The Best “Mindful” Business Book I’ve Read: “Raising the Bar,” by Gary Erickson.
Update! Waylon interviews Gary Erickson at Natural Products Expo West:
If elephant becomes a big, beautiful, beneficial force over the next 10 years, it’ll be because this business book re-charged me when I was out of juice. Read it.
But, first, via videos, here’s the short story.
The book’s worth the read, if you’re an entrepreneur who loves working hard and having fun to create a better life for yourself, and others, and our planet.
Growing elephant magazine, I needed investors, and barely said “no”—I just had to remain independent, and the advise of the many green and natural product tycoons here was “don’t do what we did”—don’t work with VC or angel investors. So, running into a wall (I wanted to continue to grow the magazine, but couldn’t 1) be cool with selling out or 2) grow sustainably without investment, I took a third option: I killed my business, gave away my car, gave up my staff and office, saw my home go into foreclosure, and took my business and went online. I’ve never looked back.
And now we’re back–a big, green, wellness, yoga, politics, arts, family, cycling media site that’s won all kinds of awards, is making good if modest money, has a great if small staff and is poised to become a dominant player in mindful media—and god knows, the world needs more independent, non-corporate-backed, fun, compassionate media.
I only wish I’d known about this book years ago.
Raising the Bar: Integrity and Passion in Life and Business
The Story of Clif Bar, Inc.
by Gary Erickson , Lois Lorentzen
Incorrect source, offensive, or found a typo? Or do you want to write for Elephant?
Truly an inspiration. Can't wait to read the book and ride the white road!
Waylon,
Good timing. We're in a similar position, locally here in Boulder, and the VC/Angel route has been looking mighty promising. I have been watching TED Talks for the past 3 nights seeking inspiration and stumbled on these vids.
Thanks for the find.
aaron
[...] soon as you start bringing in money, share a portion of it by hiring help. Again, you can start small. Spreading the wealth underscores the fact that you are doing this thing and reinforces the [...]
i can't really tell that it's really be perfect and I know for sure that everything will be then so alright and awesome. it's going to be so good.
Thanks,
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Thank you for it ! really interesting! It have been always interesting to read such news.
It will be into something great and that is why everything now seems to be working out so fine.
I dont have regret when i starting stumble upon your site. For like you this is the best mindful business site I've read…
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