple of days later Johnny gave a Nicole a call.
"Hi kid. I talked to Charlie and he said to come in and he'd like to talk to you."
"Oh, Johnny thank you."
"That's okay, but just so you know he didn't promise anything."
"I know, but at least I can make my pitch."
"Okay, he said to come in around 10:00 tomorrow, if you can be there."
"Oh, I'll be there alright. Thanks so much."
"That's okay, maybe I'll see you then."
"I'll make a point of it. Bye,"
"Bye."
*****
The next day Nicole showed up at the studio almost a half-hour early.
She and Johnny were chatting when Charlie appeared.
"Hi Nicole. Can I tear her away from you John?"
"You know you can."
She and Charlie retired to his conference room.
"Sit down Nicole, John tells me you're going to go into business for yourself."
"Yessir, Mr Wentworth."
"'Mr Wentworth will work on the set, but I'd rather you call me 'Charlie' in private."
"Okay, I'll try Mr... er, I mean Charlie."
"As someone who has started my own place not so long ago I've got some questions for you and maybe some advice."
"Oh, I would appreciate any advice you might have for me."
"Let me ask you a question. How much money do you have to open your place?"
"Well, I have about $10,000.00 of savings and I can probably get about the same amount from my parents, if I had to."
"My first piece of advice is don't borrow money from relatives, especially if they don't charge you any interest. They will think that they own you and can run your life. And not just your professional life. I also think ten thousand dollars is not nearly enough money. I know you don't have to buy a lot of expensive photo equipment, like I did, but I still think you will need at least four or five times that."
"Well, I've applied for a loan at three different banks, but none were very impressed by my business plan, but I don't think they really understand advertising as a business."
"Well, I've talked to your former boss, Madam Bouvet, and she speaks very highly of you. I've worked with her for years and I think that her endorsement is better than any business plan. Here's what I'd like to do for you: First, I have a two or three day fashion shoot coming up in a week or two and I'd like to hire you as a stylist and a makeup artist. Do you think you can handle the job?"
"Oh, yes! When can we talk about what you want?"
"As soon as I know more, I'll give you a call. Do you have a card?" She rummaged through her purse and gave him a business card she had had printed just the other day.
"I don't have an office yet, but I have an answering machine and I check it frequently."
"Okay, I think there are a number things you need to do as quickly as possible. Here's what I'm going to do to make it possible.
I'm going to extend you a line of credit up to $80,000.00 so that you only have to borrow what you need at the moment. I expect you to be responsible with it, but there are no restrictions on how you spend it. I'm going to charge you interest at what will be a fair rate. I'm going to have my lawyer, who is also a CPA, draw up a loan agreement and I suggest you retain a lawyer as well and have him look it over, before you sign it, but I'm sure we'll be able work out a deal."
"Oh Charlie, that's unbelievable, but why?"
"Because Madam Bouvet is retiring and I need a good replacement. It is a business arrangement. I like you and I think you'll do a good job. I expect to be repaid on time and in full, but we'll work all those details later."
"Oh I'll work hard not to disappoint you."
"I'm sure you will. A few other things: This is between you and me. I'm sure you will have to tell John, but only tell him in general terms, no specifics. And no one else. Clear?"
"Clear."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
About a week later, after both attorneys had given the okay, Nicole and Charlie met at his studio to sign their loan agreement and after they were alone Charlie said, "I know I said no restrictions, but I am going to offer you some more advice."
"That's fine, there is a difference between advice and interference."
"The first thing I think you ought to do is have a graphic designer design a logo and business cards and letterhead. You are going to deal, to a great degree, with creative people and they will appreciate a well thought out design. If you need names I can give you some and don't be afraid to ask to see samples of their work."
"I have a couple in mind and I'll pick a good one."
"Good girl. Also, you ought to get an office as soon as you can. Working out of your apartment and using an answering machine may work for a while, but at some point that will become awkward and you may lose some work if you don't have a dedicated spot."
"Check. Madam Bouvet offered to turn over the lease on her place to me. It would mean I wouldn't have the expense of fixing a place of my own, but I figured she might feel like she could stop in anytime and also people, clients and models, might not realize this was an entirely new operation. Do you think that was the right move?"