There are many misconceptions about business, what it is, and what it does. Business is not an overwhelming behemoth responsible for the destruction of the world nor is it an instrument of greed geared towards keeping down 99% of the population. Many dictionaries and reference books give many different definitions of business, with the simplest one being “An economic system in which goods and services are exchanged for one another or money, on the basis of their perceived worth.” However, I think the Wharton Business School Website describes it best: “Got things you want to do? Beliefs you’re passionate about? Goals you’ve got to achieve? Business makes things happen and affects every part of our society. Whatever you want to do, understanding business will help you achieve it.”
Business is about achievement. It is the way that someone affects the world. Whether a business is for profit or non-profit (yes, non-profit organizations are businesses) it is about making an impact, financially, socially, environmentally, or culturally. Business is not a dirty word and whether they want to admit it or not, everyone is involved in business. Some are more obvious than others. No one would dispute that a financial planner who invests for his client’s retirement is doing business, but so is the painter who transforms chemical pigments into art. Obviously the store owner who sells you groceries is doing business, but so is the teacher who turns time and information into a student’s knowledge and skill.
Business is what makes the world go around. Without it, we’d be sitting in the dark, hungry, bored and ignorant. Whatever you want to achieve, business is what is going to get you there.
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