LET'S BE CONSCIOUS IN BUSINESS TOO!
By Debbie Davis

Changing Times is a conscious business. Being a conscious business simply means that we are aware of the various reasons why we are in business. We are not just here to sell stuff and make money. We are here to make a difference. We strive each and every day to make a difference in the lives of our customers, in our staff members, in the community in which we live, and in the world. What makes a conscious business different than any other is the intention to "make a difference while making a profit". That is the intention of Changing Times. It is our purpose, our mission, and I believe the reason we have been successful for nearly 10 years.

Many of the staff members who come to work at Changing Times have felt that one of their reasons they want to work at the store is because they were fed up with "Corporate America" or were experiencing a lack of purpose in their previous employment. I feel that our intention to operate as a Conscious Business has helped many of our associates find more fulfillment and enjoyment at work and in turn help create a profitable business. It seems that so many people have jobs where they are unhappy going to work every day. I think the result is poor customer service. It is so discouraging when you give your money to someone and do not even receive a thank you or a smile. In many businesses I believe the personal touch has become a low priority and, unfortunately, profits and keeping stockholders happy has become the primary goal. Many retail businesses are succeeding now just because of low prices and large selections. Obviously, with the success of the e-commerce, we have reached a point where human contact is not even necessary in business.

These "unconscious" business practices are having many adverse effects on our society. We are losing the personal connection - the feeling we get when someone touches us in a kind way, the energy exchanged through smiles, the sense of fulfillment when you know you have helped someone. One of the reasons we are on this earth is to connect with each other personally and spiritually and to learn and grow from these connections. Considering that most of us spend more time at work, with our co-workers and customers, than we do in our own families, wouldn't it make sense that we spend this time making the most of personal encounters and relationships? Our working experience can be a great opportunity to raise consciousness, not only for ourselves but for the planet. Just ask yourself "why am I here?". When you realize that what you are doing can make a difference, and you operate with that consciousness, you will receive the benefits of greater personal satisfaction and enjoyment at work. In turn, the universe will support you and you will be successful, in more ways than one.

Conscious Business Club:

The Conscious Business Club was recently founded by Debbie Davis and Valerie Sziraky. It's purpose is to support and encourage the growth of conscious businesses and for the networking and promotion of conscious business efforts in the community. The first meeting will be held at Changing Times Books & Gifts on Tuesday, October 24th, 7.00 - 8:30 PM. This meeting is FREE and open to the public. Business owners or anyone wishing to bring more consciousness to the workplace is encouraged to attend. The first half of the meeting will be networking and getting to know each other, the second half will host a guest speaker and the meeting agenda. (a table for all promotional materials will be available throughout the evening) The first speaker will be Debbie Davis, owner of Changing Times and co-founder of the Conscious Business Club. The Conscious Business Club will meet monthly. You may be our guest for 2 meetings, then if you wish to join please contribute $60 in annual dues.

Let's Be "Conscious" in Business too! By Debbie Davis