Imagine the world without anger, without greed. We have the power, the tools, the skills and the resources right now to build a peaceful world, where people live in harmony with the Earth and each other. This blog explores ways we are doing just that, one post, one change, one day at a time. Join me. Tell your stories. Ask for help. Spread your ideas for making the vision real and, well, ordinary.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Is competition the only successful business model?

See how Judy Wicks, owner of White Dog Cafe in Pennsylvania, succeeded when she changed her business model from competition to cooperation, lent a helping hand to other small business owners, and changed a bit of her world in the process.


Dowser Video: Judy Wicks, White Dog Cafe and BALLE from Dowser on Vimeo.

Judy Wicks is an Ordinary Hero in my book. All of you are. Whether you're a business owner greening your business, a consumer making conscious choices about the businesses you patronize, or a farmer building healthier soil, you are my heroes. At a time when my hope bank is dangerously low, your work builds it up one conscious choice at at time. Your words and stories give me hope that there is still time to create a world more like the Village of Ordinary.

For each step you take, each choice that preserves our land and fresh water supply, cares for our sister creatures, empowers the oppressed, educates the illiterate, feeds the hungry, makes peace in your neighborhood or the world, I give gratitude. Everything you do matters. Every little thing, one way or another. On this day, a day each week when those who practice the Christian faith pause to give gratitude for the bounty of their lives, I honor the tradition and stop to give gratitude for you and the ways you are making the world better each day.

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We make peace in a million small ways every day.
All text and images, unless otherwise noted, copyright L. Kathryn Grace. All rights reserved.

8 comments:

Se'lah said...

helping a fellow man/woman...what a concept...if only more people would practise such loving kindness, we'd have more ordinary heroes. thanks for raising our awareness.

one love.

Laughing Doodle 2022 said...

The White Dog Cafe looks a bit like Whole Foods. But does Whole Foods have an incredible beginning like this? From a model of competition to cooperation... and it worked big time! I would vote for her for president!

kario said...

I love 'unusual' business models that aren't based on competition or some rigid rules for increased profits year after year that aren't sustainable for anyone or anything. These are the kinds of entrepreneurs we need to turn to in order to change our culture. Thanks for sharing!

A Box of Chocolates said...

Isn't she wonderful and what a fantastic idea. I have seen this same type of sharing happening on the blogs i follow exp: Kim Klassen who runs Kim Klassen Cafe a photography blog sends out free textures for us to use on our photos. Since she has done this for me I have bought some e-courses from her, what we sow we reap hey!! Thanks Katherine

Hayden said...

She had a beautiful epiphany. A pile of pigs is, indeed, their preference. I saw a pic published a year or two ago, from a blog that much influenced me, of a great big pile of pigs with a goose perched on top. There were other geese, but this one liked pigs, and one pig in particular, and could often be seen riding on his back or perching on a pile. It was --- sweet.

Deb Shucka said...

I am so glad to know of Judy and her work. I'm so glad to know that I can come here to learn of heroes like her and ways to make this world a better place. Thank you so much, Kathryn.

Wanda said...

I am behind on my visits, but this post in particular has been calling me for a visit. I LOVE THIS MODEL! Competition is NOT the only way. I hope we catch up soon.

graceonline said...

Se'lah, I agree, the more people practicing loving kindness every day, the better the world gets. You show us love in action on your blog every day, and I give gratitude for your presence.

Sharon, you made me laugh. And wouldn't it be wonderful if an unselfish woman with ethics were to run instead of the greedy one being offered up today.

Kario, you're welcome, and oh, yes, how I long for more women--and men--like Judy Wicks actively changing our culture.

Chocolates, that's the ticket! Give and see what comes back. Must visit Kim's blog.

Hayden, charming image. Thank you.

Deb, thank you for your encouragement. I've been losing my way a bit the past few weeks, and reading your words, well, I literally feel my physical heart warming up and beating a bit faster.

Wanda, any time you have the time, I'm happy to hear from you. You are ever a fount of inspiration and guidance.

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