We're not in business to . . .

This phrase is often heard, followed by either a truism or a myth.

I've often let these pontifications, or even stereotypes, blow right by; a recent discussion, however, struck me as odd enough to reflect on these sayings - and respond appropriately.

"We're not in business to be altruistic"

This sentence, if uttered in my native New York, would be a truism, except for the philanthropic few that support the arts or their favorite charity.

Yet it was uttered in my adopted home in Tennessee, in a conversation between two ex-pat New Yorkers discussing the local business climate. I agree, in principle, with the sentiment, and will be counted among those who will work hard, logging the hours and miles, to see a project through to fruition and profit.

Yet the profit motivator is a good scorecard, bit it's not the only - or most important - one.

Knowing about, and playing against, the other scorecards, which require both philanthropy and altruism, is highly important in the parts of the US that aren't New York or LA. Especially in parts of the burgeoning yet reserved Southeast.

Otherwise, industrial meets suburban or rural in yet another round of misunderstanding, necessitating the translation of phrases and values to make each relevant to the other.


iPhoned