Wants and Needs (1)

Knowing the difference between wants and needs can save your company

Ben and Sandy Johnson have just moved their company into a new office. Business is good, and Ben thinks it might be time to have fun.

Bob: Hey, Ben. How’s the new office?

Ben: It’s really nice. You should visit some time.

Bob: I’d like that.

Ben: Wait until we finish the game room, though. It’s going to be exceptional.

Bob: Game room? Why are you putting a game room in your office?

Ben: I think it might be beneficial for our working environment.

Bob: How will it benefit your staff?

Ben: Well, lots of tech companies have amenities in their offices, and it seems to be working for them.

Bob: That doesn't mean that everything can be formulated the same for every company. It sounds to me like you’re confusing wants and needs.

Ben: What do you mean? Sometimes they’re the same thing.

Bob: Not really. Needs are things that you really can’t do without. Wants are things you would like to have.

Ben: But what’s wrong with wanting a game room?

Bob: There’s nothing wrong with wanting a game room. You just need to remember that the things you want aren't always good for you. And that is especially true in business.

Ben: But what about Google? They offer free meals, fitness centers and nap pods.

Bob: For successful companies, perks like those are offered as part of a carefully crafted business strategy.

Info Cloud
keeping up with the Joneses

One reason we might find it difficult to distinguish between wants and needs is because we’re too busy keeping up with the Joneses.

This popular idiom describes the need people have to achieve or own as much as the people around them. By doing this, they feel they are popular, successful or cultured.

For example, maybe your neighbor just bought the latest cell phone, built a game room in his house, or he bought a new expensive sports car. So then, to prove to others that you are just as good, you go out and do the same thing – even though you don’t really need it.

Or maybe even if you can’t afford it.

Right. And that is where keeping up with the Joneses gets dangerous.

The urge to avoid appearing socially inferior is so strong that some people will actually borrow money or use credit just to make people think they’re successful.

In essence, they’re buying their social status, even going into debt to do it. Sounds like a trap.

Ken, I think it is. Friends, there’s no need for you to keep up with the Joneses. So don’t let the Joneses influence how you spend your money.

Review Skits
Hello, Uncle Bob. It’s a great day.
Well, yes.
Why are you so happy?
Because my new business is doing very well.
I’m not surprised.
You’ve had lots of free advice.
That’s true.
And how about the new office?
Oh, it’s really nice.
Come visit some time.
OK. Let’s go.
Uh… no. No, not yet. Wait until we finish the game room.
The game room?
Oh, yeah. It’s going to be exceptional.
Why are you putting in a game room?
Why not?
A lot of tech companies have amenities in their offices.
Yeah. But all companies aren’t formulated the same.
Hmm, true.
But I really want a game room. What’s wrong with that?
Nothing’s wrong with wanting one. But do you really need it?
Do I need it? Well… Uh, it’s a good perk.
And perks can be offered as a good business strategy for successful companies.
So no game room?
You may need that money for something else.
But I really want a game room!
Remember, Ben, the things you want aren’t always good for you, especially in business.
OK.

Language Lab
amenity  n. 娛樂, 消遣的設備
/əˈmɛnəti/
plural amenities
something that makes life easier or more pleasant;
something that makes a place comfortable or easy to live in
  - The amenities are available for club members only.
這些休閒設施只對俱樂部的會員開放
- The workout center is part of the company's amenities.
健身中心的設施是這家公司員工休閒設施的一部份

formulate v. 用公式表示的，或（照着）複制 [formula n. 公式]
to develop something such as a plan or a set of rules, and decide all the details of how it will be done
- Not every chain store can be formulated according to the company's plans.
並不是每一家連鎖店都可以完全照著公司的計畫去複製

perk n. 補貼, 額外的待遇
something that you get legally from your work in addition to your wages, such as goods, meals, or a car
- A car and a reserved parking space are just a couple of the perks the company offered.
私人的用車跟專屬停車位是這家公司提供部分的額外代遇而已
perk v.使活躍, 振作
1 to become more cheerful, active, and interested in what is happening around you, or to make someone feel this way
2 to become more active, more interesting, more attractive etc, or to make something do this
- I perked up after taking a walk.
我散步之後精神就變好了

craft v. 精心製作
to make something using a special skill, especially with your hands
- The sets for the play were crafted by professionals.
這部戲的背景是專業人員精心製作的
本文指: 詳細規劃
- The weight loss program is crafted according to one's personal needs.
這個減重計劃是根據個人須求量身打造的


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