Soul Of Business

My business influences (kottke.org)I'll choose a company with ideals they're trying to live up to over a business that's aiming for the status quo any day of the week.

Jason Kottke talks about the businesses that influence his approach to his new business. I think he is wise to consider a philosophical approach. Simply going into business to make a lot of money is not sufficient. Spammers make a lot of money. Trials lawyers make a lot of money. Telemarketers make a lot of money. Day traders make a lot of money. All legal. But do they really add to our economy? To our society? I tend to lean to the "no" answer (I know, there are exceptions).

If you look around, you can see the businesses that make a difference in their corner of the world. From the coffee shop where the owner is involved in the neighborhood (Golden Thyme) to the small business that makes medical devices, it is possible to make money and make a difference in the world.