Consciousness: true selfishness

By Bob Martin

A CAMERA DOESN’T MAKE YOU A PHOTOGRAPHER

I hear the same comment over and over…”I can take the product shot. I’ve got a digital camera”.

A few years ago, I was walking through “Ace Bargain Center”. Ace was a combination of connecting buildings that went for an entire city block. This store had every kind of used merchandise you could possible imagine. It was like an indoor junk yard (but clean and safe). As I was walking by one of the rooms I noticed that it contained all the materials for a complete operating suite; gurney, cabinets, lights, autoclave and even some surgical utensils. I realized that for the paltry sum of a couple of thousand dollars, I could set up my own operating room. I would have the equipment. The problem was, equipment doesn’t make you a surgeon, talent does. The same thing goes for photography.

A GOOD PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER IS MORE ARTIST THAN PHOTOGRAPHER.

A pro realizes the effect of lighting, positioning, backgrounds and even the image your product conveys. Lots of people can take “good” photos with a digital camera and they can be the hit of the picnic, but the professional photographer takes it the extra mile to make your product shine.

You’ve put a lot of time into developing your product and you’re proud of it. Put your best foot forward and show it in the best possible way. I think you’ll find that most photographers can work wonders and are a lot less expensive than you’d think.

Another tip: Don’t dictate to the photographer, let him ask questions and give you his best possible recommendations. If you let an artist use his vision, chances are you’ll get something much better than you had hoped for. In my 35+ years of experience, it’s worked every time.

Next week: The Car Dealer and TV.

Always let the artist make the suggestions!

Bob Martin is principal of Martin Creative Consultants, providing advertising consulting and services to manufacturing and retail businesses. His MCC VoicePros division creates audio voiceovers for radio, TV, internet ads and presentations.

corporate mindshift: management

ICELAND 3 MONTHS LATER

This tiny island of  fewer than 300,000 people was the sacrificial canary in the coalmine for the global economic collapse just 3 short months ago. The Icelandic economy, laden with overseas debt of more than 10 times GDP, was the first to collapse in what will most likely be a global domino effect from the credit fallout, despite huge bailouts.

SO WHAT IS A GUY GOING TO DO?

You have lost your life savings, your job and possibly, your home…what comes next?

This story is near to my heart because of my Icelandic roots…and my grandfathers story.

THE LAST DEPRESSION

My grandfather, John Rognvaldson, father to 8 children, and an immigrant from Iceland, was living in Winnipegosis, Manitoba during the depression. He was a self-taught carpenter, blacksmith and all around master craftsman, who built his home using his own blueprints, without the aid of post-secondary architectural training. His primary income came from the construction of large commercial fishing vessels that he built for the commercial fisherman on Lake Winnipegosis.

One day, in the 1930’s, his shop was filled with 3 vessels ready for launch but a fisherman does not launch on a Friday. Over the weekend, the shop caught on fire and everything was lost. Because of the blacksmith equipment in the shop, he was unable to afford insurance.

At 60 years of age, with no money and children still at home to feed, he had to start his financial life over.

ICELANDIC INGENUITY

Icelanders are an incredibly resourceful and multi-talented group. I guess, when you have such a small population on an isolated island, you learn to be adept at many things.

My grandfather heard about a contest run by the Womens Auxiliary of Manitoba to encourage cottage industry as a means for families to make an income during the depression. Recalling the design of a spinning wheel his mother had brought from Iceland, he borrowed some carpentry tools from a friend and proceeded to design a wheel for the contest. John won the contest and his wheels were marketed through the T.Eaton catalogue.  The Rognvaldson wheel became known amongst spinners as the Cadillac of spinning wheels. Today, my father, Doug,  is the lone surviving member of the family who still totally handcrafts this wheel.

ICELAND TODAY

Icelanders are taking a similar path to rebound from the devastating impact of their economic collapse.

Helga Jona, owner of a craft supply shop called Nalin in Reykjavik, is finding her business is exploding. She says Icelanders are returning to their traditional crafts as a way to survive. Shops that had previously carried imports from Europe are now carrying new Icelandic arts and crafts… and the tourists are buying in large quantities.

“And in a sense, the financial collapse has gotten young people busy,” Ms. Eysosdottir says. “They have realized that they can’t just be on Facebook all day; that if they want to survive, they’re going to have to use their creativity and start making things to sell.” – Rabeika Messina, Christian Science Monitor, March 6,2009

WILL THE REST OF US BE AS RESILIENT AND AS RESOURCEFUL?

(note: Bless Bless is a traditional Icelandic salutation)

BLESS BLESS
JUDY BERG
If you know a company that is making a Mindshift towards serving humanity while still turning a profit, we would like to know about them. Let us know by contacting::
attractingsuccess@soulabundant.com... or leave the information in the comments section of this post.

Organizational Behaviour Consultant

author: Imagine Your Soul Abundant: Attracting Success, Fulfillment and True Happiness
more about: www.theconsciouscorporation.com www.soulabundant.com
Judy’s book can be ordered from her website www.soulabundant.com.  Special prices for bulk orders upon request. Seminars and retreats customized to the needs of your group or organization.

enlightened orgs: inspiration

VANCOUVER CLUCKS!

Chickens in your back yard?…what do you think?

This “Monday” blog is written to honor what we believe are enlightened organizations and communities, and is normally posted on Monday, but our Monday posting has been delayed in hopes of results on a great story coming out of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Unfortunately, the  City Council will not vote until tonight on a resolution that will determine what you, if you live in Vancouver, can have clucking in your back yard. So I felt I could be late no longer. Lets talk about it and on Wednesday, I will give you the results of their vote.

IN A NATION OF FOOD BANKS – WE ARE JUST BEGINNING TO GET IT…

When you take away the ability of a people to feed themselves, you have total control over their lives.

How many young people today could last for a few weeks or even days, without money or the availability of a supermarket or a fast food chain to feed themselves? Do they even know where chickens come from? My mother did. As a young girl, she recalls having unexpected company arrive which meant the older children (aged 8 and up) were sent out to the back yard to chase down a chicken, chop its head off, pluck it, and bring it in to add to the soup which could then feed whoever showed up. My mother also remembers never being hungry during the “dirty 30’s” or the depression.

Today, the City Council in Vancouver will be vote to determine whether you have the right to have a few chickens in your back yard.
HAVE YOU EVER EATEN RANGE-FED CHICKENS?

Most urban dwellers, unless they buy organic, do not even know what a chicken really tastes like. But I recall the incredible aroma from my grandmothers kitchen as a plump chicken roasted in the oven or simmered in a pot with fresh dill to be ladled over home-made noodles. What she was embarrassed to serve as peasant food, is now a gourmet delight after huge multinational food companies have  deadened our taste buds, training us to expect instead, the taste of chemicals and processed foods. The crowning achievement of that lowly chicken was the soup made with chickens feet, now thought to have medicinal properties. But that was something my grandmother already knew from folklore and experience, without a double -blind study, and she served it to each and every ill child, grandchild or great grandchild.

AROUND THE WORLD

In most countries, feeding yourself with whatever you can raise to survive is considered common sense. My nephew, born and raised in Egypt, talks of how his family raised pigeons for food on the rooftop of their home…he cannot understand why we would have these huge lots in the city of Calgary, Alberta, and not be using them to raise food to feed yourself.

MANICURED LAWNS

So when did the idea of beautiful, manicured lawns overtake the sensibility of using your land to generate food? Whatever purpose do these lawns serve? In our current, and lets face it  future economy,will we be able to let go of the Hollywood notion of an artificial life where someone else takes care of us? Will we get closer to the land and do that which is necessary to sustain ourselves?

It is not the evenly cut lawn, or the garage with 3 cars that will fill our bellies.

VOTE WITH YOUR COMMON SENSE, VANCOUVER!

BLESS BLESS
JUDY BERG
If you know a company that is making a Mindshift towards serving humanity while still turning a profit, we would like to know about them. Let us know by contacting::
attractingsuccess@soulabundant.com... or leave the information in the comments section of this post.

Organizational Behaviour Consultant

author: Imagine Your Soul Abundant: Attracting Success, Fulfillment and True Happiness
more about:  www.theconsciouscorporation.com www.soulabundant.com
Judy’s book can be ordered from her website www.soulabundant.com.  Special prices for bulk orders upon request. Seminars and retreats customized to the needs of your group or organization.

enlightened orgs: inspiration

IS THE WORD -VALUES-AN OXYMORON IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY?

VANCITY IS PROOF POSITIVE -IT IS NOT

VanCity, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, is in its sixth decade of operation, offering a form of social and spiritual capitalism that proves doing business in alignment with high values and integrity can also be profitable.

This unique blend of more than-a-credit-union and more than-a-bank, is a breath of fresh air in the midst of the tornadeo of devastation wrecked by banking institutions whose operating philosophies are more of a testament to the capitalistic prophecies born out of the ancient Greek myth of Erisychthon.

NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE MYTH?…

THE ERISYCHTHON EFFECT

OVID tells a tale of a wealthy timber merchant, Erischython, who lusts after a majestic sacred oak tree in the forest. He sees in the revered tree, only the dollars he can make by the sale of its timber. When he fells the tree, he is cursed by the gods of the tree with an insatiable hunger causing him to consume and destroy everything around him, including his wife, children …and ultimately, himself.

IN A FINANCIAL WORLD OF ‘ERISCHTHONS’ – VANCITY IS THE EXCEPTION

VanCity’s values are clearly stated on the Who Are We page of their website:

What we believe

We believe in the essential goodness of people.
We believe that dreamers are as unique as their dreams.
We believe that to rise higher, you must dig deeper.
We believe that balance in all things is the true measure of prosperity.
Wherever you are,
Whatever it is,
We believe you can.
Things grow here

THINGS GROW HERE…
When ‘who we are’ meets ‘what we believe’, things grow here. It’s the result when a rooted and reaching organization believes that all things are possible. And it is the central purpose across all our departments, branches and levels. To grow things — people, ideas, hope, finances, neighbourhoods and, of course, the dreams of our members.
– VanCity -  Who We Are

2004 VOTED BEST COMPANY TO WORK FOR IN CANADA

VanCity embraces customers who have been marginalized by traditional banks and make profits doing it. Here is just a short list of some of their accomplishments as “Firsts” in the nation. First financial institution to…

• Provide loans to women without the need for a male co-signer

• Include the lesbian and gay community through mainstream media advertisements

• Offer daily interest savings accounts and open mortgages

•Offer interactive home banking, wireless terminals, centralized banking by phone, an international ATM network and the first 24/7 branchless bank (Citizens Bank)

• Provide a socially responsible mutual fund – An EnviroFund VISA and low-interest loans for hybrid cars

• A three-year commitment to reduce vehicle trips to UBC (University of British Columbia)and SFU(Simon Fraser University) by sponsoring the student U-Pass program for transit access on buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus

• The highest employee participation rate (our fifth year in a row) in the Commuter Challenge, an annual transportation event to raise awareness of reducing car emissions

• Clean air loans and financing for energy-efficient home renovations

• Achievements in energy efficiency certified by BC Hydro’s Power Smart program

• A focus on building “extreme green” branches that maximize energy efficiency and minimize their environmental footprint

“we are reaching
As the trunk of the tree
stands firm, individual
branches and leaves
stretch beyond their
immediate place, upwards,
outwards, into territory
infinite and unknown.”

I think this VanCity tree has rewritten the Erischython myth!

In 2004, employees actually wrote the VanCity Story…read more…

The VanCity Story – Things Grow Here

VanCitys Goals:

1. To be Beyond a Bank, Beyond a Credit Union

2.To Value the Exceptions

3.To Be There at the Intersections

4. To Be Both a Neighbour and a Damn Good Banker

5. To Lead a Language Revolution

6.To Always Believe You Can

At VanCity they coined the phrase …Yes, You Can! We are thrilled to include this company in our directory of Enlightened Orgs!

BLESS BLESS
JUDY BERG
If you know a company that is making a Mindshift towards serving humanity while still turning a profit, we would like to know about them. Let us know by contacting::
attractingsuccess@soulabundant.com... or leave the information in the comments section of this post.

Organizational Behaviour Consultant

author: Imagine Your Soul Abundant: Attracting Success, Fulfillment and True Happiness
more about:  www.theconsciouscorporation.com www.soulabundant.com
Judy’s book can be ordered from her website www.soulabundant.com.  Special prices for bulk orders upon request. Seminars and retreats customized to the needs of your group or organization.

enlightened orgs: inspiration

ALBERTA’S WINDIEST CITY

That seemingly constant, gusting wind I cursed when I lived in Grande Prairie, Alberta, had a different look and feel for Drennen and Jamie Hallett. It was the whiff of opportunity.

The Hallett’s, owners of Golden Sheep Power, officially opened their doors for business in Grande Prairie on February 1, 2009. They will be the first company in Alberta to offer home-owners a chance to get off the grid by using home-based wind turbines and solar panels.

A NEW WIND IS BLOWING

Their timing could not be better. The provincial government just passed regulations to allow for micro-generation in Alberta. And the City of Grande Prairie, a city that has seen explosive growth in the past 5 years due to oil and gas exploration, has shown its openness to explore other sources of energy by allowing the Halletts to set up a pilot project to demonstrate and test the home-based units.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PILOT IS SUCCESSFUL?

The main concern with wind turbines is noise, or the perception of noise.

The City of Grande Prairie have agreed to test a home-based unit and, if it is not too noisy, the City will change its bylaws to allow individual home-owners a choice for energy production – stay on the grid, or employ a home-based wind or solar unit to fully meet or supplement your requirements.

The pilot turbine is being erected in the centre of the city at the Fire Hall. It will not be set up to generate energy, but to gauge public reaction. The Hallet’s say the noise level of 15 to 30 decibels when it is running at its peak is equivalent to a whisper. Following the six month pilot, a survey will be conducted to get public reaction.

AN ALBERTA FIRST

If all goes well, that would make Grande Prairie the first city in Alberta to change its bylaws to allow for home-based generation. Only the tiny southern Alberta town of Cardston currently has bylaws to allow for wind turbines for residential use.

The Halletts have previous experience with micro-generation in Ontario where it has been approved by government for a few years. They believe homeowners will recover their installation costs (between $11,000 – $30,000.00 CDN) within 3-5 years. Most households, they say, will be able to produce enough energy for their needs. If a household uses more energy, they will just draw the additional from the grid.

The purpose of the Monday Enlightened Orgs Best Practices post is to draw attention to companies that are doing the right things – and doing them well. They become listed in our directory as Enlightened Orgs.

Today we recognize, not only Golden Sheep Power for taking the initiative and risk to become the first company in Alberta to offer residential micro-generation options, but we also take our hats off to the Mayor and Council of the City of Grande Prairie for their willingness to be…the FIRST!

We will keep you posted on the outcomes of this pilot project.

BLESS BLESS
JUDY BERG
If you know a company that is making a MindShift towards serving humanity while still turning a profit, we would like to know about them. Let us know by contacting::
attractingsuccess@soulabundant.com... or leave the information in the comments section of this post.

Organizational Behaviour Consultant
author: Imagine Your Soul Abundant: Attracting Success, Fulfillment and True Happiness
more about: www.CorporateMindShift.com www.soulabundant.com
Judy’s book can be ordered from her website www.soulabundant.com.  Special prices for bulk orders upon request. Seminars and retreats customized to the needs of your group or organization.

enlightened orgs: kiva

NOT JUST CONTRIBUTING, BUT CONNECTING

Introducing Kiva.org, a Web 2.0 company focused on connecting generous contribution with the creative potential of those living in poverty. Kiva’s mission is simple: “to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.” I had the pleasure of listening to Co-Founder Jessica Flannery speak this past weekend at Jubilee in Pittsburgh. Her speech offered two valuable insights:

1) A glimpse of hope - the poor of the world have the talent and creativity to become self sustaining…all they need is a boost in the form of capital
2) Advice – on how to realize the dream of any company, Kiva’s Story has something to offer to all of us.

FROM $14,000 TO OVER $60,000,000 IN LOANS

Kiva has its roots in the same soil as many other non-profit and charitable organizations…a person or people have a dream to make a difference.  Basically, one small loan to a Ugandan start up blossomed into this immense global network of micro-financers.  Read more about how Kiva works here.

SUCCESS IN ANY BUSINESS

Co-Founder Jessica Flannery is a very passionate person whose enthusiasm has aided in the growth of Kiva over the past few years. But enthusiasm was not the only way Kiva has come to be where it is.  Check out this Poptech interview with Jessica Flannery and you will see what I mean.

Can’t see it? Get FlashPlayer, or view at Poptech.

ENLIGHTENED ORGS BUSINESS PRACTICES

• JUST START – You may never have perfect information, just start! When you make mistakes, look to Jessica’s next piece of advice
• ITERATE – Learn as you go and be prepared to do another version…another iteration. Don’t view mistakes as failures, view them as opportunities to create the next iteration.  Every step is an iteration rather than a failure and retry.
• “CO – CREATION” of content – Kiva.org is filled entrepreneurs stories, loaner stories, and new logos created by the kiva.org loaner groups.  The site is not just owned by organization but by everyone.
• BRAND OPENNESS – People have created Kivapedia’s, Kiva Video Channels, even an office on Second Life. Kiva lets anyone to re-create the brand in a new way. By allowing everyone to have creative control over the brand, so much more has been created than originally concieved.
  
  
  The power of creativity isn’t necessarily within the organization, but through the new and fresh eyes of others.
• KNOW YOUR MISSION – Jessica mentioned in her speech at Jubilee, Kiva had an offer of $10 million dollars from a large company, but they didn’t want to follow through with the connection. Kiva is not only about the financing, it is about bringing people all over the world together and gain vested interest in each other….Kiva turned down the $10 million.

KIVA.ORG – “THE WORLD’S FIRST PEER TO PEER MICROLENDING WEBSITE” - CHECK IT OUT!

Along with a receiving a BS in Marketing at the University of Pittsburgh, Nick enjoys spending time with service and Christian organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, an organization focused on themes of learning, creating, building and serving. Does anyone want to start a community on kiva?

Work Hard, Take it Easy

Nick Corsi

Inspiration: Jubilee

INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE WITH A UNIVERSAL HUMAN MESSAGE

I never thought attending a Christian conference would present me with such an abundance of culture and progressive thinking. This weekend started out with a talk by Gabe Lyons, co-author of the book “unChristian,” describing perception research into how the world views Christians. This research was conducted the same way a company conducts market research to understand brand perceptions, awareness, etc .

His research suggests, among other things, that people perceive Christians as having lost touch with culture and creativity – they are sheltered…out of touch with reality. These opening remarks began a weekend of inspiration, insight, and an exposure to some remarkable individuals who prove such an argument couldn’t be more wrong.

THE ULTIMATE FOCUS…THE HUMAN MESSAGE

How will you use your God-given talents, abilities and opportunities to cultivate learning, creating, building, and serving? And…how can you accomplish these goals in such a turbulent world?

In light of the wealth of information provided to me, here are a few of the highlights accompanied by links that will expand upon anything that you may find interesting.

Along with the Homepage, Jubilee offers a wonderful Blog with pictures, video and profiles of speakers and events.

ENLIGHTENED ORGANIZATIONS…AND THE PEOPLE BEHIND THEM

I eventually will write multiple blog posts about this weekend. Specifically about the Enlightened Organizational practices I saw in the likes of keynote speakers:

• Jessica Jackley Flannery, co-founder of kiva.org and – Featured Here on poptech.com

• Bill Strickland Creator and Founder of the Manchester Craftman’s Guild – Featured Here on ted.com

These two organizations take a completely different look at SOLVING poverty through the enablement of individuals and cultivation of their talents.  Look for posts under the “Enlightened Organizations Best Practices” column in the next two weeks for a more detailed glimpse into the great work of these two individuals.

CREATIVITY AND CULTIVATION

Andy Crouch, author of the book Culture Making, took a look at the creation of culture in a new way.  He broke down the pieces of a “good story.” A piece of literature, music, film or TV show that really makes us view the world differently and offers enjoyment needs to be rooted in the “form” rather than the content.

Too often creators get caught up in the characters, location, and specific scenes rather than the timeless human themes that all of us can identify with. Going back to the simplicity of human emotion through the rising and following action of a story is just one of the ways culture can be created.

He brought the discussion back to Christianity, and the perception that Christians can’t create good culture, because they supposedly denounce anything with themes such as sex, violence, and profanity.  He argues that we shouldn’t get caught up in these petty matters of content, but rather, focus on the form…the true meaning behind the story…the ultimate ‘home-hitting’ takeaways.

The session was brought to a close with a discussion on simplicity.  Culture doesn’t need to be something completely brand new, but rather RETRIEVED and remade.  Sometimes the same 4 simple chords that have been played in music FOREVER, can be seen and used differently to create something never heard to the human ears.

The focus of Andy’s work:
We, as Christians, spend too much in these postures with respect to culture: condemning, critiquing, copying, consuming, rather than CREATING AND CULTIVATING. For more on his work and ideas check out his site.

MORE INSPIRATION
This conference is geared towards college students, many of whom are attending, among other schools, Carnegie Mellon, and the University of Pittsburgh .  These students are not studying theology; they are studying business, science, technology, art, music, literature, mathematics, economics, anthropology, philosophy…and the list goes on. Although this gathering incorporated a lot of worship, it is really about something much more.  It is about us as humans, regardless of your belief, realizing that we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work on this world.  We need to recognize that we have a lifetime ahead of us; of learning, creating, building, and serving.

It’s time to take the talents given to you and put them to use…

What will you do with your talents?

AN ASIDE…

This post hardly sums up the thoughts,prayers, ideas and insights that encompassed the weekend. Please feel free to click the links, and check out the the keynote speakers and musicians. Send comments about other inspirational experiences, religious or non-religious.  And as always, as a sound engineer…I can’t let down the fact that I love any opportunity to witness live production.

Along with a receiving a BS in Marketing at the University of Pittsburgh, Nick enjoys spending time with service and Christian organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, an organization focused on themes of learning, creating, building and serving.

Work Hard, Take it Easy

Nick Corsi

enlightened orgs: inspiration

ECONOMIC SOLUTIONS WILL BE FOUND AT THE LOCAL LEVEL

Michael Kalmanovich, owner of a unique, organic food supermarket in Edmonton, Alberta, does not lack for inspired, innovative ideas to fulfill his passion to sell locally grown organic food, socially conscious products, and a free dose of education in the process. He took his first step of faith in 1991 by opening a store with $20,000 invested, $167.00 in his bank account and a huge abundance of dreams.

Earth’s General Store was opened in a small location on the fringe of the university in the capital city of the province. It is also smack dab in the heart of a ranching and oil-based economy. It was in this province that KD Lang, a home-town celebrity, riled local extremist ranchers who defaced community signs outside her home town of Consort, Alberta, after her public service announcement in which she spoke out in favor of vegetarianism.

If opening an organic food store in a business culture like that sounds like it takes guts and a leap of faith, that pales by comparison when you hear Michael’s latest dream!

A STORE WITH INTENTION

“I started the store in 1991 in response to some trends I noticed while conducting workshops on environmentally friendlier lifestyles:

• People wanted to know where to find the information that I was sharing outside of the workshops and more of it;
• People wanted to know where to purchase products that lessened their impact on the environment;
• People were concerned about the world – both environmentally and socially;
  
• People were scared;
• People wanted to do something about what was happening in the world.
  

I survive by people purchasing items from the store but it is not the purpose of the store to sell products just to sell them and to make profit. The purpose of the store is to create change. It is a tool for change.

“People have the ability to make choices at every decision in their lives. I am not talking about all the big ones where people angst over their decision, I am talking about all those small decisions. Many of these small decisions were made a long time ago and they become routines but these “small decisions” collectively add up to major effects. As a consumer you are always faced with a choice and each choice will involve a compromise.

The people that attain this level are called conscious citizens and since we are creatures that need to consume to survive we can also say that these conscious citizens will also be conscious consumers.”

MICHEAL’S LATEST INNOVATION – GETTING A LOAN FROM HIS CUSTOMERS

Right from the  outset, Michael’s dream was much bigger than the location he has occupied for the past 18 years. Now, in the midst of an economy that has most businesses ducking for cover, he is ready to expand.

But, in a very novel way.

Although he is able to get financing from the bank, Kalmanovich says, “I would rather be beholden to the community rather than to a bank.” (I think I a lot of people around the world today, Michael, would agree with you!).

Two weeks ago, Michael sent a request, through his newsletter, to his regular customers making them an offer.

He is asking for a loan.

Investors will get a 15% discount on their store purchases for purchases up to the amount of the loan! He is also adding a further 5% gift to their loan, which means an investor who puts in $2,000.00 would actually get  $2100.00 in discount credits.

The sentiment of the dozen people who have already donated upwards to $2,000.00, is they see it as a no risk investment, certainly at much higher levels of return than they can get anywhere else today, and mostly, they see it as an investment in their community.

WOW – THAT’S A MUCH BETTER OFFER THAN I HAVE SEEN FROM ANY BANK!

WELCOME! -  EARTH’S GENERAL STORE – to our directory of Enlightened Orgs.

IF YOU LIVE AND SHOP IN THE EDMONTON, ALBERTA AREA, WE HOPE YOU WILL GIVE THIS INNOVATIVE IDEA YOUR SUPPORT. TELL A FRIEND!

Sustainable business will emerge through creativity, innovation and inspiration. This economy is the best possible stimulus to get us thinking and being more creative than we ever dreamed possible.

Does Michael’s idea trigger any others that might make your business more viable and sustainable? If so, let us know!

BLESS BLESS
JUDY BERG

Organizational Behaviour Consultant
author: Imagine Your Soul Abundant: Attracting Success, Fulfillment and True Happiness
more about: www.soulabundant.com
Judy’s book can be ordered from her website www.soulabundant.com.  Special prices for bulk orders upon request. Seminars and retreats customized to the needs of your group or organization.

Consciousness: inspiration

WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT – YOU BRING ABOUT

In a kindergarten assignment to bring 100 things to school, marking the 100th day of class, six year old, Tarak McLain took a very different spin on the 100 pecans, raisins, or M & M’s that mostly appeared. Tarak, who was born in Thailand, was attending kindergarten in Austin, Texas, when he surprised his kindergarten teacher with a very different approach to this assignment.

HE COMPLIED 100 OF HIS BELIEFS….

I believe it’s OK to die but not to kill … I believe war should stop. I believe we can make peace.

AND MORE…

ARE WE TEACHING OUR CHILDREN TO “BE” – OR TO “DO”…?

Who we will BEcome is far more important than what we will DO in our lives. Who we will BEcome defines how we will act, and what we decisions we will make in every situation. What we BEcome, arises from what we BElieve.

Your BEING comes before your DOING.

BE – HAVE- DO … BEing is about your beliefs, Having is being in the right consciousness to BEcome all you can BE – and then you will do INSPIRED [in spirit] actions.

Are we still asking our children, “What will you do when you grow up?”… or are we more aware how important it is for them to define who they will BE… what kind of person will they BE?… what beliefs will they hold?

Will Tarak’s story inspire you to find a young person today and ask them to compile such a list?… if you do, you will change the course of their lives… and the lives of all whom they will come into contact with.

Will you compile your own list today?

BLESS BLESS
JUDY BERG

Organizational Behaviour Consultant
author: Imagine Your Soul Abundant: Attracting Success, Fulfillment and True Happiness
more about: www.soulabundant.com
Judy’s book can be ordered from her website www.soulabundant.com.  Special prices for bulk orders upon request. Seminars and retreats customized to the needs of your group or organization.

enlightened orgs: inspiration

SLOW AND STEADY

Will we sleep better knowing we have made a few million dollars on a “paper” or “security” that is not tied to something tangible and could collapse at any minute? … or will we leave this world pleased we have restored the planet to the beauty and abundance it once held for all?

We had the Slow Food industry, as a backlash to unhealthy eating, now Woody Tasch has initiated his Slow Money movement to offset the lust for speedy profits, at any cost. Tasch is our honored CEO of Enlightened Orgs for the work he is doing to bring sensibility to a world made giddy by financial greed.

THE MOST POWERFUL SOLUTIONS ARE OFTEN THE SIMPLEST…

Tasch is CEO of Investors Circle, established in 1992, that has put 130 million dollars of investments into 200 socially responsible companies. Most recently, he has founded the Slow Money movement to raise money for investment in local, sustainable agriculture.

Is it possible the solution to our environmental crisis and the financial meltdown could be a as simple as a potted tomato plant on your patio?…

“It’s remarkable but people who grow their own food, who reconnect with the soil, can immediately appreciate the implications of an economy that doesn’t respect the power of ecology”, says Tasch.

Tasch outlines his theory of patient capital in his recently published book, “Inquiries into the Nature of Slow Money: Investing as if Food, Farms, and Fertilizer Mattered.” (Chelsea Green Publishing).

Taschs’ theory is that soil fertility is the most valuable tool we have to fight global warming.

“Food is the field in which we daily explore our harming of the world.” – Gary Snyder, American poet

Recipients of the investment fund will be companies that generate $100,000 to $1 million in annual revenues and who are committed to local, organic food production. This local investment in real companies, producing real products, needed by real consumers, may well be Main Streets perfect solution to the problems generated by the biggest financial meltdown since the depression, linked to abstract financial commodities like hedge funds and derivatives.

EVERYONE PARTICIPATES

In the blush of hope generated by the inauguration of Barak Obama as President, Tasch may well be on to one simple solution that each and every person around the world can participate in that will make a difference to reversing our current environmental and financial devastation.

” If you are investing in a store that is selling local produce and locally made goods, you are building your community. You are building your local enterprise, and it is tangible.”
- Peter Kindler,  President KLD Research & Analytics  (source: Ode Nov.2008)

PARTICIPATION IN OUR FOOD

Becoming more engaged in the origins of our food may not only benefit our physical and financial well-being. I believe it greatly enhances our emotional and spiritual lives. Just try it for a season!

Even if you live in the middle of a highly populated city, it costs only a few pennies to put a tomato plant on your patio…or perhaps, to participate in setting up a community garden. Your commitment to nurturing the plant, and the way in which it repays you with rich abundance of delicious fruit, will dramatically shift your thoughts to higher awareness of the things that are truly important in our lives.

BLESS BLESS
JUDY BERG
If you know a company that is making a MindShift to serving humanity, while still turning a profit, we would like to know about them. Let us know by contacting::
attractingsuccess@soulabundant.com... or leave the information in the comments section of this post.

Organizational Behaviour Consultant
author: Imagine Your Soul Abundant: Attracting Success, Fulfillment and True Happiness
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