Starting a business is hard, but one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done in the last 24 years (yeah, and there’s this “lapse in the blog thing”–again. Mea maxima culpa.) Anyway, the very nature of my job is to create economies in a global environment, but through local resources and talent.
While the world seems to teeter on the edge of Warren Buffett’s words, or rage at the lousy advice they received from some “expert,” I’m tending to find my inspiration from a humble, but growing (and very effective) business entity — the monks at LaserMonks — a US-based, Cistercian Order Abbey founded over 75 years ago.
Respectful of the traditions, the Steward of Temporal Affairs started a niche business, refilling printer cartridges. Capitalizing on their legacy of hard work, trustworthiness, awesome customer service and a great product, they’ve grown, expanded and stayed faithful to their vocation… It also helps that they save customers 1,000 — 2,000% off some printer and toner costs.
Orthodox. Faithful. Free.
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What others would ostensibly call “core values” are embedded in the very way LaserMonks conducts business. Success begat success, and their product line has now expanded to eco-toner, Benevolent Biscuits (for the pets), a bakery, coffee, monastery gifts and now links to hundreds of other items — all while taking care of those most in need (whether the coffee growers, the local farmers, or those more exposed in the clinical world of “supply chain efficiencies”).
I believe I could write an entire business book on this enterprise. It’s not written anywhere, but it’s clear that “Put God First; Delight the Customers; and Help Those in Need” is a superb credo that’s served a whole host of people well.
LaserMonks is an outstanding example of using local resources, catering to a global economy, while operating under divine business principles. Sorry Warren, I’ll opt for these, thank you.