The Secret Sauce of Sustainable and Impactful Businesses or Non-Profit
The one thing that the most sustainable and successful businesses and non-profits have in common?
They’re deeply devoted to their social impact strategies and the ways they want to have a positive and meaningful impact in and on the world.
In fact, these strategies underpin all of their decision making and action taking.
BUT despite their deep value and importance, many businesses and non-profits don’t have a social impact strategy.
They often have an impact statement or a mission statement, yes. But a strategy that supports them to bring that statement to life through their work? No.
(If the concept of a social impact strategy is new to you, it can be likened to a marketing strategy that guides your marketing goals, or a business plan that moves you towards your business growth goals. A social impact strategy helps you realize your impact goals).
Why is it so important to have a social impact strategy?
- It acts as an ethical compass in your business/non-profit and helps you make decisions that are aligned with your values.
- It sets the organizational and team culture (and supports you to attract the right people into your business/non-profit!).
- It helps you align your actions with your vision, and move you to where you want to be.
- When shared with your community, it helps you to build rapport and trust, and attract the perfect clients/humans/investors to your work and mission.
Sound like your work would benefit from a social impact strategy? (Hint: ALL purpose-driven businesses and non-profits would benefit from having one!)
Now with no further adieu, here’s the 5 steps you need to take to bring your social impact strategy to life so you can take your impact and your profit to the next level.
Step 1: Ethical Embarkation
Start your journey by defining your purpose with a strong ethical alignment. Ensure that every facet of your social impact strategy resonates harmoniously with your core values and ethical marketing principles.
Consider Patagonia, the renowned outdoor clothing and gear company. Patagonia’s social impact strategy seamlessly aligns with their unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. They take deliberate steps to ensure that all their products are crafted from sustainable materials, while also actively championing fair labor practices. Their dedication to environmental stewardship permeates every corner of their business, from production methods to marketing endeavors.
Step 2: Genuine Goal-Setting with Authentic Connection
Elevate your strategy by setting clear and authentic goals that foster profound connections with your audience. Infuse somatic coaching practices into your approach to enable your team to forge deeper connections with clients and stakeholders, cultivating trust and empathy.
Look to Dove, a brand renowned for its transformative Real Beauty campaign. Dove harnesses somatic coaching principles to establish authentic connections with its customers. Their campaigns transcend conventional beauty product marketing, focusing on promoting self-esteem and body positivity. By addressing profound emotional needs, Dove has masterfully cultivated a dedicated and loyal customer base.
Step 3: Deliberate Actions and Compassionate Communication
Identify key actions and communicate them through mindful messaging that resonates with your audience’s needs and aspirations.
Warby Parker, an innovative eyewear company, embodies the practice of mindful messaging. They adeptly communicate their commitment to affordable eyewear and social responsibility. Their visionary “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” initiative deeply resonates with customers. By blending a practical product with a compassionate mission, Warby Parker makes customers feel like they are part of a purposeful movement.
Step 4: Thoughtful Resource Allocation
Allocate your resources thoughtfully. Ensure that your financial investments, time, and energy are channeled toward initiatives that not only advance your business objectives but also contribute positively to the community and environment.
TOMS, a distinguished shoe company, serves as a compelling example of conscious resource allocation. With every pair of shoes sold, TOMS fulfills its pledge to donate a pair to a child in need. This commitment to giving back is ingrained in the very fabric of their business model, and they allocate resources diligently to ensure this promise is upheld.
Step 5: Holistic Impact Evaluation and Adaptation
Implement a comprehensive impact assessment framework that considers not only quantitative metrics but also the emotional and psychological well-being of your stakeholders. Continuously adapt and enhance your strategy to maximize positive impact while upholding ethical and somatic integrity.
Ben & Jerry’s, the iconic ice cream company, offers a tangible illustration of holistic impact assessment. Their success isn’t solely measured in profits; it extends to an evaluation of their social and environmental impact. Regularly reporting on their progress toward sustainability goals, Ben & Jerry’s demonstrates their unwavering commitment to these values. Customer surveys underscore that consumers deeply appreciate this dedication, even if it entails slightly higher prices.
Want support developing your social impact strategy, or rolling it out in your business/workplace/non-profit?
Book an obligation-free call with me here, and let’s chat about how I can best help you!
