Stories from the Community

6 Lessons of Collaboration from the Aspen Grove
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

6 Lessons of Collaboration from the Aspen Grove

Have you ever experienced the beauty of an Aspen Grove? Its regal rhythm and movement? Its mesmerizing sound?

The Aspen tree is a treat for the eyes and ears. Not only is it a lovely tree, but it is also magical as when a breeze passes, and the leaves flutter a peaceful humming melody.

But our love of the tree goes deeper than its impact on our senses.

Many of you may not know that the Aspen Grove is a great metaphor for one of the paramount tenets of Benefit Corporations: Collaboration.

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Dangers of the Status Quo: How a Business Becomes Extinct
Tom Hering Tom Hering

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?

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4 Keys To Mastering Outreach
How To MaryAnne Harmer How To MaryAnne Harmer

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.

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The 1 Secret to Product Innovation
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

The 1 Secret to Product Innovation

How many times have you heard: Yes, we listen to the customer. Yes, we are customer driven. Yes, we design our products based on the customer.

But what really happens to all that customer input?

Generally, a lengthy and robust report is generated from customer focus groups, survey and informant interviews and then...

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Lesson from the Aspen Tree: Power of Collaboration
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

Lesson from the Aspen Tree: Power of Collaboration

At the heart of the benefit corporation is putting people front and center. This can mean customers, employees and key stakeholders. Collaborating with these groups is not only a good idea to boost morale, but it makes great business sense as you gain new perspectives. 

Which brings us to the perfect metaphor for collaboration...

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