Relevant Chews

Casual Thought Friday… “Beware of any endeavor that requires new clothes.” H.D. Thoreau

As I listened to the founder of Patagonia speak about the worthless organizational value of the word sustainability and his ongoing work to influence Walmart, the 11th largest economy in the world, it became apparent that he never wanted to be a businessman.  His passion for creating a better product and asking the right questions just made him that way.

Business is relevant to what you are trying to accomplish, and it can be anything you want to inspire.  It’s one thing to expect to grow 15% every year – which will eventually outgrow the market and get bailed out by the government – and another to build great products that are part of something bigger.

If you wait to respond to your customers, then you’ve already missed the opportunity.  But take it from Yvon Chouinard, check your global growth expectations and build your business around making things better.  Leaving more behind with less impact ensures that future generations will have their health and the resources to continue your legacy, and that’s what it’s all about.