INTUITION, Intuitive Research

A Business Has a Mind of its Own

As young children, most of us formulate ideas of what we want to be when we grow up. Inherent in the idea of what we want to become is an awareness that we each are unique and have some talent or gift to offer to humanity. As children, we are blessed with the idealism to believe we can have what we want, to be who we want to be, and to follow a calling which will provide a vehicle for us to serve others. We think of a vocation as a means for self expression, a place to create and fulfill our desires.

Most children have vivid imaginations and believe anything is possible. Stimulated by stories, television, and fantasy games, a child may decide to be a superhero, bringing order into a world of chaos or conquering evil villains. He could imagine becoming a nurse or doctor, healing pain and disease. She might want to be a lawyer, to champion justice and right the world's wrongs. They could picture themselves as singers or dancers, inspiring people with beauty, grace, and power. In their games and fantasies, children pretend to be adults. They imagine themselves giving to the world. We all do this at some time in our lives, but when we are very young we listen closely to our innermost Self. We have contact with the pure essence of ourselves, our soul's desire. As we grow older, we tend to listen more to outside influences and think about what we "should" do, what fits in with others' expectations, rather than what we want.

In considering the idea of what we want to be, we are in touch with an assignment for this lifetime. We give ourselves an assignment for each lifetime, based on understandings we have already built and understandings we want to build. You could call this your heart's desire. Some people relate to this idea as their purpose for existence. If you think of yourself as a soul using a physical body and physical experiences for learning, life becomes a schoolroom. Similar to completing grades in grammar school or high school, we complete lessons in life to progress up the ladder of soul evolution. A young child thinks with this perspective of who they are and who they want to become and thus imagines the mission they want to fulfill.

As we grow older, many of us are taught to accept the idea that we are physical (not spiritual) beings and that life is a struggle for physical survival. The idea of a calling or vocation can become distorted so that we think of a career only as a means to make money to provide food, clothing, and shelter for our physical bodies. We learn to forget what we want to be and focus instead on what we want to do. When this happens, we make choices based on how lucrative a job will be even if it is not personally satisfying. While it is important to make money, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

If our attention becomes engrossed in satisfying physical desires, it is easy to forget to feed our souls. We forget that life is a schoolroom, a place to use experiences to create who we are. Instead, life becomes a chore. We create incessant physical desires and become slaves to our desires - for the more physical things we want, the more money we require, and the more we lust for the things we don't have. This type of existence provides fleeting comfort without any lasting satisfaction.

To reawaken the idea of our true nature as a soul or a spiritual being means considering the question, "Who am I?" When we choose a profession as a vehicle to create our identity, we can once again enjoy life. We find contentment in giving of ourselves. We can put our physical desires into proper perspective, for if we are satisfying our soul's needs, the hunger to accumulate physical possessions lessens. The work we do then becomes a joy, for when we are creating we love what we do.

Imagine what a different world it would be if everyone used his or her job as a place to give, to create, to use and develop talents and skills, to fulfill ideals! People would enjoy going to work and daily living would provide peace and contentment.

In search of contentment and job satisfaction, people often create businesses of their own. Unfortunately, they don't always find spiritual and material abundance. To aid business people to create productive and meaningful careers, the School of Metaphysics developed Business Analyses. A business owner or manager can use a Business Analysis to discover how to make their vocation a vehicle for self-expression, for themselves and their employees. They can learn how to increase profits, to hire people whose ideals are compatible with their own, to expand sales, to eliminate areas of waste, to uncover hidden resources, to identify key markets; in fact, to improve every aspect of the company.
Creating a business is like giving birth to and raising a child. The business has an identity of its own. The owner or manager directs and guides its growth, nurtures it, responds to its needs, and heals it when necessary. We call the owner or manager the "directing intelligence." To direct means "to regulate the activities or course of; to carry out the organizing, energizing and supervising of; to determine the course of." Intelligence is "the ability to learn or understand; the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment." The "directing intelligence", therefore, is the one who gives direction to the business and whose judgment determines its efficacy. His or her thinking influences the business, and any difficulties within the company can be cured by identifying and changing the way of thinking which is causing the problem.

The Business Analysis is similar to a Health Analysis, relating the mental, emotional, and physical disorders in a company with suggestions for correcting any disorders. "Health" refers to a state of being sound, or whole. When we talk about the "health" of a business, we are referring to its condition, and what is needed to cause it to function well. A business has a mind, which is the collective attitude of all the individuals who are a part of its makeup. It has emotion, which is the collective emotions of all those who are involved with the business. And it has a body, the structure or vehicle which is comprised of the people, places, and things which form the business enterprise. The Business Analyses address all elements of a business, for if there is any one part that isn't functioning properly, the whole business will be influenced.

Business Analyses, like Health Analysis, are designed to pinpoint the areas of dis-order and to remove them. They identify causes for problems, and therein lies the real value, for permanent solutions may be found by addressing and changing the cause. Other types of business analyses will deal with symptoms, but applying "band-aid" solutions to correct the effects of disordered thinking only lasts for awhile. If you view a business as a living organism, a change in one area will affect every other area. A "diseased" part will sap the energy from the healthy parts, so merely changing one problem area without changing its cause only temporarily corrects the problem.

Business Analyses are done from the third level of consciousness where all thoughts begin to form. We have found that everything begins with thought. The universal law of cause and effect states that thought is cause, and effect is its manifest likeness. This law applies to the formation of any object in all Creation, including the formation of a business.

If this is a difficult concept to grasp, examine the chair in which you are sitting as you read this book. Someone designed the image or blueprint of this chair in his or her mind before it could be formed into a physical object. Look at your face in the mirror some day when you have accomplished a goal. You will see the beauty, joy, and confidence reflected in your features. Then look in the mirror on a day when you are angry or disappointed. You will find your physical features unattractive and unpleasant. Or try this experiment to discover the power of thought: use two plants and take care of them with the same amount of water, food, and sunlight. Touch one plant lovingly every day, and say to it with affection, "I love you. You are beautiful." Look at the other plant every day and say to it, "I hate you. I wish you would die." Be sincere and mean what you say in both cases. You will find that your love will cause the first plant to flourish and your hatred will cause the second plant to wither.

Many people are taught to believe that their thoughts aren't real. Do you remember as a child, having an idea you thought was great, and someone told you, "Oh, you're so idealistic, that will never happen!" When we learn to believe these limitations, we learn to accept the lie that our thoughts have no reality. In fact, our thoughts cause our lives, our world, and our existence.

The thoughts, then, of the directing intelligence of the company, are important to the functioning of the business as a whole. The directing intelligence leads everyone else who is involved with his or her business and his sphere of influence is the company. While the directing intelligence is not the only person involved in a company's success or failure, his or her thoughts set the pace and guide the formation of the company.

For example, a children's clothing designer/distributor in Anchorage, Alaska was experiencing difficulties because the owner had become distracted from her original ideals:

"We see a scattering of energies within this business. We see that there is difficulty in terms of the intelligent direction having a sense of comfort and control of the activities. We see that there is a kind of insecurity that does arise and therefore this does then concern others within the business as to what decisions should be made at certain times. We see that this is not what was expected upon the part of the directing intelligence for we see that there were many creative ideas that this one held and we see that there was an awareness of need for this particular company but in developing it, it has somewhat moved away from this one's dream and we see that there is frustration experienced upon that one's part and a great deal of worry."

As a result, the entire company was affected:

"We see that many times there is such a fluctuation of the business workings itself, the scattering of energies become very pronounced upon everyone's part and we see that at those times there is over concern and worry that does exist in terms of the quality of the products being produced and put out and the ability to meet orders."

The Business Analysis highlighted the importance of the directing intelligence as a catalyst for change:

"In order for this business to move and to prosper there needs to be someone who will be the driving force of this operation." (528914BGO)

For success in any business a positive mental attitude is a requirement, not just an asset. The following analysis on a small business opened in this way:

"We see within the mental system there is a desire for success. We do see along with this desire for success that there is also a kind of fear that this will not come about. We see therefore there is some difficulty in being able to cause there to be motion mentally within this business. Would suggest there be formulated a very clear, distinct, and detailed plan. Would suggest that this start with the directing intelligence formulating a clear ideal first in regards to this one personally, then including the individuals this one wants to serve."

As the analysis continued, specific instruction in the steps for creating a successful and profitable company were given. Of particular import to the woman receiving the analysis, the way the information was related gives insight that is universally applicable for anyone beginning a new business or reorganizing an existing one.

"Would suggest this be a very idealistic goal in terms of this one incorporating the highest aspirations, highest ideals, and the very highest that this one can imagine for and from the self. We see that it was originally this highest aspiration that did stimulate this one to even want to create a business in the first place.

Before this one adds to this any type of specific physical plans of action, this one needs to include what will be offered to other individuals....the qualities of self expression of whatever it is that the directing intelligence wants to give. Would suggest that this be written down, that this be very clear and distinct. When this one's thoughts run to doubts or fears as to whether or not this one can really accomplish this, this one (needs) to discipline the thinking and attention, bringing them back to what this one desires ideally. Would suggest that once this ideal has been formulated and put down on paper that then this be extended to include the physical plan of action for we do see that before there could be plans of action formed and incorporated that would be workable, there does need to be a model or seed idea around which this company is formed." (914917LJF)
 
 

The Power is in the Mental Attitude

In a small company, the business owner's thoughts and attitudes comprise the entire mental attitude of the business. But in a large company, with many employees, there is a collective mental attitude that results from the attitudes of all employees within its structure. Any group functions as well as the parts that make it up. The old saying, "a chain is as strong as its weakest link" illustrates the importance of each part to the whole. The "mental health" of a business is determined by the attitudes of the owner and employees, with everyone working together toward a common ideal and purpose.

The importance of each individual to the whole is brought out in the intuitive reports. Oftentimes, employees think their job is not significant, but as the following analysis will show, the attitude of each individual makes up the attitude of the company and this affects the potential customers. The common attitude which was adversely affecting this company, a car dealership in a major midwestern city, was a lack of self worth. As a result, all employees were poor in their use of resources - goods, money, and time. The analysis stated:

"Each individual in this company does waste time and is not efficient in their job from the president to the cleaning people."

Each individual's problem was not "his own," but was contributing to the condition of the entire business.

"...We see that each one of these ones as individuals is experiencing and bringing about within themselves some sense of lack of worth in correlation to themselves as well as to their work. We see that this causes a lack of cooperation with their desires.....We see that each one has failed to recognize their importance and fails to see the importance of cooperation with one another and communication with one another and thereby we see that this does influence the customers of this company also, for we see that it brings about an image to them of a lack of organization within this company as well as a lack of concern of those who are attempting to sell their product towards the ones who would be buying. We see that these ones do not show a concern towards each other when customers are present and we see for this to be very readily noticed by those who are interested in the products that these ones have. We see thereby that there is a skepticism and distrust which is built upon the part of the customers towards the sales people within the company....We see that it would be beneficial as individuals as well as a group for these ones to begin putting some attention upon the building of self-respect and the recognition of the self-worth with themselves as individuals. Then begin to build some pride and respect toward the company and the business that they are in." (325831CSR)

In another analysis, it was a shock to the business owner to discover that one of his favored employees was pregnant. He was wondering why her work had fallen off, when previously she had been a great asset to the company. It was a relief to her to have her secret "come out of the closet", for in hiding this from her boss it had indeed affected her work in a negative way. This illustrates how even one employee affects the whole company.
When employees understand their importance they are motivated to do good work. Many bosses struggle with the issue of motivation, trying to find incentives for their workers to perform well. Most people are strongly moved when they can imagine a personal benefit, as the following analysis for a Chicago advertising firm suggests:

"We see that each person involved in this business has their own motivations, and we see for the most part that this is not merely financial support or security. We see that most of the individuals involved have their own reasons in terms of self-development or self-expression and this is a very strong building block that could be developed as these ones would begin to communicate more."

The problem with personal motive is when it is too self-centered, when one person pushes another aside to fulfill his own desires or thinks of himself first. The Business Analysis for this company recommended that a strong leader could provide a connecting link for separate individuals to aspire toward common ideals:

"We see that there are very strong and dynamic personalities involved in this company and we see that they each have very definite ideas about what they want to produce. We see that it takes very strong leadership to cause these ones to work together as a group and all the factors that are necessary do exist within the company as it is now. It is merely a point of each one beginning to want to excel and to be better and to do so for a common good. This is the greatest thing that is lacking at the present time period [and is needed] for causing this company to grow and mature." (618911BGO)

As each employee develops his or her strengths and talents, he or she will positively influence the business. In one business, a restaurant, the individual workers had ideals for the company and no matter how small their position in the company, they cared about its growth. As a result, the entire company benefited. The analysis noted that most all people involved in the company had the goal and purpose of the company in mind, but pointed out the need for the individuals involved to establish personal goals and purposes so they could expect to attain something for themselves that was in alignment with the company's goal. This would enable each one of the employees to not only recognize that they had a personal investment within the company, but also become aware of what they as individuals could contribute to its success.

The Business Analyses are as individual as the business owners themselves. There are no blanket suggestions given to all businesses, the recommendations are geared to the specific concerns of each company. All the intuitive reports address the issue of using a business as a vehicle for learning and self-expression. In some cases, the directing intelligence purposefully uses his or her business to learn and teach; in other cases, the business has become a burden to which the owner is the slave.

The following is an excerpt from a Business Analysis for a company in Colorado whose owner is an artist. The analysis suggested that her business has great potential and the more fully she uses it for her own artistic expression, the more appealing her products will be. In creating what she loves, she produces success:

"We see that there is a great potential in this company. We see that there is an ability to be able to provide a very positive place for expression for the directing intelligence......There is a great deal of room for artistic expression within this company. We see that for the directing intelligence to fulfill this one's own personal desires, there is a need for the use of more imagination as to how this one can use this company for this one's artistic expression. We see that sometimes this one somewhat diminishes or holds back upon how the Self personally can artistically express, and we see that there is a need for this one to realize that the more this one is using the company for artistic expression, then the more this one is going to be able to attract people to the company that would provide some of the other artistic expressions this one wants within the company...."

The Analysis pointed out that this particular owner had several purposes for her business. Not only did it provide a vehicle for her artistic expression, it gave her a place to learn about life through communicating with different people:

"We see that this one needs to always have projects going that this one is personally working on in this one's own artistic endeavors. We see that the other line for fulfillment in potential through this company is the learning to communicate with all different kinds of people, from all different kinds of cultures....be able to express in many different ways what this one has to offer and what this one's interests are, in the value of the products that this one does offer. By learning to communicate these different ways the value of what this one's products offer, this one is also talking about this one's self, for what this one believes in and what this one knows to be true in this one's own personal beliefs are also reflected in this one's product."

It is interesting to note that this analysis suggested the artist trust her intuition and rely solely on her desires to choose the types of products to manufacture. It counseled against using traditional marketing techniques and ideas.

"Would suggest to this one that there are two different lines of thought that the directing intelligence has in regard to the creativity that is in this company. One is heartfelt of what this one really wants to create, where this one gets excited every time this one thinks about it. This one also has another line of creative thought that is based on what this one thinks should come out of a company like this one, what this one thinks that the market expects from this one, what this one thinks will sell. Would suggest to this one that this second line of creative thought needs to be thrown out. For this one's ideas, these are restrictive. They are not based upon any kind of marketing research and they are basically untrue. What would be accepted more readily, what would be marketed more readily, are the creative ideas that this one has that are heartfelt, that this one becomes excited about, and that touch, not this one's artistic ego, but this one's artistic heart. This one needs to identify these two lines of thoughts within the self and use the ones suggested for success. The other line of thought really is not useful in any capacity and holds this one and this one's company back." (427893CSR)

In an analysis for a bookstore in St. Louis, the owner was concerned that expansion of his business would detract from fulfillment of his ideals. The analysis suggested the opposite: that in order for him to be the kind of influence he wanted to be in the community he would need an expanded vehicle for his ideals. In actuality, the owner feared that if his business expanded it would lose the atmosphere he wanted to create. Suggestions recognized the owner's own search for personal growth giving ways to clearly image the unifying of his personal goals with those of his company. Both personal and professional ideals could be fulfilled by the owner learning to receive growth, and physical expansion of the business was necessary for this to occur.

Only a few years after bringing her Nashville relocation service to the point of profitability, the following owner had become bored with her business and was considering selling it. When asked about the possibilities of doing so, the analysis had this to offer:

"This could be done. It would be somewhat difficult because of the way that this one has constructed the company. It would take more work than at the present time period it is seen that this one wants to invest. However, with some time this one could begin to create ways where it could be marketable and the easiest way for it to be so would be to bring in a kind of partner where it would be the intention of the partner to assume the business after a period of apprenticeship. This would give both this directing intelligence and the intended the partner the advantage of solidity and growth in the business itself. In other words, it would be uninterrupted as far as the clients are concerned. It would be much easier to change over all the legal accouterments that would be necessary in terms of how this directing intelligence has set up this business and it would afford this one of the directing intelligence to pass on her knowledge to someone else. We see that this one would not gain as much money from selling the business in this way for it would not be an outright sale, but because of how it's constructed an outright sale would have its limitations. The adopting of a partner and moving in that direction would be much more personally fulfilling to this one of the directing intelligence and it would in the long run also give this one a better return on the investment made." (927914BGO)

An analysis for a dentist in Colorado showed that a business is only as effective as the people working within it, and the most noble ideals will manifest in a business only if all associated with it put them into practice. It stated that the owner did not have any new goals in his work. The owner was encouraged to seek new learning in his line of work. The analysis suggested that by finding something of interest to him that would provide a sense of motivation, he could expand and gain something from his work and this would affect his practice. The people he employed in his office reflected this apathy. It was noted that all of the people associated with the business did not really care about their performance on the job. The owner was encouraged to evaluate his staff and replace most of them in order to have employees who would share his ideals and live up to them. The dentist promoted wellness in the individual and in order to be more effective in this area, he needed a staff that would practice this attitude. This would also serve to support his personal efforts in living up to his very high standards.

A Wyoming dentist has a similar problem - he has become stagnant in his work. Unlike the previous dentist, he does have people working for him who could use the business as a place to learn, who are sincere, but he is offering them little stimulation.

"We see that these ones have become complacent in their expansion of services, and in their desire to serve people's needs. We see that this affects the business in a detrimental manner....These ones do have a certain standard of work that they expect to be done, a certain standard of how to serve people, but it becomes mechanical...Would suggest that there be a time established monthly in which all those who participate within this company meet and discuss how they want to serve the people who come to them and also why. We see that the 'why' is most important, for that is how these ones learn...

They have each one individually reached to accomplish goals in their careers or jobs and have accomplished them.....but have neglected to set new goals, and because of this, there has been a stopping in their own personal learning in this field....We see that there is a need for each one to establish purpose in their work, and this is something which can be stimulated as a group endeavor. For each one to attempt, not only for themselves but, to encourage each other to learn and to gain from their associations together and from what they do.

Unless each one is fulfilling a common dream in their own life, then they will not be personally involved. Therefore, it is important for each one of them to see how their work fits in with this dream and how they can activate those dreams in their life again." (103841CSR)

Many of the intuitive reports point to the importance of the directing intelligence having a clear ideal and purpose, a dream, something to live for, a purpose for being. When the directing intelligence stimulates the employees to develop their ideal and purpose, each person in the company has a personal investment in its success. For example, the owner of a hair salon in Texas was interested in expanding operations to educate customers and help them become healthier. Her dream was to teach clients about inner beauty along with enhancing their outward appearance. Each one of the employees in this company believed in this dream, and the Business Analysis recommended formal communication to bring it to fruition:

"We see that there needs to be more communication between these ones and it would be of benefit for there to be a time set aside on a weekly basis for there to be that kind of communication. Each has their own areas of talent and expertise and when they are brought together and discussed there could be new avenues created which would be the fulfillment of their desires, both individually and collectively. In this way the company would evolve another step and have a momentum or rhythm which resonates to that of those that are producing it. This would lead to greater fulfillment individually and to greater profits in the business itself. It would also lead to a much higher quality of service where everyone would benefit more, these would produce a kind of contentment, more repetition of business, and more people being brought into this business." (12129116BGO)

Many of the business owners ask if particular employees have a goal and purpose compatible with the company's ideal. In some cases they do; the employees love their work, want to grow within the company and want the company to grow. In other cases, it is simply a job they do for money. An advertising agency had recently undergone major changes in the number of personnel. The owner had reduced the number of employees from twenty-seven to nine and he asked if there would be an excessive negative impact if weak personnel were replaced. The analysis analyzed the situation in this way:

"We see that there will be reactions upon each person involved in the business. We see the strongest reaction would be restimulation of fear that their job will be in jeopardy. This could very easily be circumvented by reassurance directly of the work that each individual is doing that the directing intelligence intends to retain. There needs to be this kind of communication anyway. There is the tendency for the directing intelligence to be too aloof and to expect the business to run itself. This is much of the reason why this one has the business on the mind most of the time that this one is awake. It is because this one does not express the ideas that this one has in the mind when it is appropriate on the job, therefore this one continues to hold the ideas in the mind and they cycle, looking for a means of expression." (618911BGO)

This employer also asked questions about individual employees' job performance with exceptional results. The first was a general query concerning employed artists' resistance to leadership from anyone other than the owner.

"For the most part this has been addressed. We see that in regards to what is being termed the artist or those who work from spontaneous creativity, we see that they tend to be highly self-centered. However, with the idealism that has already been addressed and with the rounding themselves in terms of recognizing (their unique skills) there could be a greater understanding of their creative abilities and therefore greater control of them, there would not be such hesitation or such a fight. We see that at the present time period they are somewhat ego-centered because of insecurity in regards to whether their work will be acceptable or not. This could be easily remedied by reassurance and by greater communication from the directing intelligence to these ones. In terms of the communication between these ones and the coworkers, this has been addressed in terms of everyone in this company needing to become more concerned and more aware of how their individual positions relate to the position of others. Every position within this company is needed. Therefore the people who fill the positions are needed to perform their function in order for the business to be a whole, functioning unit. When any part of the business does not fulfill its purpose, there is immediate and detrimental effects experienced by the remaining parts. There is a need for these ones to understand this and therefore to recognize their own sense of self importance. (618911BGO)

In asking questions concerning specific employees, suggestions were given both to the employee and the owner for improvement of performance. The woman assigned to outside company purchases blamed delays on coworkers rather than pressing suppliers to deliver on schedule. The analysis revealed this woman does not enjoy her work and of all employees she was working only for financial security and for no other reason. Suggestions were given for stimulating a selfish motive so she would have a reason to perform her duties with greater care and success. A copywriter was described as willing to express his opinions but unwilling to see projects through against the schedule. The analysis suggested clearer communication from the owner to the employee. The employee's difficulty in following through on projects was not from laziness or rebellion, rather he often did not understand or recognize the owner's expectations for his performance. Another question concerning an employee who claimed she couldn't do a task because she's sensitive resulted in this feedback:

"Would suggest that this one manipulates others through the emotions, and we see that this has been a long-standing pattern that has often worked for this one and therefore this one continues to do it. Would suggest that the directing intelligence could develop a sense of humor in regards to dealing with this employee. This would aid greatly in that this one would not take seriously many of the emotionally manipulative comments that the employee makes and would attempt to put them into perspective. It would be important that the directing intelligence not make fun of the other one, but there be a kind of levity and a kind of objectivity that this one would lend. There would be encouragement of this one's expectations that the employee can indeed accomplish the task at hand; that this one can indeed direct the sensitivity as it is referred to in the work and could make the work even better."

The owner of a national magazine discovered untapped talent in an employee when asking questions.

"We see that in comparison with the others involved in this group that this is the one who has some knowledge that is not being used. This is in regards to ideas concerning marketing. We see that part of this is because financial security is very important to this one, more so than it is to the others involved, and therefore much of this one's attention is directed toward money. We see that although this one is highly creative and has very strong practical skills and reasoning skills, this one's motivations are very strongly toward money and this is more so than others in this group. Therefore, this needs to be recognized and the strengths from this used for we see where the others might have blind spots, this one is able to see and bring up issues that need to be considered." (711911BGO)

Occasionally, a analysis will show that employees are actually being destructive to the company, as in the following excerpt:

"We see that there is much theft at the present time in this business; we see that most of this is not in money but in goods. We see that this is causing some financial loss to the company, but even more importantly, this is taking away from the dignity of the employees and the dignity of the company and therefore is reflecting the loss of value to the customer." (91821CSR)

This is one of the benefits of a Business Analysis: identifying areas of waste, areas to change so the business operates most effectively. Often, adjustments to make are fairly simple. In some companies, the directing intelligence has clear goals and the primary change to make is to share the goals with the employees. In other cases, the directing intelligence has vague goals and needs to clarify them. Sometimes, the directing intelligence is too easily influenced by other people and needs to be more of a leader in causing goals to manifest. One analysis cited that all those involved with the company were very stimulated by their work and saw much value in planned goals. Their collective effort to cooperate required greater leadership and direction on the part of the owner. Leadership was described not in the area of physical effectiveness, but rather in response to the need for moral support and encouragement for employees to receive a greater idea of responsibility.

The kind of leadership within a company determines its direction. Oftentimes, the directing intelligence doesn't fully understand what makes a good leader. One analysis suggested that the directing intelligence went overboard in wanting his employees to have a sense of ownership in the company:

"We see that the directing intelligence within this company does have an art of involving as many individuals as this one desires in thinking that they run or own the place. We see that this is a very beneficial inclusion of people, but we see that there is a need for this one to maintain just a little bit more authority than what this one tends to do. We see that it is important for this one to realize that although authority can be overbearing, authority can also provide a sense of leadership, and it is not only leadership in making sure that a job is done well (for the people in this company do good work, so they do not need that kind of authority over their shoulder), but they do need the kind of authority of leadership of the maintaining of morale, of developing goals and purposes, of communication, working together towards a common goal, which can only be provided by leadership. The directing intelligence needs to be a little bit more authoritative to be able to accomplish these needs." (103841CSR)

Another analysis suggested that if the directing intelligence were more firm in his own ideals, it would benefit not only his business but his whole life. It suggested the owner stop being afraid of standing up for what he believed in, to be willing to stand up for it with himself, with his employees, with the people that he came into contact with and with society. The owner was encouraged to start making a stand in terms of not only practicing what he thinks is correct, but holding firmly to his ideals by expecting those around him to do likewise.
 

Reaching Potential Customers

We have shown the importance of the mental attitude of the directing intelligence and all people who are associated with a business. The thoughts one practices affect all areas of life, including the emotions. To many people, this is a novel idea, for we have been taught that "feelings" are inexpressible and "just happen". I have even heard the idea that how we feel determines what we think. In fact, our thoughts cause our emotions. Used productively, the expression of emotion will cause an idea to burst forth into manifested glory. Have you ever been excited about a new idea, and bubbled over with excitement to share the idea with a friend? Or have you perhaps bought a product from a salesman who believed in its value and showed you how much he loved it with his enthusiasm? Just like there is a collective mental attitude within a business, there is collective emotion, formed by the way all the people within a company use (or misuse) the expression of emotion.

In one company, the directing intelligence (a physician) did not want to admit that emotion played any part in the services he provided, although he was aware that he had personal feelings toward or against some of his staff people. Instead of denying his feelings, the analysis suggested he use them for greater productivity.

"The directing intelligence has been somewhat afraid of personality conflicts and has not wanted to seem prejudicial or playing favorites. We see, however, there is a need for the directing intelligence to realize that personality and how personality is expressed is at least 50% of this one's business, whether this one wants to admit that or not. This one needs to hire people that this one likes-that this one likes their personality-for if this one likes the personalities then this one's customers will probably like these personalities. There is a need for this one to realize that the skill is important but also in this one's business the personality of the people that this one hires is important and it is important that, because it is a small company, people within it get along and work together. Therefore, it is suggested to this one that in hiring process and in whom this one has working for the Self, that this one really choose people that this one would enjoy working with and that would produce the kind of environment that this one favors within the office. Would suggest to this one that there is a place for these kinds of decisions, and that it is not prejudicial or demeaning in any kind of way." (516891CSR)

Similarly, an analysis for a beauty shop recommended admitting the value of emotional warmth to attract customers:

"We see that for the most part there is a genuine concern that those employed in this company do have for one another and for those that these ones serve. We see that this is not always shown. We see that many times there is a holding back and we see that this is from any variety of hesitations or fears upon individuals' parts.

We see that there is much more that these ones could accomplish by being more open and honest and by allowing the caring they do have to be expressed. This is important to each one of these as individuals. It is part of why they are together and we see that it would also open the doors to many other clients that would respond to this kind of open attitude.

We see that emotionally there is some retardation inasmuch as there is a holding back of the emotions upon the parts of the employees and we see that this is an attempt to maintain objectivity and to appear in a way they believe will be pleasing to their clients. We would suggest there is an element of this which is of benefit but many times it is not used, it is rather misused. And there are limitations that the employees begin to create in terms of what they can and cannot express, which causes them difficulty. Again, as there would be more of the open caring displayed and this displayed through the emotions as well, there would be a greater satisfaction experienced in the employees and a greater fulfillment in the work that they do." (12129116BGO)

In a few of the analyses, the difficulty was that the directing intelligence denied his own emotions and refused to acknowledge the expression of emotion within the business. As a result, customers were treated with indifference, which was hurting the business. One analysis pointed to the interaction between employees as being emotionally-charged. Most of the time the emotions were seen as either in conflict or they were being ignored. The suggestion was given for employees to stop denying the emotions held in regards to each other and in regards to their individual jobs within the company. By admitting, recognizing, and expressing emotions change could occur which would make the business atmosphere more pleasant for employees and customers, thus increasing business objectives. The analysis went on to say that this emotional conflict was the reason the business had lost many customers, for people become uncomfortable doing business with them.

The value to a company of emotional expressiveness by its employees was addressed in a analysis for a health clinic in Australia. An innovative concept, the business was formed to educate people in self esteem and confidence while teaching ways to improve health and weight control.

"We see within the emotional system that there is excitement that these ones have in what they are wanting to produce. We do see that this excitement is very infectious and that this does draw other people to these ones. But we see that because there has not been formulated the very clear ideal that often times these ones become distracted by their own emotions for we see that these ones can very easily be drawn into other ideas and projects that do have value but are not necessarily related to the primary function of this business. Would suggest, therefore, in these ones formulating a clear ideal that when there is the emotional excitement these ones determine if what they are being excited about is directly related to their ideals and purposes or if this is a distraction or if this is something these ones would want to add, or if this is another ideal that these ones would want to form and establish in a separate business." (710911LJF)

As you can see, this approach to business is different from a traditional business analysis. Many people consider emotional expression "unprofessional". Here, the analyses point out the validity of the use of emotion for effectively serving customers. Again, this is not a blanket recommendation, it is geared to the attitudes and expression of that particular business.

Tell it Like it Is

In some cases, business owners are effectively providing leadership but may not value what they are doing that works. By taking themselves for granted, they miss out on developing self worth. One analysis told a restaurant owner that she had a difficult time receiving the admiration of her employees. This affected what, how, and when she would give direction to her workers. It was suggested she recognize that what she communicated to her employees was very much listened to and very much respected. When the restaurant owner heard this analysis, it paved the way for her to enjoy her work to a greater extent. She worried less and appreciated more of the interaction with her employees and customers.

Business owners who are considering a Business Analysis should be aware that these analyses are honest and will "tell it like it is." On occasion, a analysis will uncover serious problems that need correcting. The following business was facing severe legal problems and the directing intelligence was refusing to face the facts:

"We see that this company is experiencing a great deal of legal difficulty at the present time. We see that this has been due to the negligence and ignoring of facts upon the part of the directing intelligence. We see that throughout the time that this company has been in existence, there have not been the proper channels gone through to even really legally establish this business in the capacity that it is. We see that this one is experiencing a great deal of pressure because of this and we see for there to be the searching out of many individuals outside of this business as to the legalities and as to the validity of the business practices of this company. We see that there is a very definite need for there to be the cleaning up, so to speak, of past business. We see that there is the need to deal with those things that have been put off concerning legal matters.

Would suggest to the directing intelligence of this company that there cannot just be the ignoring of these legal notices and matters, for they are real and action will be taken upon them. Ignoring them is not going to help, for there will still be action upon them. We see that these individuals outside of this company have very definite intentions of doing this." (214813CSC)

Another business had great financial problems. The owner was a "taker" who treated his employees poorly and had little concern for his customers. He viewed the business as a place to get money rather than a vehicle for providing service. As a result, the business was losing money. The owner was born in Greece and was quite superstitious. He was convinced he was under a curse which was causing his problems! In the course of his Business Analysis, he asked if a curse had been placed upon him or his business. The analysis replied in the affirmative explaining that it was not a curse that was placed upon him by another person but rather something he was doing himself. It related that the "curse" was his own attitude of negativity, particularly those of punishment or thinking that he should be wronged for the wrong he had done to others. Although the answer was a shock, it did stir this man to admit the ways in which he misused people. He believed that there was a reason for the decline in his business, and the analysis brought to his attention the need for him to change rather than blaming some unidentified external power.

The owner of an Alaskan firm producing films and promotional items for companies world-wide felt a conflict of interests between his desire for self-expression and creativity in producing the product and his recognition of the need to make money to pay for his material needs.

"Would suggest to this one these are not in opposition, that this one will think they are in opposition as an excuse to refuse to organize this one's thinking, to refuse to direct the energies toward the manifestation of this one's dream. This is part of the fear that the reality of the business will not match what this one envisions. This is not so. These two ideas that have been proposed are not in conflict. They can very much be in alignment. Would suggest to this one of the directing intelligence that this one has the availability, this one has the vision, this one has the desire. It is some of the skills that this one lacks in being able to cause the fulfillment of his own desires as well as to be able to offer something to others which they in turn do want."

When the owner asked how to change the financial burden of the company, the answer was very direct, reiterating points made earlier in the analysis:

"As has been spoken of, this one is not the one to respond to the financial dealings of this company. This one needs someone that this one can trust. This could be in the form of an independent investor but it is not necessary for the success of this company. What is necessary for the success of this company is the directing intelligence's willingness to commit to the projects that this one envisions and commit to the manifestation of them. We see that this is this one's strong point and it is where this one's heart lies therefore it is what this one needs to be doing

In terms of having a whole, functioning company, this one then needs to draw together individuals who believe in the same product or dream that this one does and who would have different talents that would help work to aid in the manifestation of it. Or it could be the seeking of one or more financial investors. The money really is not a problem as long as this one intends to complete what he starts. As long as this one is committed to manifesting the dream he holds this will become apparent to others whom this one would want to gain financial backing from whether this is through a loan or personal contact through someone else or through a group of people who want to invest in this project. Once they are thoroughly sure that this one will follow through upon what he wants, there will not be any difficulty in regards to gaining financial backing, gaining willingness of support for this project and there will not be any difficulty in terms of making revenue." (1239120BGO)

People who are in business to fulfill their ideals are concerned with making money so that they can expand the services they provide. All the analyses address the issue of profit, aiding the owner to find ways to eliminate waste and increase income. In some cases, there are materials wasted; in others, time is wasted because the workers are disorganized. Sometimes the waste is in terms of untapped resources. Often there are potential talents or markets that could be used to a greater extent for increased productivity. The analysis will pinpoint specific areas to change to get the greatest use of resources available. For example:

oFor an art business, the analysis suggested finding an appraiser, because the owner could charge more for her paintings and art calendars. It also suggested using a different printer than the one she employed, for she could receive higher quality printing for a lower cost.

oA restaurant owner's analysis suggested keeping abreast of suppliers whose prices changed so rapidly she could find the best deals by checking prices weekly.

oA specialty food store was told that they could charge more for their unique products if they looked for different places to market them, such as local hotels with international clientele.

oAn electrician was told he could save time by visualizing an entire job in advance; he would then know to have all the supplies he needed and wouldn't waste time running out at the last minute.

oA physician found out that he was a poor judge of character and could increase his profits by being more choosy with extending credit. He had too many patients who were not paying their bills and had no intention of doing so. The analysis suggested that it was okay for him to turn patients down who would not pay for his services.

oA bookseller's analysis told him to order books in which he had a personal interest, for those would be easiest for him to sell.

oA produce market, on the other hand, was advised to take a verbal survey of their customers to find out what the customers wanted to buy, rather than the owners only selling what they personally liked.

As you can see, the suggestions for increasing profits are specifically linked to each business. This holds true for all suggestions. In regards to advertising, for example, some businesses are advised that word of mouth is the most effective form of publicity. Analyses for other businesses recommend the yellow pages, local radio and television, or business magazines. Some business owners are told not to use media, as it would be a waste of money and wouldn't reach the appropriate customers. One business, a car dealership, was advised to use billboards and the analysis suggested the best locations for effective use of those billboards.

Any business owner wants to identify problems and correct them before they become serious. The intuitive reports address practical matters that the owner may not have considered. In one analysis, the telephone lines were inadequate for overseas communication. Since they were in the process of expanding to foreign markets, this was to become a problem. The owner of a retail store located in a mall was having recurring problems with a cash register. The analysis revealed the problem was not the machine itself, but an electrical short located three stores away. A food store needed higher voltage for their cooling equipment for, in the long run, it would cost less than what they were using. Another analysis pointed out that the building foundation was inadequate; there was water seeping around it which would lead to eventual collapse of the building. The analysis very specifically described where the difficulty was so that it could be repaired. Another business had a different structural problem: the electrical wires under the floor were damaged. The covering on the wires had deteriorated so that dampness was reaching the wires causing a fire hazard. The analysis enabled the business to catch this problem that they couldn't see before it became destructive. A similar hidden problem was revealed in an analysis for a convenience store. They found out that an external awning contained a weakness that would cause it to break if there were a strong wind, smashing the glass front of the store. The business owner was relieved to discover and correct the flaw before experiencing a disaster.

Some of the practical considerations brought out in the analyses came as a surprise. A fast food establishment was using a chemical in their dehydrated food that was "not fit for human consumption". The analysis identified the toxin, where it was being used, and suggested eliminating it. The same business was also using a grease for frying that was too heavy and had an unpleasant taste. The analysis suggested that switching to a slightly higher priced and better quality grease would bring a great increase in customers. Another restaurant was advised to do some research into colors, for it was suggested that using certain colors had psychological effects for patrons.

An analysis can help business owners detect and change potential hazards to themselves, their employees and their customers. For example, a funeral home in Mississippi was using lead paint on its walls; in humid weather this paint released toxic fumes. A bookstore had inadequate fire insurance, and the method of storing books created traps so that people couldn't easily leave in case of fire.

One business owner, head of a publishing company, was greatly impressed and relieved at one of the suggestions offered in his analysis-to get their products copyrighted. This company produced unusual items worth over $2 million and it had never occurred to him previously that there was need for him to obtain copyrights to protect his ideas from theft.
In addition to practical suggestions, the intuitive reports also offer personal suggestions for the business owners which will aid them, not only in business, but in any place in life. Some examples of the personal suggestions offered are:

oA restaurant owner was told to learn to relax.

oA food store owner was advised to meditate daily to build trust in herself.

oA business owner facing legal troubles was told to go forward into circumstances to learn instead of backing out, and to get psychological counseling.

oA dentist was advised to determine his purpose in life by doing his best at anything he does do.

oA bookstore owner was told he was idealistic, that there was nothing wrong with being an idealist, but he needed to add practicality to his life.

oAn artist was given a philosophy of art which gave her a new way to approach her work and her view of aesthetics. It was suggested that beauty and grace in artistic expression would create a classic interest with universal appeal.

oA designer for children's apparel was encouraged to combine elements of art and education by creating clothes that would teach the child about color and texture, thus making this smaller company's product outstanding in a large market.
 

Your Work is a Means of Self Expression

The Business Analysis Analyses provide great insight for anyone who runs a company-insight into their own attitudes, in learning how to communicate with others, in becoming more creative. A business is an entity in itself which can grow and develop and change. The Business Analysis aids its owner to cause productive changes. It gets to the "heart" of the matter by identifying the key attitudes which interfere with growth. This insight is unique to these intuitive reports, for a traditional business consultant does not delve into the minds of people involved.

These intuitive reports also address practical concerns-finances, building structures, advertising, and so forth, empowering the business owner with a wholistic analysis of his or her company. It is no wonder that a wide variety of businesses have used these analyses to aid them in greater productivity and service. From realty companies in Louisiana to health centers in Australia, from steel companies in Arkansas to legal consultants in Kansas, from delicatessens in Alaska to Amway distributors in Illinois, any business can claim results from a Business Analysis.

In ancient societies, people were more in tune with the work they performed, for in smaller groups of people, with less industry and machinery, they had a direct connection between the effort they put forth and the end result. Today, we experience the direct cause and effect relationship between the work of our hands, hearts, and minds and the effects we produce when we craft a "handmade" item. Baking bread, weaving, embroidering cloth, sewing clothes, planting a garden, canning fruit, building a model or structure-all of these activities give us a vehicle to see the importance of our labor from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. Oftentimes, in our instant coffee, microwave, frozen food society, we forget there is a chain of events linking what we give with what we receive.

One of the benefits of a Business Analysis is reawakening our awareness that we each contribute to society and to humanity. Our "business" is the activity with which we busy our lives, the activity we perform to give ourselves to the world. Going to work every morning is not just a way to make money for physical survival, it is a means of expression, a vehicle for us to perform our appointed duty in the world. Discovering our importance to the company within which we work, to our community and to humanity, is a key to causing success spiritually, emotionally, and materially.

To be fully involved in the business we own or in which we are employed means to work with love, as Kahlil Gibran states in his philosophical work, The Prophet, "Work is love made visible."

Among the first class of students accepted for study at the College of Metaphysics almost two decades ago, Dr. Laurel Clark is now a faculty member. A psi counselor and ordained minister, she mentors those attending Spiritual Focus Weekends, retreats designed to uplift and transform the consciousness of participants. In addition to giving her time in service to others as an Intuitive Reporter, Dr. Laurel is a well-known speaker and senior editor of Thresholds Quarterly, the journal published for School of Metaphysics Associates and distributed to members in 27 countries.

copyright 1992, rev. 1997 School of Metahphysics

©2002 SOM

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