Money as Energy
When looking at the currency in terms of energy, a question arises. What is the most efficient way for us to give energy so that we may receive usable energy in return? After all, Isaac Newton's 3rd Law of Motion says that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So, in other words, what is the most efficient way one can offer their skill set to others in exchange for the universal medium of exchange--money? It is from this question that the venue of business arises. Our business is the vehicle by which our goods or services are offered and sold to the world. Some goods and services can be made manifest from an individual, such as a sole proprietor selling his/her paintings, while others require many individuals, such as the production and sale of an Apple iphone. Like any living organism, a business is made up of many parts that must work together in order to make it function properly. A mission, team, good or service, finance department, marketing department, promotions department, and web site (public face), are some elements of a business we commonly consider when making our offering to the world.
In order for the merchant to increase their chances of success, they must become well versed in all parts of business that are necessary for it to properly perform its underlying function. This could be quite overwhelming in its initial stages.
Some people who start a business already excel at their particular skill set. Let's take a painter for example. A good painter is one who excels in the art of painting, but may not necessarily be one who is also successful in the business and industry of painting. Chances are, there are more good painters out there than painters who are successful in the business of painting. Why is this so? ​
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​ In order for a person to be a good painter, they need only excel at the skill of painting, but in order for that painter to be successful in the business of painting, they also must develop at least a basic set of skills in finance, marketing, management, promotions, advertising, web design, and other governing aspects of a legal fiction (e.g. a corporation). In short, the skill of being a good painter is much more narrow when compared to that of a painter who has achieved the myriad of skills involved in the business of painting. In consideration of the foregoing, we can now understand why there are so many starving artists out there. Some artists (entrepreneurs) become intimidated at the idea of having to learn all the various aspects that accompany birthing a brand new company, not to mention the endurance it will take to see that company become economically sustainable.
That's where Order of Merchants comes in. At Order of Merchants we design tools to assist aspiring merchants in meeting their personal & entrepreneurial goals. Currently we are developing an interactive social platform that assists people in developing what we call the 3 Merchant Virtues. These virtues are powers that, when harnessed, better enable us to use the power of exchange to make our dreams come true.