FeistyFemale

07/10/2008 In Acknowledgements, Entrepreneurship, Perspective by feistyfemale

Darren most certainly writes thought-provoking business-related posts. He’s one of my firm favourites! His latest post on Why Settle for a fortune when you can change the world? is a must read.

You can spot a business without a purpose a mile away. They may make a lot of money, but they don’t make a difference.

Ain’t that the truth! Wouldn’t it be awesome if more companies and individuals applied themselves to improving our world?

Most friends will vouch that I’m big on making a difference and adding value. It’s why you on the planet after all! It’s about passion, fun, adding value and relevance. (Those all go together - to add value, you need to believe in something and be passionate about it. You also need to relate. It’s the only way you will love what you do.)

You can’t sell your soul for money, it will never satisfy a soul who has purpose. (A client recently reaffirmed my belief in this.)

Like Darren, I believe that really successful businesses are those who have smart objectives that drive change (and make impact), address real needs and solve problems - with the bigger picture in mind. Money is the by-product of a purpose driven company.  Making a difference should be your springboard.

Vodacom is a perfect example of this. Do yourself a favour and grab the latest copy of the Vodaworld Magazine. Read about Vodacom’s success since its inception. There’s a brilliant quote from Alan Knott-Craig  saying that “there was a dream and the money followed.” Even after the money followed, Vodacom has give back to the community and made a ginormous difference. **Will track down the right quote a little later, writing without a copy near me.**

Bottom line - I’d rather work with a company that has passion, purpose and makes a difference. Companies that have that, have earned all my respect and my undying loyalty.

A business with a purpose… that’s a totally different story. Shareholders love the company and value it’s shares highly. Employees don’t want to leave. Customers can’t get enough. Suppliers fight for a chance to be a part of their world. And yes, they make some money along the way too. But that doesn’t really matter, anyway, because WE’RE TOO BUSY CHANGING THE WORLD!

Like the wise man says:

Money is just a tool. Why on earth make a tool your sole reason for existence?