The Greater Good - Volume 4, Issue 7

September 29, 2022 Tom Hering

“Change begins with purpose."
-Alan Murray

In his most excellent book "Tomorrow's Capitalist," Alan Murray, CEO of Fortune Media, talks about his search for the soul of business. As a journalist, Murray cites important research and data points in making his argument for the "force for good" corporation.

Specifically, he uses early 2021 research from Edelman and their Trust Barometer survey. In it, more than 33,000 people in 29 countries are asked questions about trust in businesses, governments and institutions.

Key finding: 86% agreed with the statement, "I expect CEOs to publicly speak out on one or more of these societal challenges, pandemic impact, job autiomatic, society issues, local community issues."

But is there a roadmap to doing that? Are there recommendations effectively communicating that? Yes there is, suggests Edelman.

Business must embrace its expanded mandate and expectations, with CEOs leading on a range of familiar and unfamiliar issues. It's important to take meaningful action first and then communicate about it.
Societal leaders must lead with facts and act with empathy. They must have the courage to provide straight talk, but also empathize with and address people's fears.
Provide trustworthy content that is truthful, unbiased and reliable.
Institutions must partner with one another to solve issues. Business, government, media and NGOs must find a common purpose and take collective action to solve societal problems.

It's also our belief that small business leaders like you can do that, if you aren't already doing so, and help uncover the 21st century soul of business.

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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 that choose to become a Benefit Corporation for Good. Just reach out to us.

Are you ready to become a benefit corporation and a triple bottom line business? Here are 12 simple questions to help you answer that: https://bit.ly/3H5ArYn
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Now about this issue of The Greater Good.

First of all, you can read why an innovative Portland fabricator chose a different path than most businesses in the world of manufacturing. It made the decision to become a force for good in adopting a triple bottom line. Learn more about why this purpose-driven leader chose to do so.

Secondly, you can discover 11 compelling reasons why your company must become a purpose-driven business now. Understand the single most important reason to follow a triple bottom line from 11 outstanding thought leaders.

And finally, from Forbes.com, you can learn what the 5 top traits of purpose-driven business leader are. Do you know which one is critical to building a team of such leaders?

Why an Oregon Fabricator Built Its Biz on the Triple Bottom Line The motivation for Willamette Technical Fabricators (WTF) becoming an Oregon Benefit Company was simple. The business and its founder wanted to inspire other companies in the manufacturing sector. After all, it’s not too common when you talk about a metal fabricator creating environmental and social impact. But that is exactly the mission of WTF. Learn more about this innovative fabricator working in the clean energy space. Read Now

11 Reasons To Build a Purpose-Driven Business Now What is the single best reason to become a purpose-driven business? To help you become knowledgeable about the benefits of building a purpose-driven business, we asked purpose-driven business leaders and CEOs this question for their best insights. From attracting top talent to becoming more problem-resistant, there are several reasons why you should build a purpose-driven business now. Read Now

Top 5 Traits of a Purpose-Driven Business Leader Purpose-driven business leaders are those that place an emphasis on their values and purpose while making company decisions and formulating their competitive strategies. But while they don't always have the same kind of personalities, they do all share 5 things in common. Here are 5 of the top traits of the 2022 purpose-driven business leader. Read Now

HIGHLIGHTS

CONGRATS to our latest certified Benefit Corporation for Good. Here's Alicia Chapman, Owner and CEO of Willamette Technical Fabricators and triple bottom line business. Well done Alicia!

NO COST WORKSHOP if you're interested in learning more about the "why" and "how" for the benefit corporation. We're happy to put on a "no cost" webinar for groups of 3 or more. Either in-person or via Zoom. Just email me at tom@benefitcorporationsforgood.com

Learn more about our 8 standards for becoming a certified Benefit Corporation for Good.

EVENTS

October 5: The Power of 3: Small Business Necessities
Info here.

October 13: BCFG 1st "Happy Hour for Good"
Info here.

October 21: Global PDX Conference - Creating Lasting Global Impact
Info here.

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.