In this time of great change, I wanted to share a message of hope and renewal - the concept of creating ‘Something from Nothing’ when the future is so unclear.
But I realized that I had already written a blog entitled ‘Something from Nothing’ ten years ago, in January 2015.
For this month’s blog, I’ve written a parable about starting something entrepreneurial and have entitled it 'Soup from a Stone’.
May we all carry a stone in our pocket - the essence of a life-changing idea that benefits all.
Soup from a Stone
There once was a woman who always kept a smooth, white stone in her pocket. Though it belonged to her, it was meant to be shared. She carried it with her on her travels, as it reflected her values, purpose, and intentions.
One day, she arrived at a village and sat in the square, polishing her stone, beginning preparations for making a soup.
The people bustled about, hurrying from one task to the next. Some stole curious glances at her, but their skepticism and distractions kept them from stopping.
Eventually, a kindly older man smiled and said, "If you are to make soup from a stone, you will need a pot." He then disappeared into his kitchen and returned with a battered but sturdy pot. She thanked him, placed the gleaming stone inside, and set them upon the ground.
Next, a woodcutter passed by and paused. "You’ll need a log for the fire to heat that stone," he remarked, setting down a thick, dry log before continuing. She accepted the log with gratitude and soon had the log ablaze.
A village matron nodded approvingly of her mastery of the flame and remarked, "That soup will be dry without water”. The matron directed the woman to the well and helped her cover the pot and the stone with fresh, cool water. Chatting amiably, they carried the pot together to the growing fire.
The villagers went about their daily routines, but some threw sidelong glances at the bubbling pot with its lone stone, whispering amongst themselves.
"This spare onion will bring out the flavor in that stone," offered a farmer, tossing in a golden onion.
"What’s an onion without garlic?" countered the storekeeper, dropping in a few cloves.
The pace of the village began slowing as people hesitated and lingered to see how a stone can make a soup.
A butcher passing through the square paused and sniffed the air. "Where’s the beef?" she asked, before adding a meaty bone to the pot. The aroma intensified, and more villagers inched closer.
The water was returning to a boil when a merchant strode by, laughing. "Soup cannot exist without herbs, salt, and pepper!" He reached into his satchel and sprinkled in an assortment of seasonings.
The village children came running from the garden, their arms filled with carrots, potatoes, and greens. "We brought vegetables!" they exclaimed, eagerly tossing them into the pot and begging for tastings.
The aroma of the soup wafted through the village, and the pace of the villagers slowed once more, stirred by curiosity and hunger.
The younger children bubbled excitedly, shouting, "Come one, come all! We’ve made soup from a stone!"
Soon, the entire village assembled, bringing bowls, utensils, and even drinks to complement the meal. Laughter resonated as they savored the feast, delighting in the food's warmth and each other’s company.
When the last spoonful had been savored, the villagers helped clean the pot and returned it to its owner. Parents tucked their children into bed that night, each sharing stories of the miraculous stone soup. And for years to come, they would recount the day a simple stone brought the village together.
At dawn, the woman picked up the stone and put it back in her pocket, knowing it would be the foundation for another meal in a different village.
Every village has its own soup, yet the kindness and generosity of people everywhere nourish us all.
In business, this parable illustrates how a single idea, regardless of its size or appearance, can evolve into something significant when supported by a community.
The pot bearer represents our investor, acting as the vessel for our vision.
The woodcutter signifies our angel investors, fueling the fire that brings the idea to life.
The village matron serves as our mentor, providing guidance with her wisdom and resources, adding credibility to the cause.
The villagers who contribute hesitantly are our early adopters—curious yet cautious supporters willing to take a chance.
With his spices, the merchant symbolizes the experienced adviser who refines and enhances our efforts.
The butcher is the industry expert, adding depth and substance to our work.
The children and the vegetables they provide represent our beta testers and focus groups, helping to shape the final product. They also represent the social media adept at spreading the word.
The pace of the villagers reflects the adoption of the new product or service. As the pace slows, more people contribute to the idea that the stone could create a soup, benefiting more individuals.
The soup represents the collective success achieved through entrepreneurial collaboration. And the stone? It captures the essence of entrepreneurship—an idea that, while seemingly simple, evolves into something extraordinary that benefits a wide range of stakeholders.