Trust yourself. Find your True North

Module five included two days (and nights) of something called Marketplace. In that time, we created a company from scratch. A pre-selected management team hired employees from the first-year class. Then, together, we decided on a vision and goals for the company. Using a small amount of seed money, we had to develop, produce, and sell a given product while trying to make as much profit as possible within the allotted time.

I worked for a company called True North. My mentor Jim just happened to be the CEO. Because of my real-life skills, I chose to work with the Sales and Marketing Department. True North was the largest company and each department actually had 4-7 employees, so it was very much like a real start up--limited resources, people wearing many hats, cross-functional teams, oh and incredible pressure.

In addition to seed money, companies involved in marketplace could also use investment money, which all needed to be paid off at the end of business before profits were calculated and salaries were paid.

I found the most interesting aspect of marketplace to be the role of leadership. Much of the material we are learning came into play: the Waterline Model, task and maintenance behavior, and the ability to lead from any position. Our company worked to achieve a triple bottom line, creating economic, environmental, and social prosperity. This meant focusing not only on profit, but also on people and the planet. As part of this, we made a strong effort to use only eco-friendly materials.

Marketplace was an incredible experience. At first, I thought it would be more appropriate for an MBA program—not for people who are training to become therapists and consultants—but the things I learned were invaluable. And, I received a check at the end of the day. The real value, however, came from watching the transformation in both the group and in myself over the course of the weekend.

The product we sold was called Essential Elements, and was a gift of organic seeds, a hand-decorated terracotta planter, water that our group blessed (inspired by Massaru Emoto and The Hidden Messages in Water), incense, and inspirational messages. The idea behind our product was that in life you need all aspects in balance. Light/Shadow. Movement/Reflection. Joy/Sadness. Comfort/Challenge. Growth/Stability.

If you have not seen What the Bleep Do We Know!?, and would like to know more about the blessed water, The Hidden Messages in Water contains information about how our thoughts can influence health and well being.

"This book has the potential to profoundly transform your world view. Using high-speed photography, Dr. Masaru Emoto discovered that crystals formed in frozen water reveal changes when specific, concentrated thoughts are directed toward them. He found that water from clear springs and water that has been exposed to loving words shows brilliant, complex, and colorful snowflake patterns. In contrast, polluted water, or water exposed to negative thoughts, forms incomplete, asymmetrical patterns with dull colors. The implications of this research create a new awareness of how we can positively impact the earth and our personal health."

We sold every single one of our products. We also held a silent auction of services people had donated, which earned hundreds of dollars. Todd donated his CDs; Jodi offered a series of dance lessons; and others offered acupuncture and massage services. We even sold many of our marketing materials and paintings.

To go with our compass logo, we developed some key phrases:
Representing Air: Inspiration. Breathe.
Representing Water. Life. Receive Our Blessings.
Representing Fire: Love. Find Your Passion.
Representing Earth: Abundance. Sow Your Seeds.

At the center of the compass, Representing Grace: Trust Yourself. Find Your True North.