Debunking Myth #3: When in Rome...

As the year has now come to a close, I have begun to reflect more and more on this first year of the coffee business. I certainly drink more coffee than I did before and I certainly won't view business in China in the same way as before. But there is one thing that really stood out to me that I felt deserved to be mused about.

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Although the idea of adapting to the culture and customs that you are immersed in is certainly true there is only so far we can take this idea. Because the ends dont justify the means. What I mean by that is that it doesn't matter if you consider yourself to have a higher calling or not we should not practice the same corrupt or devious or dishonest practices that the "Romans" excelled at just because we happen to be Rome. It does not matter what you are doing or what your purpose, there are still some things that are wrong and it will never matter how much you try to sugar coat it or paint it with a fresh coat of paint.

I see so many people and businesses that follow the same corrupt practices that are entrenched in this city and it sickens me. Yes that way is the easy way and leads to the fastest success. But is it the success that we should be striving for? Is it the success that we will proud of 10 years down the road?