Last Update: Wednesday March 10, 2010

Encourage business ownership for all people of the world.

Do What Others Aren't Doing

Seattle, Washington: In this episode of the show we take you into a place that was well-known in the design community as the place to buy large ceramic pots for up-scale hotel lobbies and office buildings.

Grace Tsujikawa-Boyd re-invented the business she started in her basement in 1969. She engaged engineers to work for her in a division that began making ceramic castables. Though made from clay and fired in kilns just like the clay pots, these forms are used by companies like Boeing to make aircraft parts. She got some help and leveraged her assets in new ways to develop an entire new customer base -- the aerospace industry.

There are just four key lessons about this legacy business. Grace has since reinvented PyroMedia as Phenix Art Glass. Also, in this episode you meet Jim Schell, our resident entrepreneur.

Go to all the Key Ideas and Video of this episode...

Change the Metaphor - Global Cities
The World: The most valuable-inexpensive property on earth has not been recognized for its value because it requires new thinking about names, intentions, and location. More...

Become involved. Take on a nation.
All 193 countries: Though Small Business School has been broadcast by the Voice of America for over twelve years, the show will diversify, first as The Best Businesses of the World and then under other titles. Learn more. Become involved. Take charge of a nation! More...

What is your special genius? Find out. Use it!

Russia: 60°N 60°W in sight!

We all climb eight steps to start, run and grow a business.

If you're out of work...
Let's all help. If you are unemployed, consider the letter to Barack Obama and taking this Reality Check. More...

If you are starting a business...
Work through the first three steps. If you are still at it in three months, you stand a chance. More...

If you are a sole proprietor...
There are 19 million sole proprietors. If they all hired one person, there would be no unemployment. More...

If you are thinking about retiring...
Many Baby Boomers are retiring. Some have decided not to retire, but to keep on keeping on. More...

Best business practices: Videos from this television show

From 14 years of episodes on PBS stations, please register or log in. The site is opened and navigation is easier. Be our guest. That's free. Always strive to do a little better.

Continuity-Symmetry-Harmony define us. Business is about creating something of value, selling it for a profit, and maintaining and developing one's customer base. This television show is all about the first principles that bring such a formula alive. Yet, along the way, we've discovered that these principles may well also be a starting point for a Theory of Everything. More...