Stories from the Community
How a World-Class Research Firm Found its Big ‘Aha’ in Becoming a Force for Good
When Marzano Research decided to become an Oregon Benefit Company, they knew that a Triple Bottom Line approach to business was the only way for them. After all, they believe that a business must go beyond just making profit to be of value in the eyes of their employees, their clients and their communities.
Recently they felt the time was right to certify those beliefs and practices of…
Who Else Wants to Help Oregon Small Businesses Impact the World?
The Oregon Benefit Company was introduced in January 2014. Yet very few state businesses know about it or the simple steps required to become one. In fact, Oregon lists over 320,000 businesses today but only 1800 of them, or less than .5%, have chosen to become one.
How can this be, you ask?
Well, the plain and simple fact is that there is a lack of awareness. But we aim to change that and need your support so we can spread the word about how a business can commit to making a positive impact on society and the environment in addition to making a profit.
Why the Heck Should I Become a Benefit Corporation in 2019?
It’s a new year and you have been hearing things about this new business model. It’s called a Benefit Corporation.
Are you are intrigued?
It’s based on the principles of the triple bottom line of People Planet and Profit. Perhaps your business already practices some of the principles.
How a Benefit Corporation Captures a Millennial’s Heart
You would have had to be under a rock for the past five years to not have heard about the value of authenticity. I'm talking about authenticity as a brand and authenticity as a leader.
It’s something we hear everyday when we work with leaders of Benefit Corporations who exemplify this in their thinking and behaviors.
And why is authenticity so important?
The Number 1 Strategy for Long-Term Entrepreneur Success: Be Cause-Driven!
There is no magic formula for a startup. But in today’s world, it is not just about focusing on the bottom line – generating revenue and managing expenses. Customers in 2018 make choices not solely on the cost and quality of a product or service, but whether the company itself is doing good.
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.
4 Keys To Connecting with Millennials
You would have had to be under a rock for the past five years to not have heard about the value of authenticity. I'm talking about authenticity as a brand and authenticity as a leader.
The reason for so much discussion is clear. Millennials, now the largest consumer group in the U.S., not only value authenticity but they demand it.
I need look no farther than at my own 20-something sons...
Lesson from Benefit Corporations: Diversity is More than Affirmative Action
Throughout the 20th century, businesses appeared homogenized. But as time passed, huge changes have occurred in our workforce and businesses. The people inside today's companies resemble nothing like those employees just a few short decades ago.
The most obvious difference: You will find greater gender and ethnic diversity across most industries.
What might not be so obvious is that diversity is a major contributing factor for business growth and success. In a recent study conducted by McKinsey Group...
Now Even Investment Firm BlackRock Favors the Philosophy of Benefit Corporations
The movement is growing. It started as a grassroots effort with small and mid-size companies, but this business model of contributing to the greater good is catching on with more influential supporters including, yes, Corporate America.
Last week, a New York Times article reported that “Laurence D. Fink, founder and chief executive of the investment firm BlackRock, is going to inform business leaders that their companies need to do more than make profits — they need to contribute to society as well if they want to receive the support and backing of BlackRock.”
Yes, you read that correctly...
How To Be Green at the Office in 2018
We love Benefit Corporations and Benefit Companies who make a commitment to People, Planet, Profit. It’s a philosophy that is good for your company, the environment and the people we serve.
Yet, sometimes it’s hard to deliver on supporting the Planet and being sustainable in our day-to-day operations. There may even be a perception that being efficient and cost-effective may deter us from going green at the office. But there are simple things that we...
Liberating the "Spirit"of Business: Benefit Corporations
There is a game-changing movement underway. It is one that has been building over the past 20 years, and it’s moving forward with energy, excitement and mass adoption.
It is the force of “Benefit Corporations."
Put simply, they promise a more authentic, honest and transparent business culture. One that delivers...
3 Ways To Measure Your Company's Soul
As the world moves at warp speed and things change in mere seconds, how do you plan for success?
How do you really know if your organization will survive in the 21st century?
Are there clues?
Metrics?
Trends?
Why Become a Benefit Corporation Now
Hope.
Hope for the environment.
Hope for social justice.
Hope for business.
And hope for the world.
You see, we believe we are at that proverbial crossroad where there is no more time. Either we stay...