It seems that the message of the day is that our businesses are either replaceable with AI, are some corporate monsters, or revenue sources for the taxman.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Business is the core of every culture. It is the moral fiber of the community, the activities that build futures. Without the commerce of business, there would be no exchange, no services or products that feed society, whether in bustling New York or arid Niger skirting the Sahara Desert.
From the ancient civilizations – the Babylonians, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greek, and Romans, the evidence of the importance of business can be found in the remaining buildings and monuments, roads, agriculture and art. Throughout our history business between nations was critical. The Egyptians had little timber, but the Phoenicians (current Lebanon) had abundant cedars. The Phoenicians, one of the greatest trading empires, chose trading over conquest. Trade was a force for peace and cultural exchange. And it still is.
It is business innovation that evolved our cultures moving from trade to currency, changing the very threads of our communities with brilliant solutions like the the printing press, electricity, water systems, communications up to the Artemis circling the moon. And all of these innovations and tools that enhanced our survival required someone like you to build a business.
For those of you who own a company, thank you. You provide the essential products and services that feed us, clothe us, house us, protect us, entertain and educate us. You provide jobs and revenue to allow families to be self-sufficient. You likely work long hours, handle daily challenges, meet deadlines, make critical decisions hourly, and drink way too much coffee.
Possibly the derivation of the word ‘business’ may shed light on why you run your business every day.
Business- from Old English: care, diligence, activity.
Yes, care is a core value and the secret sauce for success and yes, like the Phoenicians, a force for peace. Your efforts are appreciated.
We are here to help
Gillian