Over past couple of months delivering the AMA TechnoMarkting seminar on social media, web 2.0 and the evolution of marketing and commuincation on the Internet, there's a fun phrase that I've been throwing around and beating up with audiences which I think needs a bit more explanation.

Invariably, when I throw out the "Altruism Before Capitalism" concept, it elicits one of two response types. The first, and most desirable response, is the one where people nod in agreement with the "oh, of course, I see exactly what you're saying" look. The other look is, of course, the look that indicates a complete lack of understanding of the words "altruism" and "capitalism" or a full grasp of the vocabulary but an utter disbelief that the concept can be even close to real.

It is real.

What is Altruism Before Capitalism?

Altruism is defined by Webster as:

1 : unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others 2 : behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of its species

an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market

More coming on this topic...

You're right. It seems that when you're sincerely concerned about the welfare of others (altruism), that the business flows in.