“Everything can begin with you. You are the foundation of any change that will happen in your society."
-Thich Nhat Hanh

Never has the need been greater for conscientious leaders in the world. From Wall Street to Main Street, people are seeking out the businesses of these uncommon leaders. To talk with them about their practices and products. To talk about them with their friends and neighbors. To promote and recommend them to their colleagues and community members.

Today, you'll find many leaders worthy of such attention in small businesses. Small businesses whose focus is not solely on the bottom line but rather on a more holistic view where their business operations positvely impact their team members, their communities and their planet.

These change agents do not hesitate to take stands on critical societal and environmental issues. And it's what employees and citizens are demanding now. According to the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer, "60% of employees want their CEO to speak out on controversial issues they care about and 80% of the general population want CEOs to be personally visible when discussing public policy with external stakeholders or work their company has done to benefit society."

It's not surprising to us that we see this kind of action being taken by the leaders of benefit corporations. These leaders can be found in law firms, consulting agencies, CPA firms, marketing agencies, wine bars, botanical shops, nutraceutical companies, to name but just a few.

Their commitment to people and planet as well as profit is crystal clear. What many don't see is the integrity and humility that guides them day in and day out. They're what we call "conscientious leaders." And they're what the famous Buddhist monk above believes are the foundations for change in our society.

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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 do so, 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.

First of all, you can read about 10 essential qualities that the Center for Creative Leadership says define an outstanding leader in 2022. Do you have them?

Secondly, you can learn about 6 DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) resolutions from this recent Forbes article suggesting that every business leader should commit to this year.

Finally, you can discover the reasons why a New York City estate planning consultancy and intellectual property management organization chose to adopt a triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit.

What are the 10 Characteristics of a Good Leader? Leaders shape our nations, communities, and our small businesses. We need good leaders to help guide us and make the essential large-scale decisions that keep the world moving. Our society is usually quick to identify a bad leader, but how can you identify a good one? What would most people say makes a good leader? Read on to discover 10 key qualities that define a contemporary small business leader in 2022. Read Now

6 DEI Resolutions Your Small Business Should Commit to 2022 The summer of 2020 had leaders in every industry re-evaluating DEI strategy and re-assessing workplace culture in the wake of unprecedented global shifts. The unfortunate but unsurprising reality in many organizations is that lackluster efforts have been put forth to cultivate an environment where marginalized groups feel valued. In light of that, here's a list of list of 6 DEI resolutions that companies should focus on in order to thrive in 2022 and beyond. Read Now

How a Mission-Driven Firm Supporting Dramatists Earned its Curtain Call DG Copyright Management or DG©M is a purpose-driven business. It believes in doing work that makes a difference in the world. And it’s the very reason why this estate planning consultancy and intellectual property management organization chose to adopt a triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit. We recently interviewed Deborah Murad, executive director of DG©M about becoming a certified Benefit Corporation for Good and her firm’s motivation for doing so. Read Now

EVENTS

February 4: How to Make a Struggling Coaching Business Wildly Successful
Info here.

February 8: E-Commerce from A to Z: Best Practices for Selling Online
Info here.

February 17: Employment Law & Hiring for Growing Businesses
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.