“A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.” ~Henry Ford
The words of Henry Ford share a profound lesson. Words I’ve taken to heart, As an entrepreneur it resonates. Yes! THAT!
Don’t misunderstand. I don’t find a large bankroll offensive. Profits can pay the bills or take on philanthropic roles. But I’m going for lofty! I want to change the way we look at “profits.”
Most of us understand profits to be a margin of earnings or monetary surplus after the cost of raw materials, wages, rent and the like are covered. This friends, is the norm and while it’s a good thing, it can get better.
Here are a few examples of how we can expand the idea of profits.
Profits can make immediate impact of the lives of communities.
Blake Mycoskie founder of TOMS, set up an incredible company where profits are made and shared. It’s a simple yet powerful business model that addresses the needs of others. It began with shoes, then eyewear, now it’s launched into coffee.
Children and communities benefit from TOMS’ real profits worldwide. Consumers profit as well. They buy a product with a purpose and are giving at the same time. It’s a win-win.
Buy a pair of shoes, give a pair. Buy a pair of glasses, give vision. Buy a bag of coffee, provide clean drinking water for a week for one person. Make a purchase, make a difference. It’s cool. I’m buying my next pair of shoes at TOMS.
Profits provide long-term welfare benefits locally and globally.
Who’d a thunk it? Florence Nightingale, nurse and real profit creator?!
The internal philosophy she held in her heart brought forth more than the titled pioneer of modern nursing. It brought out a vision to build a school and elevate the medical field.
An entire movement followed. Today’s patients and hospitals around the world have benefitted from Ms. Nightingale’s efforts. Like many entrepreneurs, her passion was first and foremost to serve others.
She saw a problem. She offered a solution.
The Queen of England rewarded Nightingale’s wartime work by presenting her with an engraved brooch and a prize of $250,000 from the British government.
Driven by a mission, Ms. Nightingale used the money to fund the establishment of St. Thomas’ Hospital, and within it, the Nightingale Training School for Nurses.
Admirable? Yes! And the profits of her labor continue even today.
I’m a fan of entrepreneurs that raise up a movement to make a difference. This is what real profits generate. Improved lives.
Today, I’m encouraged to see how the face of entrepreneurship continues to morph. Many of today’s entrepreneurs want more than money, they want social capital flowing in their communities and their own lives.
Real profits strengthen families, and allow entrepreneurs to design and live a life they love. Real profits incudes robust relationships with loved ones.
These entrepreneurs hustling for more than just money often fall into one of these categories: online business services, Home-Based entrepreneurs and then there’s “the Rents” (Momprepeneurs and Poppreneurs). These freedom-seekers choose a road less traveled to profit greatly on a monetary and social capital scale!
Somehow a ripple effect happens. The flexibility in one’s schedule and location can bring deep satisfaction. The ability to be productive yet also tend to one’s personal desires plays a role in “profit sharing” business and a balanced personal life.
Profits like this surpass the mighty dollar. These profits pay out lasting dividends because there’s a win on a personal level that ripples to the small communities that ripples into larger communities. Less stress, more options= greater profits.
The truth about entrepreneurs and real profits is quite simple. Money is made to carry out missions.
These missions can be geared specifically to one’s immediate or at large family. The point is the real profits bring about a positive impact.
Talk to me. On some level you are participating in “real profit” creation as either consumer or an entrepreneur. How are you doing this? How does it make you feel? Drop me your thoughts in the comment box below. I look forward to reading you!
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