I run bead stores. Technically, my job title is Creative Director of Bead World, Inc., which is a small chain of bead stores in the Phoenix area. I'm also the manager of Bead World Scottsdale, the director of the education program and all around lackey for our Director of Operations. But at the heart of it all, I run bead stores. I sell people beads and teach them how to use them in fun and interesting ways. I can't begin to tell you how many times people have expressed dismay at this fact. "But you're so smart..." is generally the beginning of the conversation. "You could do anything," they say. And they are right. I probably could do just about anything I set my mind to do, and I've set my mind to run bead stores. And here's why: we help people.
Every day, people come into our stores looking for a place to be brave. It's very scary to try a brand new skill. It's intimidating to go into a shop filled with people who are already experts on this skill, admit that you know nothing and ask for help. It's even a bit nerve wracking to accept that help once you've asked. But people overcome those fears every day and walk into my store anyway. The need to find a creative outlet is so great that they drive to my store and walk in the door. Once they take that huge step, it's up to me (and every other team member at Bead World) to make the process as easy, safe and fun for them as is physically possible. We strive to empower every single client to find ways to bring their ideas to life, and to show them that they are creative, they are talented and they can do this.
I love beads, and I love creating beautiful things. I'm pretty good at it. But more importantly, I truly believe that everyone can learn to make jewelry as well as I do. And I know that I can teach them how. I know I can support their tender new goals in a safe and loving way. And I believe that has tremendous value, much more so than profit/loss statements, level of income or any other measurement someone might use to determine my level of success.
I found this wonderful passage in "The Foundation of Mysticism" by Joel Goldsmith that sums up my feelings perfectly:
When I go into a department store, why isn't the thought, "Thank you for coming in here and giving us the opportunity to provide what you need? Of course we are going to make money, but that's incidental to the fact that we have met your need; we have served you, we are here for that purpose. You needn't go to New York to buy a shirt; we're here to see that we have it for you. That's our service and that's what we are in business for, to serve you. By this service we do make money, but only in proportion to our service to you."
Do you see that, spiritually speaking, every business transaction is performed for the benefit of the other fellow? That's why it's performed... And so, whether it's an article of clothing or whether it's a book, whatever it is, our object in the business world is to serve the needs of the other fellow and say when he comes into our shop, "Thank you for giving me this opportunity of blessing you." Labels: Bead World, beads, business, jewelry, Joel Goldsmith, Lezli Goodwin, New Thought, spiritual, stores