Choosing Good (not just “less bad”)
What’s the world coming to? We’ve heard plenty of doomsday… but where are we going?
No one knows for sure. And I think that is a good thing. Looking to someone to answer all our questions or solve all our problems is the type of attitude that will get us right where we are–an uncomfortable place of accountability karma on a national (and beyond) scale crashing down around us.
Creating our own future is one of the dearest gifts we could possibly give to ourselves, our world, and generations to come. Assuming, of course, that our priorities are on the health of all species, for all generations.
The technology is out there. That’s not the problem. William McDonough gave a fascinating talk at Stanford in February 2003 on actual design successes that have already happened (and which were cost effective for the companies who did them). You can listen to or download his hour long talk here. (It really is absolutely worth listening to!!)
One of his stories was of a project in Switzerland. Can you imagine a textile factory where the water that poured forth from the factory was cleaner than the water that entered the factory (which was already of drinking quality)? Not only is it possible, it’s happening at Rohner Textiles.
While he spoke of larger scale projects, I interpret his message to ultimately be of the individual’s choice. It’s up to each of us to demand (as he says) Good and not just Less Bad.
But how are these choices relevant for the small business? For the entrepreneur? For the independent professional?
When your house burns down to the ground, what do you go back to search for? The things that are of value to you.
As our economy crashes and teeters and bobbles, as people either lose or live in fear of losing their jobs, on what will they spend their money? On things of value to them.
Which means that the service and stuff providers who provide value will have the highest chances of surviving. And many of them will do far more than survive, they will emerge thriving.
How will you make your clients’ life better? Their work easier? Their family healthier? (Excellent customer service falls in this category, too.) And I’m not talking smooth selling to convince someone they need something that they don’t.
I’m talking about good, honest karma building Value.
