“LaserMonks: The Business Story Fifteen Hundred Years in the Making”
By Sarah Caniglia and Cindy Griffith

Reviewed by Isaac Lett

The Cistercian monks behind LaserMonks – an online business selling laserjet ink and other office supplies at a fantastic discount – maintain a uniquely loyal customer base by following the Rule of St. Benedict: kindness, hospitality and charity above all… while operating a $10 million company. Combining ethics and capitalism is not an unusual thing. Many companies have fundraisers for any assortment of popular charities. But LaserMonks.com is steps beyond most.

Authors and cofounders of Monkhelper Marketing Inc., Sarah Caniglia and Cindy Griffith, explain how to go above and beyond:
• Hospitality is paramount: receive all customers with respect and kindness
• Go the extra mile: respond to your customers’ needs quickly and don’t be afraid to make a small investment to reap the benefits of a continued relationship and customer referrals
• Keep product pricing low: help people save money and provide a practical incentive to keep them coming back
• Set a good example: Lasermonk’s customers prefer to buy from an organization that demonstrates civic-mindedness, and makes it a priority to give back to the community
• Invite your customers to become personally invested: connect with charities that have close tie-ins to your client base.

The business story fifteen hundred years in the making is the story of how a group of Monks in Wisconsin and a community of eager helpers started the toner and office supply company to allow their ailing abbey to remain self-sufficient and allow the monks time to help those in need. The LaserMonks story describes this unusual company, focused not on how much profit can be made but what can be done with the profits.

LaserMonks is a blessing for business readers – an unconventional business model that blends socially-conscious entrepreneurship, savvy marketing and excellent customer service. Their story is filled with rewarding lessons, illuminating insights, smart business solutions and building blocks for success.

“LaserMonks: The Business Story Fifteen Hundred Years in the Making” is available through Amazon.com:new. Published by McGraw-Hill Companies. ISBN-13: 9780071495714