How a Business Doing Good for People Doing Good Did Some Good for Itself
As a full-service staffing agency for nonprofits, Nonprofit Professionals Now (NPN) knows a thing or two about doing good. It’s in their DNA. After all, many of the team members of NPN have experience with or working for mission-driven organizations.
Recently, the organization made the decision to become a part of the Benefit Corporations for Good community. They saw a natural fit as their values aligned with other organizations practicing a triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.
We recently talked with CEO & Owner Agnes Zach about becoming part of the certified BCFG community. Here’s what she had to say about it, the reasons for adopting our third-party-standard and most importantly, its impact on her company’s stakeholders.
1. What motivated you to become a Benefit Company?
I have followed the Benefit Corporation movement since it started. I believe it is important for business owners to build values into their companies and then to live and highlight those values in how they do business. The Benefit Corporation designation helps consumers identify the businesses living their values.
2. Was it difficult getting internal support for moving toward this model?
Not at all. We live our values every day and taking the next step to explain, illustrate and support our work was a natural step for everyone on the team.
3. How long did it take you to officially become a Benefit Company?
Not long. I attended an event, talked with the BCFG team, prepared for the questionnaire and completed it in the designated time. I appreciated the review of answers and feedback from the BCFG team and am working on a few updates to further illustrate our commitment.
4. Have you seen any change in culture since you became a Benefit Company?
Not really. We have always focused on clients and this is still happening. If anything, it has become an easier way to explain to potential clients why and how we do what we do.
5. Have you experienced any positive outcomes since becoming a Benefit Company?
Because our primary customers are nonprofits, the BCFG designation has helped nonprofit board members and candidates transitioning to the nonprofit sector understand the uniqueness of our work and illustrates the commitment businesses can make to the social good sector.
6. Would you recommend this business model to others? Why or why not?
Yes. It really is a concrete example of the values we say we have. It is a great reminder and great conversation starter. The assessment tool can be used as an on-going discussion tool with staff keeping the designation alive in our every day work.
7. What is the most important trait to have as a conscientious leader of a Benefit Company?
The people first mentality. It’s hard. As small business owners, there is a desire to do everything ourselves or to believe the adage that no one will ever do the work the way you will as the owner. But growing, serving, engaging with the community requires you to have a team. Your team needs to know they are valued, respected and that their input matters to the company.
8. What lessons have you learned in the process?
BCFG is a supportive community of business leaders. Knowing that you can reach out to other business owners who have similar values is amazing! It makes any conversation easier because you know you are starting from the same values system. Remembering to reach out—now that’s the key!
9. Is being a Benefit Company part of your current brand message?
Yes. Working with our marketing team, talking about the BCFG designation with staff, highlighting the designation in printed and online materials. We’re proud of the designation!
10. What is the single best reason you'd give for another company or peer to become a Benefit Company?
If you really believe in the triple bottom line. If you really want to live your social values with staff and community, then become a Benefit Corporation. It solidifies your strengths, gives you specific areas to grow and develop in and helps you join a community of like-minded business leaders. Another triple win!
You can learn more about Nonprofit Professionals Now here.
You read more about why other small business leaders chose to become a certified BCFG here.
And you can discover the 6 simple steps to becoming a certified benefit corporation here.
~benefitcorporationsforgood.com~