All projects: Gel, Jobs, Gootodo, Games, Uncle Mark, Goovite, Blog, Bit Literacy
Monks sell toner with meaning
Mar 25, 2008
Wisconsin monks run a $4.5 million ink-and-toner business... and give away 100% of the profits.
"When you're in the corporate world, you're using your mind to think of ways you can help your company so the stock price can go up, etcetera. But with this business, our bottom line really is charity, so you're using your mind to think about creative ways you can help other groups and nonprofits instead of thinking, 'We just need to make money to make money.'"
This is an extreme example of doing work with a purpose, even if it includes profit - something more and more people are pursuing these days. Nice to see it gaining exposure and momentum.
From a perspective of customer experience, the reason the monks' online toner business is succeeding is because it creates a good experience .... primarily on the meaning strand, though the other two are present. Try it yourself: evaluate the LaserMonks.com site on the three strands - aesthetics, utility, and meaning.
(via Daily Good)
See also: Three strands of good experience
Thank you for pointing out this article. I had heard about LaserMonks before, but this really gives so much more depth. The story is multi-faceted -- like so many, I know. Great example of having a purpose as you point out. My two other favorite points:
* Change management in a different culture... always involves skepticism (and that's healthy, too!)
* Money often has that "evil" taint to it. I've regularly had guilt pains about whether I should be doing something "more" with my time. "more" than creating jobs and opportunities, huh? ;-)
I love all of these points. Thanks for sharing, Mark!