January is a particularly good time to reflect on what’s happening in your business and see if it’s time for a change. Most of us know the adage “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” And certainly in today’s challenging times, there is no time for complacency. Every business needs to not only ensure they are operating efficiently so that they can remain competitive (which doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest prices!), but also make sure they can differentiate themselves from their competitors.
“Screw Business as Usual” therefore seems a very apt title. But it’s also the title of Richard Branson’s new book, in which he talks about a different way of doing business – a different type of capitalism. Because the essence of the book is “doing good is good for business.”
But what does “doing good” mean and how can it help your business? As business owners we clearly have an impact on society and if we can increase the positive and decrease the negative it really can be a win win situation.
Just a few examples:
Doing good starts in the workplace and how you motivate, train and engage your staff.
Results: retain and attract the best employees; a more productive workforce.
Support good causes locally: fundraising, volunteering, offering support in schools and /or for start-up businesses.
Results: increased reputation – and a nice feel good factor for you and your staff.
Reduce your environmental impact. You can start with no cost low cost options such as a “turn off” campaign when equipment and premises are not being used, but there are loads of cost effective options to consider.
Results: reduced overheads.
There is a great deal businesses can do to “give something back,” but importantly it is about values and ethics being established at the very core of your business. Maximise the benefits by using the good things you are doing as part of your PR by all means. It’s not only fair that you should receive due recognition, but it also helps raise awareness so that we increasingly move towards a value-driven society. And you will also find that being able to evidence your social and environmental credentials is really important in the supply chain. But whatever you do, make sure it’s genuine. People see through green washing and it will do your company more harm than good.
So screw business as usual and start “doing good” – for better business and a better society!
For more information how you can start a better business call us on 020 3411 7888 and we’ll put you in touch with the Organisation for Responsible Businesses (ORB).