Welcome to the first posting from the community based business. We are just like you, a small business, in a reasonable sized town. Working hard to sell a product to real people that have real lives, that we really care about. Our goal is to provide a local service that is:
1.) Profitable
2.) Honest-has the highest level of Integrity
3.) Treats people, like they deserve, as people
4.) Eco-friendly
5.) Community oriented
Our Product doesn't really matter, in fact the only thing that matters about your product is that it fits in the list above. It would be nice if you actually where passionate about your product, or if you liked it, but that's not necessary. In fact, the more you like your product, the more strict you must be in your decision making associated with your business. Some would say its better if you actually don't like your product, that way you will make better decision about your business. For example, if you are in the TV business and you get excited about some new product X (say 500 inch plasma HD/LCD super TV) and think its the best thing to hit the market so you give away all your products V, T, J to make room for product X. Then the people swarm in to experience the new product X, but no one takes them home because they cost as much as that new SUV, or maybe its because the new Hologram (sp?) projector model is the next big thing, even though your TV has better definition. The point is, when you are emotionally involved in a product it will effect your decision making, so don't let it.
The list of five items above I think is a great starting point for your business, can it fit all of those items? Lets evaluate some businesses and see how they fit into the model. The first one that comes to mind is fast food. Lets say business Y who was just in the news for having meet that isn't all meat.
1.) are they profitable? Yes- this one is usually a no brainer for the man, or the big business. Although on the other hand, this one seems to be very difficult for the small business to figure out.
2.) Are they honest? This one is much more difficult, Well, taking 33 % ground animal parts 67 % ground cow and pressed into little squares and calling it steak doesn't seem like 'the highest level of integrity' to me.
3.)Does it treat people like people? Have you ever called a big business costumer service number and talked to a machine until your screaming profanities at your phone? I don't think that qualifies as treating people like people.
4.)Does this business practice good Earth friendly practices? This isn't just about being green, its also about defining the businesses integrity and longevity. If a logging company can strip all the vegetation off an island so it will forever be a wasteland, why wouldn't they do the same to your benefits package? Who will your children be working for when their are no islands left?
5.)Finally is the business community oriented? I know this question seems a bit out of place from the rest because it doesn't seem necessary. Let me explain. First I would like to define 'community.' dictionary.com defines it as:
From a business perspective I'd like to use: an integrated, cognitive, group that functions together to create a balance, financial, economical, and social system.
Its not defined by a given number of people or land mass or territory
Community is really the glue that holds the rest together. IF your business is community oriented, lets say 'local' then can they really be dishonest? Not for very long. Think about a small town builder (2. lacks integrity)who has just one house fall down and kill everyone in it. Or have a gas leak from a improperly installed gas line. How long will he be in business? How about the local pharmacist (3. treats people like people) that doesn't call back his clients or tell you the small print about not taking this med and driving? How long will he be in business? Or how about the local waste management company (4. Eco-Friendly) that agrees to take nuclear waste from Italy and bury it next to your local fishing river? You might have noticed I left out the first one, profitability.
Well, the community will balance profitability with accountability. Those who are not accountable, with then not be profitable.
As you can see there are many benefits to this system above. There are also some downsides too. First of all, profits will be capped based on the communities gross economic output. For those who have a global company, their profits are capped at the global economic output, a much bigger number. You have to work harder, because you ARE accountable for your actions. In a global market, you just move your focus from Taiwan to China. If you've ever dealt with products from Asia, you know exactly why this applies. So lets see, we use this model we get small profits, more work, more accountability, we use a bigger model we get, less work, higher profits, little to no accountability. No wonder Sam Walton has a legion of Jets, and almost every major CEO has been divorced. People who like money and not accountability.
In closing, try to remember what uncle sam, Sam Walton, and Enron seem to forget. Business isn't just about item 1. Profits. You need all 5 items to have a sustainable business that not only provides for you and your employees, but helps promote healthy growth and existance of the people, the community, and the earth. Not to mention those of you that have a conscience can sleep at night with a smile on your face for helping the greater good.
Next up: Choosing the appropriate financial institution to work with your business.
1.) Profitable
2.) Honest-has the highest level of Integrity
3.) Treats people, like they deserve, as people
4.) Eco-friendly
5.) Community oriented
Our Product doesn't really matter, in fact the only thing that matters about your product is that it fits in the list above. It would be nice if you actually where passionate about your product, or if you liked it, but that's not necessary. In fact, the more you like your product, the more strict you must be in your decision making associated with your business. Some would say its better if you actually don't like your product, that way you will make better decision about your business. For example, if you are in the TV business and you get excited about some new product X (say 500 inch plasma HD/LCD super TV) and think its the best thing to hit the market so you give away all your products V, T, J to make room for product X. Then the people swarm in to experience the new product X, but no one takes them home because they cost as much as that new SUV, or maybe its because the new Hologram (sp?) projector model is the next big thing, even though your TV has better definition. The point is, when you are emotionally involved in a product it will effect your decision making, so don't let it.
The list of five items above I think is a great starting point for your business, can it fit all of those items? Lets evaluate some businesses and see how they fit into the model. The first one that comes to mind is fast food. Lets say business Y who was just in the news for having meet that isn't all meat.
1.) are they profitable? Yes- this one is usually a no brainer for the man, or the big business. Although on the other hand, this one seems to be very difficult for the small business to figure out.
2.) Are they honest? This one is much more difficult, Well, taking 33 % ground animal parts 67 % ground cow and pressed into little squares and calling it steak doesn't seem like 'the highest level of integrity' to me.
3.)Does it treat people like people? Have you ever called a big business costumer service number and talked to a machine until your screaming profanities at your phone? I don't think that qualifies as treating people like people.
4.)Does this business practice good Earth friendly practices? This isn't just about being green, its also about defining the businesses integrity and longevity. If a logging company can strip all the vegetation off an island so it will forever be a wasteland, why wouldn't they do the same to your benefits package? Who will your children be working for when their are no islands left?
5.)Finally is the business community oriented? I know this question seems a bit out of place from the rest because it doesn't seem necessary. Let me explain. First I would like to define 'community.' dictionary.com defines it as:
a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.
Its not defined by a given number of people or land mass or territory
Community is really the glue that holds the rest together. IF your business is community oriented, lets say 'local' then can they really be dishonest? Not for very long. Think about a small town builder (2. lacks integrity)who has just one house fall down and kill everyone in it. Or have a gas leak from a improperly installed gas line. How long will he be in business? How about the local pharmacist (3. treats people like people) that doesn't call back his clients or tell you the small print about not taking this med and driving? How long will he be in business? Or how about the local waste management company (4. Eco-Friendly) that agrees to take nuclear waste from Italy and bury it next to your local fishing river? You might have noticed I left out the first one, profitability.
Well, the community will balance profitability with accountability. Those who are not accountable, with then not be profitable.As you can see there are many benefits to this system above. There are also some downsides too. First of all, profits will be capped based on the communities gross economic output. For those who have a global company, their profits are capped at the global economic output, a much bigger number. You have to work harder, because you ARE accountable for your actions. In a global market, you just move your focus from Taiwan to China. If you've ever dealt with products from Asia, you know exactly why this applies. So lets see, we use this model we get small profits, more work, more accountability, we use a bigger model we get, less work, higher profits, little to no accountability. No wonder Sam Walton has a legion of Jets, and almost every major CEO has been divorced. People who like money and not accountability.
In closing, try to remember what uncle sam, Sam Walton, and Enron seem to forget. Business isn't just about item 1. Profits. You need all 5 items to have a sustainable business that not only provides for you and your employees, but helps promote healthy growth and existance of the people, the community, and the earth. Not to mention those of you that have a conscience can sleep at night with a smile on your face for helping the greater good.
Next up: Choosing the appropriate financial institution to work with your business.
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