The ‘social good’ mantra in the business world: Gratitude is Attitude
Today, business owners of big or small organizations are accelerating the feeling of ‘infusing social good’ as they are becoming more socially and environmentally conscious.
Organizations are tied to a cause that is not only a part of their marketing gimmick but also assists them in shaping a ‘healthier’ economy. This entrepreneurship movement into a social entrepreneurship venture has helped the organizations to benefit themselves as well as society.
These causes or social responsibilities adopted by companies are not constructed as the panacea to the global troubles. But one of the definite reasons is that through one good cause we make this world a better place. At one point all e-commerce platforms were competing to leverage their business with the awesome product portfolio and the shopping experience for the consumers. However, with these offerings businesses can only do so much. Making a difference to the community increases their performance, initiates employee participation and also builds brand reputation.
Most businesses and entrepreneurs, when first started to adopt social responsibility in their marketing agenda, were giving more significance to education as a way of helping the community. So one of the options were to donate that few extra bucks for education, a simple way of making an effort to educate young minds of the society.
Today, for companies to include these social good models isn’t enough. To stay ahead in the competition they have to have a ‘strong’ social mission with a purpose and become an active participant in creating a change. This allows them to build and maintain loyal customers. Consumers usually do not mind spending that extra bit for social good. But it needs to be genuine.
Adding social purpose to the business strategy doesn’t make much of a difference. To gain that competitive advantage, companies focus on specific business processes.
Out with the old, in with the new
The main purpose of the organization should be to change the way the entire industry does business. The mantra here is - ‘innovation with a social mission’. Nike uses this concept really well through its sustainability campaign. SmartHug is changing the way the corporate world works. They are offering handmade products that are being created by unknown artists. This is to support and encourage artistic society.
Making that competitive edge – edgier
Today, many organizations are working on social good models that deal with the same social issues. One needs to differentiate their brand from the other to generate a more powerful and positive impact. Being innovative isn’t enough if your social issue is similar to the other brand; you need to drive it a bit further. Pepsi and Coke, for example, follow similar sustainability campaigns. Even though it’s with using different approaches, it doesn’t have a strong impact on the community. Using social responsibility campaigns to differentiate the brand is getting tougher. Companies need to be recognized for their disposition towards new ideas and their commitment to the social movement.
Company’s future in safe hands
To ensure a business’s growth and long-term interest ‘social good’ plays a significant role. By actively carrying out social responsibility campaigns the brand gains reputation and respect. Consumers trust companies that have a commitment to creating a positive impact. Consumers prefer purchasing products and services that have a social good benefit attached to it.
Engaging with consumers in a novel way
Connecting with consumers through these socially oriented activities is more effective. When the message is about a social cause and ‘doing good’ for the community, it is much easier to communicate with the consumers. Raising awareness about the social issue and your products that are aligned with it can help you engage better with them.
Happier employees are diligent workers
The employees, current or potential, need to be aware of the social good that the organization is engaged in. People want to work for a company with a purpose, knowing that their work will make a difference. Employees who are in a happier environment will be more ambitious. They will be hard-working, vigorous and sharp-witted. They are the ones who regulate the social mission, build it and execute it.
Last but not least, making a difference feels awesome. It creates a happier, livelier and more energetic atmosphere. This has a positive impact on business growth and future. Businesses get to create a healthier environment, healthier economy and a healthier future for themselves and the community.