The Greater Good - Volume 3, Issue 4
“Dream big. Start small. But most of all, start."
- Simon Sinek
How do you spark a revolution?
Is it even possible given the climate of the world today with such polarized political views and divergent beliefs about the planet's health.
Well our answer is an emphatic "YES!"
And if you ask us to prove it, may we offer up as evidence the 60 certified Benefit Corporations for Good in our family?
They're made up of solopreneurs, two person BIPOC start-ups, small professional services firms along with technology businesses, local retailers, artists and people seeking to do good in the world. Not just because it's the right thing to do but because it's the right thing to do for their businesses.
A look at our post below about the "spark" for such thinking tells you a whole lot more. They're definitely dreaming big even if they're small in size right now. But there's no doubt they have started as revealed by their daily, weekly and monthly activities detailed in their annual benefit reports.
It's about serving their employees, improving their communities and helping the planet. In other words, making a difference in the world.
And if you ask us, that's anything but small.
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Are you a BIPOC business? Helping create an inclusive and welcoming community is the highest priority for us. Because the benefit corporation is a model that embraces ALL people (as well as planet). To further this cause, we are now offering 15% off our certification fee to become a Benefit Corporation for Good to all BIPOC businesses. Just reach out to us.
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Now about this issue of The Greater Good.
First of all, you can read the rallying cry and brand manifesto that captures the spirit of a small business with a conscience and why it bodes well for our future.
Secondly, you can learn about 7 ways to practice transparent leadership, a key value of benefit coporations, and how to bring it into your small business. (Do you practice any of them?)
Finally, you can find out about 11 benefits of humility in leadership.
How a Small Business with a Conscience Sparks a Revolution Your world needs help. Icecaps are melting. Hate crimes against BIPOC communities are increasing. Where do you find hope? How can you help? Where do you start? If you believe a kinder, greener, more equitable world makes for a better life, you're not alone. Close to two-thirds of U.S. adults (64%) say protecting the environment should be a top priority for the president and Congress, according to a 2020 poll by Pew Research. Nearly 60% of citizens say race relations in America are generally bad, according to a 2019 poll by Pew Research. Similar findings show increased negative feelings about the LGBTQ community. Read Now
7 Ways to Practice Transparence Leadership (Are You Doing Any of These?) The world of work as we know it has changed forever and the impact of Covid-19 has meant that we as business leaders have had to adapt the way in which we manage our employees. As leaders, we sometimes forget that we don’t know everything. We get wrapped up in feeling that we’re expected to know all the answers and that we must, at all times, be able to instill confidence in our people through the words we speak. But no matter how hard we try, that can’t always be the case. Here are some of the lessons to keep in mind when communicating with staff during these turbulent times. Read Now
11 Benefits of Humility in Leadership What is one benefit of having humility in leadership? To help uncover that, we asked business leaders and entrepreneurs this question for their best leadership tips. From creating solid company culture to embracing authenticity, there are several benefits of having humility in leadership. Here are some benefits of having humility in leadership:
● Building Foundations for Connection
● Take the Blame, Give the Credit
● Creating Company Culture
● Staying Grounded in the Highs and Lows
● Nurturing the Strength in Your Team
Read on to learn about the other 6 benefits of humility in leadership. Read Now
HIGHLIGHTS
Kudos to Jason Rider, founder and conscientious leader of Thriving Design in Fort Collins, CO, one of our most recently certified Benefit Corporations for Good.
Also, congrats to Marina Martinez-Bateman, founder and conscientious leader of New Coyote, another one of our recently certified Benefit Corporations for Good.
And cheers to the more than 16 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
May 17: Understanding Asian American Pacific Islanders
Info here.
May 26: How To Build a Purpose-Driven Business
Info here.
How To Discover and Share Your Core Values as a Business
Info here.
STAY SAFE AND REACH OUT AT ANYTIME
If we can be of service to you in any way during these challenging times, please don't hesitate to contact either one of us. We mean that sincerely.
Thinking good thoughts for you and businesses.
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? Leaders 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.