Entrepreneur Resources Your source for small business information
While individualism might seem like one of the driving forces of our modern society, the truth is that the silent majority is getting more and more conscious of their effect on the world at large. They expect the same to ring true of their businesses. We’re not going to talk about how you incorporate more social responsibility in your business. That’s all down to your values and how much you’re able to change the business. What we will do, however, is tell you how to display it.
Cause marketing
As a business, you have more than your services and products to offer. You might also have the platform and reach that others could only dream of. If people are paying attention to what you’re putting out in your marketing and PR, then use it to highlight how dedicated to your responsibilities you are. Get involved with charities and nonprofit organizations. Offer them a part of your platform and get involved collaborative projects with them. Cause marketing is an effective way to show that the business is paying more than lip service to the values it’s supposed to uphold.
Physical proof
If you get in touch with customers in the physical world on a more regular basis, then you should use those opportunities to show the physical proof that your business is responsible. For instance, if your business states that it’s about diversity and acceptance, then create premises that are significantly more accessible to people with disabilities. If you present yourself as an eco-friendly business, then don’t give out loads of plastic USB drives during your appearances at events. Instead, click here to see some of the more environmentally sound swag, like tote bags, that you can give out instead. There’s little that’s more effective at making a profound statement than being able to show the physical proof that you support what you say you do.
Celebrate your progress
Most people understand that social responsibility, whether it’s personal or corporate, isn’t a state of being. It’s a journey with a set with goals. Progress is something to be celebrated, not hidden. Just because you were less aligned with your goals before doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t share what good you’ve done since. For instance, if you’re reducing your carbon footprint, then find ways to share that news with the world. You could put out a simple report of the figures before and after your audit. Or you could use your social media to highlight and promote any services that you used to improve the business. Don’t be afraid of those who might think you’re a bit sanctimonious in publicizing these changes. Many more will acknowledge the positive impact your business does, which more often than not translates to more profit.
Showing your corporate social responsibility shows that your business is more than just talk. It gets active with causes and values, promoting consumers to do the same. In return, they’ll get more loyal and even form a kind of solidarity with the business that makes all the most successful brands. Don’t be afraid of dipping your toes outside the business of what makes you money.
