4 Steps to Being a More Conscious Business
A few weeks ago we tackled the trendy topic of conscious consumerism, this week we turn the tables and investigate how to run a more conscious business. But what exactly do we mean by a conscious business?
A conscious business is very simply one that has a clear purpose beyond simply making a profit, and keeps its values front of mind when making business decisions. – Jo-Ann Hamilton, SecretBirds
This doesn’t necessarily mean running a NPO (non-profit organisation) but it does mean that, as a business, you are more concerned and connected with:
- Ethical product management
- Staff welfare and wages
- The environmental impact of your products
- The social impact of your services
- Giving back to the community
- Aligning your vision and mission for the benefit of all
As a conscious entrepreneur you are more aware of the nitty gritty mechanics of how your business operates and what impact it is generating regarding the environment, and communities from employees to supply chain. Every step of the way, you are concerned with positively benefiting the planet with your business, while yes, still making profit.
So how do you do this? Check out these four simple steps below.
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Get clear on your vision
Whether you sell car tyres or hire out venues for different events and celebrations. Get to grips with your Why. And I write this with a capital, because it is indeed a legitimate term. Your business’s Why is your ultimate underlying motivation for beginning the business in the first place.
When it comes to your business — whether you’ve already launched or if you’re still in the whiteboard phase — knowing your “why” will help you stay committed to your dream and help others get on board, too. – entrepreneur.com
If you’re selling car tyres, is it because you really believe that the products you sell are better than the other tyre brands out there? Or do you value the sense of freedom and peace of mind that having a safe and cared for vehicle affords your customers? How can you bring more of this original passion into your everyday dealings with staff, suppliers and customers? Having the guts to stand by your own ethics and vision, will naturally attract others who support this cause.
2. Scrutinize your product or service
This is perhaps one of the most important points of all. How aware are you of the impact your business is having on the environment, communities and broader reach? Ask yourself the following crucial questions:
- If I am selling products, where have the been made? Who made them, under what conditions and what are they made from?
- What is my business’s carbon footprint?
- Is my business promoting ethical and fair conduct?
- How have my investors generated the resources I am now using for my company?
- If my business is a brick and mortar building, what impact am I having on my local community?
- Do my products or services promote a healthy and happy way of life for my customers and for the planet?
Start by asking yourself these 6 questions and dig as deep as you can into what may at first be hidden information about the real impact of your business.
3. Uplift and empower your employees
This goes for all stakeholders in your company; ensure that each person from the level of CEO down to the student intern get fair treatment and an equal voice. Watch with amazement how treating those around you with respect and giving them the autonomy to do their job in the best way that they can, and in a way suited to them, does wonders for your bottom line.
All you’ve got to do is learn from those who’ve come before you. Search engine giant Google was famous for their 80/20 Rule. According to this, employees were given 20% free time to work on absolutely any project of their choice. The idea behind this was that it increased employee motivation while drastically increasing innovation. By putting their employees first, Google was able to become one of the most innovative countries in the world.
4. Set up a CSR program to give back
Lastly, and here is the fun part, set up a CSR program to help you and your stakeholders give back! Did you know that,
A whopping 81% of Millennials expect their favorite companies to make public declarations of their corporate citizenship. – inc.com
And why is this important? Because Millenials are fast becoming the majority base of your employees and your customers too. Again, touching on the motivator mogul, Google has even taken it as far as paying employees to volunteer, so vital is CSR efforts to the success of their brand and business.
If this all seem a bit daunting, and you have no idea where to even start setting up a CSR program, we’ve got your back. At Brownie Points we excel at providing all the resources and support you need to set up your own, completely personalized and epic CSR program. From measuring metrics, to tracking goals, and connecting you to causes in your area – we can provide the ultimate CSR platform for you.
Connect your company to causes you care about and take that big step towards becoming a more conscious company. For more ideas or to broaden your network, get in touch and we will gladly help you out.
