A guy named Richard S’Dao has a 20 year old baby gift business, Silly Phillie Creations, Inc.  I just read a story about his recent launch of a related online concept but, for me, the best part is how he got backing earlier this year.

He cold-called Kodak and spoke to someone.  During his second call, Kodak invited him out to Vegas to pitch the idea at a trade show.  Within a week, S’Dao had $1 million in seed money from Kodak.

The site is owned by S’Dao and his wife.  Kodak gets 100% of the revenue from photo prints a users may want; the S’Daos make money from the albums an individual might purchase to hold them.

Why did this catch my eye?

Twenty years ago, I assumed I’d go directly from college to business school.  When a certain institution accepted me on a deferred admit basis, I suddenly found myself in need of a two-year job.  I still marvel at the fact that I dropped off a resume with the receptionist at KPMG’s headquarters (I had no idea why) - and got a call (and a job) within the week.

Ask. What’s the worse thing that could happen?