“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absense of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion."
-Dalai Lama

As this pandemic-laden year of 2021 comes to a close, we'd like to put the spotlight on some positive news. You see, there are entrepreneurs and purpose-driven business leaders out there committed to making their livelihoods about more than just a contribution to the bottom line. They are actually helping create much needed change in their companies, their communities and their world.

That change can be seen in devoting time and money to advancing social and environmental justice. To making diversity, equity and inclusion a cornerstone of their business operations. To embracing conscientious leadership as a way of bringing more kindness and compassion to their work culture.

So to all the certified Benefit Corporations for Good and certified B Corps, may we say "thank you" for your inspiration, your dedication and your action. Thanks for showing us the way. And thanks for showing us how business can be the change we want to see in the world.

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Are you a BIPOC business? Helping create an inclusive and welcoming community, embracing all, is the highest priority for us. To further this cause, we are now offering 15% off our certification fee to all BIPOC businesses to become a Benefit Corporation for Good. Just reach out to us.

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Now about this issue of The Greater Good. You'll find three of the most popular and viewed posts ever put up on our blog in its 4 years of existence. And all of them were written by my co-founder Mary Anne Harmer whom many of you know is retiring at the end of this year. It's a fitting tribute to all her talent, passion and wisdom. Bravo!

First of all, you can read about what "cause-driven" is and why there seems to be so much confusion. And once you get clear, what are the 4 key questions you must ask if you think you're ready to become a "cause-driven" business.

Secondly, you can learn about the devasting effects on a business by "greenwashing" and the 7 potential signs a company is doing just that.

Finally, you can discover the real importance of "humility in the workplace" and 8 key principles of making it part of your work culture.

Why a Cause-Driven Business is What the World Needs Now? The phrase “cause-driven” gets thrown around a lot recently. I’ve heard myself say these exact words: “I finally left the corporate world as I want to use my marketing expertise to help organizations who are 'cause-driven' and hold the same values I do.” Well I’m busted! First that sounds a little righteous, as many corporations and for-profit companies exist within the business world that are cause-driven. Second, do we even understand what it means to be cause-driven? And who decides whether an organization is cause-driven? Read on for the 4 key questions to answer in becoming a cause-driven business. Read Now

Don't Fake It! People "Sniff Out" Greenwashing APPLAUSE…to all those businesses large and small sincerely committed to the triple bottom line of “People, Planet, Profit.” These include social enterprises, B Corps, Benefit Companies and other cause-driven organizations that believe “doing good is good for business.” These are the authentic ones. Those with honest and sincere efforts. Every day putting into practice the principles of conscientious leadership – supporting their employees, vendors, partners, customers and the community. For them, it is not just about the money. But, then there are the others. Read Now

Now Needed More Than Ever: Humility in the Workplace Let’s talk relationships.I mean authentic, sincere and real relationships. Relationships that are based on respect and trust. And not founded on what we can get from one another to further the business. It’s a paradigm shift focused around relationships with employees, vendors, partners and customers that is kind, empathetic, and reflects one of my favorite values: humility. This is a common value we see in Benefit Corporations. They’re committed to the “greater good” while achieving profit. These leaders recognize that relationships based on humility, reveals a business practice that helps them grow their business. Read Now

HIGHLIGHTS

Congrats to our latest certified Benefit Corporation for Good. Here's Garrett Hartwell, president of Power Northwest and a triple bottom line business. Well done Garrett!

Kudos to another newly certified Benefit Corporation for Good. Here's Cari Sweet and Michael Jonas, co-founders of Peace By Lease and a triple bottom line business. Well done Cari and Michael!

And cheers to the more than 21 recertified businesses (more in the queue). To view all recertified Benefit Corporations for Good, go here and click on the "recertified" button to see all the good this community is doing in the world.

EVENTS

December 28: E-Commerce Masterclass: How To Build an Online Business
Info here.

December 28: Ultimate Lead Generation Masterclass
Info here.

January 20: Marketing Essentials
Info here.

2022: THE PLANNER FOR DOING LESS

Looking for a contemporary planner from a certified Benefit Corporation for Good? The Planner for Doing Less features Marina Bateman's story about overcoming compulsive over-working and outlines a unique three-phase process, which you can follow to do the same.


INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING THE SMALL BIZ COMMUNITY THROUGH ADVOCACY?

The Small Business Utility Advocates is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that represents, protects, and promotes the interests of small business utility customers. Energy, water, and other utilities have a direct impact upon the success of small businesses.

As strong supporters of the work of SBUA, Benefit Corporations for Good has seen the organization in action before the Oregon Public Utility Commission and in B2B meetings using expertise and experience to push for equitable treatment for small businesses.

If you're a business leader in the Portland, OR area and want to support SBUA through work advocating for small business, you might be eligible for some compensation for your time and efforts. For details contact diane@utilityadvocates.org.

For more information about what SBUA has been doing generally and in Oregon see www.utilityadvocates.org/news-and-resources.

KNOW OTHERS WHO BELIEVE IN A BETTER BUSINESS MODEL?

Do you know other people who are interested in the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet and Profit? Conscientious eaders and businesses who believe in doing business for the greater good? Then send them this link so they can receive our eletter free every other week devoted, of course, to the greater good!
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If you're interested in seeing the companies we've certified to date, go here.

If you're interested in learning more about our certification process, go here.
If you're interested in becoming an Oregon Benefit Company, go here.