Build a great company on a powerful foundation!
TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON.
One of the biggest challenge that we have in directing business is to know when to hold the course steady, versus changing things up. In fact, you’re probably doing both simultaneously in different aspects.
As you know, I’m a fan of cycles, seasons, holidays, and the general rhythm of life. Not because I’m easily bored, but because it helps to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.
THIS LAST WEEK I had a chance to help out some high school kids in a very special way. Every semester for the last few years they’ve held “mock interviews” for some of the students, giving them a chance to find out what a job interview is really like.
Some of them are terrified.
But of course you’d expect that. They’ve heard all the scare stories, a grade is on the line, and they’re putting themselves out into totally unfamiliar territory.
WE SPENT THE LAST SIX MONTHS focusing on, and often dreading, the outcome of the US presidential election.
There really was no reason to be paralyzed, but it seems that’s where a lot of business owners went to.
So it’s time reflect. In business, stuff constantly changes. New competitors come on the scene. Technology advances. Regulations shift.
FARNSWORTH GROUP is a very special kind of company.
A few months ago, they were recognized as a Great Place To Work, an award that isn’t at all easy to obtain. But in a very real way, it’s something they’ve been working on for their entire history, over 110 years.
Many people equate a great place to work with the high-tech snazziness of foosball tables and idealistic millennials. But here we have an engineering and architectural company with an honored history spanning multiple generations. Their focused innovation is inspiring.
WE JUST SURVIVED the most contentious election cycle in my lifetime.
There’s a lot of people who feel injured right now. But our strength as a country is being able to pull together for the good of the nation after each election.
What we’re seeing is directly applicable to running a company.
REFUGE COFFEE is an amazing business based in Clarkston, Georgia, in the US. I’m going to let this video speak for itself:
They’ve structured this as a non-profit, but they don’t necessarily have to. I’ve seen others who go the for-profit route, in order to maintain more freedom of operation.
What’s their true mission? Selling coffee, of course. But also job training, social network, and job creation for the huge diversity of refugees in the local area. Coffee is the product, but social benefit is the purpose.
Go check them out! www.refugecoffeeco.com
If someone were to create a video telling your deeper story, what would they focus on?
A NEW SOCIAL NETWORK just burst on the scene.
xocial is a system which helps people band together for common causes, projects which will improve the world.
They have a fairly simple process for ambitious people with a purpose:
In a way, it’s similar to crowdfunding, except it’s not about getting investment money. Read the rest of this entry »
BLUE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is a 65 year old newbie.
OK, I’d better explain.
This great company recently re-branded after the merger of Warren Federal Credit Union and Community Financial Credit Union, creating a name which evokes their background in serving military personnel. It also captures their culture of optimistically building toward a future of unlimited possibilities.
It makes for a cool logo, too – bonus!
FORNEY INDUSTRIES is a powerful company in Fort Collins. Never heard of them?
Well, it’s nice to know that the family-owned business was born and raised in Fort Collins.
Forney Industries makes welding and metal-working equipment and parts. It’s a fabulous business, powered from a solid reputation for delivering top value since 1932.
With about 220 employees worldwide, most in Fort Collins, they deliver their products through hardware, farm & ranch, automotive aftermarket, and industrial distribution stores. They sell online, and their sales force also works directly with customers who do welding and metal working as a part of their business.
WE ALL HAVE THIS CHATTER going on in our minds all the time. It’s part of being human.
But not always useful.
The problem is that it’s constantly influencing your attitude and those around you. It can destroy your effectiveness as a leader.
The Values-Based Business 