We have the ability to make profit, but we also have the power and capability to inspire lasting change.
Today, bringing home a paycheck is not enough. A Deloitte survey among millennials and Gen Z workers found that three quarters said multinational companies can solve many of the economic, social, and environmental problems they face. The world faces many challenges.
MetLife’s “The Role of the Business”, a survey that reveals how employees would be open to taking a 21% pay cut to work for a company that shares their values, shows just how important it is to have strong values.
It shouldn’t surprise that entrepreneurs who go above and beyond to make a difference or start a movement are often the most successful. This sense of purpose motivates employees and attracts like-minded clients. It gives you the motivation you need to succeed.
Movements don’t just happen out of thin air. You can make a difference no matter your industry.
You may not have much money in the beginning stages of your business. It can be hard to see how you can make a profit when you are worried about making a profit. Your movement building efforts should be a top priority.
This principle is illustrated by the Pledge 1 Percent initiative. It encourages companies and individuals to pledge 1% of their capital or time to charity. This is a small amount that you can give, and it is affordable for your startup. It will also help to lay the foundation for positive future work.
You must first define your social impact to create a movement-oriented culture in your workplace. You should choose a cause that is meaningful for you and your team. One that motivates and gives direction to everyone involved in your startup. Keeping the end goal in mind will guide you as you make important decisions.
Analiese Brown, ShipCompliant’s CEO, stated that the social good should be a result and not an afterthought in an interview with The Business Collective. What is your core belief? It is easier to understand why your business does what it does.
Your efforts to build movement will have the most impact if you can establish a connection between your products and your cause. It is easier to build a passion around your work and inspire people.
Ridecell is an electric vehicle-sharing company that operates with the goal of reducing emissions from vehicle ownership. The company conducted a case study and found that a single carpool could replace seven to twelve private cars. The brand’s efforts have already reduced the number cars on American roads by nearly 20,000.
It is important to find the link, then communicate it using case studies and marketing materials. This will increase enthusiasm and spread the word.
Although most employees want to work in a company that makes a positive difference in the world, it isn’t always easy to see this effect on a daily basis. Entrepreneurs must ensure that their movements are fully integrated into the culture of the company. It should be reflected in company messages, roles and responsibilities as well as in meetings. Employees should be encouraged and supported to join the brand movement.
It can make a big difference in the bottom line for your startup if employees take initiative. Your Cause’s report found that companies with a continuous corporate social responsibility program had a 13% increase in productivity and a 50% decrease in turnover.
A movement is rarely achieved by one person or organization. Partnerships between like-minded individuals and groups are often the key to success. Entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact should look for non-profit organizations as well as other businesses that could join them.
Using a pool of resources can make world-changing efforts more effective than trying to do everything individually. According to The Guardian, 90% of charities and corporate partners see their partnership as adding value and helping them achieve their goals. Your movement will grow more if it can share its resources, networks, and people.
Your goals and initiatives are important, no matter what your goal may be. You can use your company’s resources to inspire others and make a difference in the communities that matter most.
