So now that we’re officially in July, I thought I should make the recommended reading schedule available for Good to Great. You can download the schedule here.
I’m so excited to tackle Good to Great this month because I think there’ so much that applies whether you’re a one-person business or a multi-billion dollar corporation. The first time I read this book, I was amazed at all the ways I could apply the principles to my own business. I hope you’ll feel the same way, whether you’re reading along or just reading the book club posts here on CMBA.
In the first chapter, Collins makes it clear that he believes the principles in the book can apply whether you’re trying to build a great company or just trying to become great yourself. But I thought as a way to kick off the discussion, I’d ask a few questions about your goals:
I started this business as an outlet for creativity where I could express my love for all things personalized. Once I got my business started, I began to read other crafty blogs. It was then that I realized I had a strong desire to make this business my sole source of income. The idea of being my own boss and doing something I love and believe in for the rest of my life just exhilarates me. Not to mention I would love the flexible schedule for when my sweet hubby and I start having children.
My initial goal is to build a creative business that supports my lifestyle. However, at the core of what I am trying to build is more of a 4th sector company. So my business will have a “for profit” structure with a “non-profit” mission.
The “non- profit mission” includes giving a portion of profits to charitable foundations as well as providing jobs for those who are at some sort of disadvantage.
So with that being said, I need to build a structure that will support the hiring of others and remain after I exit the building.
Thanks for asking!
I started my business to give a lot of people a sustainable income, including myself. So I buy from manufacturers that work fair trade and ecological, I sell ecological fabrics and sewing notions and give creative people the change to buy sustainable supplies.
GREATness is found in the way we handle People, Profit and Planet and that is a real challenge!
The energy put in is equal to the energy received.
I went to art school, and though we had a business class, I still struggle to move beyond the “it’s art, not business” mode of thinking pushed there. So basically I always wanted to make money selling my art, but that the work came first and the strive to make a living doing it later.
I do not and haven’t ever in the past thought of building a company that survives past me. I would like my work to still be here, but I don’t want other creating it. Inspired by it, but not making “my” work. I just have always thought in one of a kind terms rather than production. Who knows what might change further down the line though.