Stories from the Community
Don’t Fake It! People "Sniff Out" Greenwashing
APPLAUSE please…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…
4 Hard-Learned Lessons about Inspiring a Movement
It was 90 days ago.
That’s all it has been since the launch of our new book “Putting Soul Into Business: How the Benefit Corporation is Transforming American Business for Good.” And while we are pleased with getting it written and into the hands of good organizations and good people, we know our real work has just begun.
Why Should a Brewery Become a Benefit Company?
From Voodoo Donuts to Forest Park to food carts, Oregon is proud of its many unique attractions. At the top of the list for many people is the fact that this is a world-class beer state with many Oregonians proud of this thriving and energetic industry. It is a part of…
Trust: An Imperative for Benefit Corporations
It’s a new world. Where social sharing has become a powerful force in our lives.
In this connected world, people depend more and more…
How To Become an Oregon Benefit Company (6 Simple Steps)
If you’re considering becoming an Oregon Benefit Company, you need to follow these six simple steps:
Benefit Corporations: The Path of the New Collaborative Economy
There is a buzz.
It’s about a new business model transforming American Business and evangelizing the spirit of collaboration for the common good as well as to create profit and success.
It is taking hold across country through…
How Conscientious Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Benefit Corporations
It’s easy to banter about the “Triple Bottom Line.” And in today’s world it’s trendy to state one stands for People, Planet and Profit.
But the proof is in the pudding. Or to use another cliché, do these companies truly practice what they preach?
How Your Benefit Corporation Takes a Stand
You know your business stands for something special in the world as a benefit corporation.
But do your key stakeholders? Your partners, customers and clients?
Do they understand your plan to make a difference...to help create an equitable world?
How Millennials are Changing the Way Business Works
They are our neighbors, our children, our friends, they are us!
And their influence is growing.
According to just published Pew Research Report on April 11th 2018, Millennials now hold title to the...
Is Your Concept of Strategic Planning Dated?
Truth be told, I have been a classic strategic planner for over 20 years.
I’ve held senior level executive positions in numerous corporate settings with responsibility for facilitating and writing “Strategic Plans"in collaboration with leadership teams and Boards. I’ve helped numerous small businesses and nonprofits with their strategic planning processes. And people have been happy with my work.
I guess I’m good at it.
How a Homeless Army Vet Taught Me the Ultimate Content Lesson on Easter
Coming up with a great story idea or content for a blog post ain't easy.
So when I'm desperate for inspiration, which is more times than not, I go to my usual sources. Doing Google searches on a particular topic, reading quotes from the content sages and visiting my favorite IPA emporium all have helped me become a bit more inspired.
But this past Easter, I was reminded of how such angst about content is so unnecessary thanks to a US Army Ranger veteran I met underneath the west end of the Hawthorne Bridge in Portland, OR.
Lights On: How Compelling Is Your Website's Home Page?
Let's be honest. People go to your website to get a “feel” for who you are. Yes, they want to know what services you provide, but more than that, they want to understand your personality, your brand and what you stand for. A well-branded home page positions you and gives you an edge in increasingly competitive markets. This is done with...
Dangers of the Status Quo: How a Business Becomes Extinct
If you worked in ad agencies during your career (as I have), you quickly learn about being different.
Building a brand, developing a strategy, creating an ad is ALWAYS about differentiating.
Doing things as usual is almost never a good idea.
So why is it we see so many businesses and organizations not clearly setting themselves apart in the "how" or "why" they do what they do?
Why a Cause-Driven Business is What the World Needs
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!
How the Curse of Cats Improves Your Communications
You have undoubtedly heard the expression before.
"Curiosity killed the cat."
Now curiosity might be a bad omen for felines.
However, it is anything but that if you're a business seeking to create high engagement in your communications...
9 Ways To Become More Resilient
Have you ever visited a desert and wondered about the cactus and its ability to survive?
I often visit the deserts of Baja. In my wanderings, the stark and quiet beauty of this ecosystem creates an awe that defines “mindfulness.” A potent experience of stillness and balance between the mountains and sea.
And the regal cactus reigns over all...
How To Measure What Matters (Lesson from a Habitat Build)
It strikes a resounding chord in me.
And I bet I'm not alone.
Your product can only be improved and optimized when you measure what matters.
It's a point that was brought home to me a few weekends ago...
4 Keys To Mastering Outreach
OK, the jury is in. Community outreach has now been deemed one of the most powerful ways to brand and promote your product and your services. Developing relationships with organizations in your community will not only help create customer affinity but gets people to start promoting your business for you!
But the secret is not that you do outreach, but HOW you do it.