Why Your Business Can—and Seriously Should—Be a Force for Good
Fifteen years ago (16 September 2019 to be exact), Simon Sinek delivered his classic TEDX talk in which he ‘unveiled’ three words that have inspired and powered business leaders ever since. “Start with Why”, he said.
And since that day, another word has massively proliferated in business. That word is ‘Purpose’. It seems like not a day goes past where we don’t hear the word in some form (and forum) or other.
But now, something else is taking hold; the idea that every business — yours included — should become and be a Force For Good.
It’s a huge shift.?
Traditionally, success in business was defined by financial gains and shareholder value. But that’s no longer the case. Businesses are increasingly recognized now for their ability to impact not only the economy but society and the planet.?
In today’s world, the concept of ‘business as a force for good’ is more than a buzzword — it's a call to action. With resources, reach, and influence, businesses — yours too — are in a unique position to drive positive change.
Today, customers, employees, and communities expect more from companies. They want to know the values of your business, what you stand for, and how you’re contributing to making the world a better place.
Paul Polman puts it so well with this very powerful yet simple question in his ‘Net Positive’ book (published by Harvard Business Review press):
“Is the world better off because your business is in it?”
That’s a clarion call for all of us.
And the sub-title of the book says it all too: “How courageous companies thrive by giving more than they take.”
Those of us in business have the resources, networks and influence to make a difference. The infrastructure to create meaningful impact is already in place in many organizations—we just need to leverage it with intent.
And when we do that, we get a deeper connection with customers that drives growth in a way that purely transactional relationships simply cannot. Businesses that ‘get’ that see higher employee engagement, customer loyalty, and (as a direct result) better financial performance.
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At B1G1, we see businesses making incredible impacts through integrating positive social impact into their everyday activities. And it doesn’t require massive budgets— small actions lead to transformative change.
They simply link the things they do everyday (sending emails, making sales, having great meetings, welcoming new customers, shipping goods, connecting on Zoom or Teams) to high-impact B1G1 verified projects locally and globally. And doing that can cost as little as 1 cent.
People rightly refer to it frequently as ‘The Power of Small’.?
But it’s also the ‘Power of All’ — members around the world taking small actions and then combining them automatically with the impacts other members are making.
They’re providing clean water, planting trees, supporting education and a myriad of other great things. They truly become a combined ‘Force for Good’ — they’re changing lives from the simple everyday actions they take in their businesses.
The best part is that creating your business as a Force for Good’ doesn’t have to be complicated. You simply start by defining the ‘triggers’ we mentioned earlier (sending emails, welcoming new customers and so on) and then identifying projects that resonate with you and your company’s values. Then, you break it down into tiny actions and processes and integrate them into your business model.
Small actions taken consistently create a ripple effect of significant (and much-needed) change.?
The question isn’t why your businesses should be a force for good—the question is really this: ‘how soon can we make it happen?’ Together with you.
P.S. I’m hosting a special web event to show you how one simple shift in your business can take it from “standard” to truly STAND OUT.
We’ll explore how aligning with a higher purpose can attract loyal customers, engage your team, and transform the way you do business — all with real-world examples and actionable steps you can start right away.Ready to make that shift?
Reserve your spot here:https://lnkd.in/gQymA8My
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22 小时前Spot on Paul - it’s truly so fulfilling to have ‘A Business For Good’
Executive Coach ? Executive Sounding Board & Advisor ? Executive Retreats ? Executive Facilitation ? Strategic Leadership ? Strategic Planning & Problem Solving ? Strategic Partnerships ? Non-executive Director
2 天前If not for purpose and impact why do it at all! Purpose drives outcomes - attracts the team, customers, partners, growth - the list goes on. It’s not enough to make profit without doing it for something bigger. The side affects are so rewarding and fulfilling. Makes life richer, more worthwhile, in my opinion!
Peoplepreneur? Founder | Empowering Leaders To Emerge Self-Led | Self-Leadership Coach | Strategic Human Enhancing Personal Excellence
3 天前Completely with you, Paul ???? Business must be aligned with good. If we dug up the roots, we’d find where the change is needed: people. Often, we are at the end, trying to change that which ought to have been present from the beginning. This reminds me of the book by Truett Cathy, ‘It’s better to build boys than mend men’. Simon is great; I believe people have misinterpreted him and his purpose as WHY. Why is a reason, as humans, we’d always choose an option that is pleasurable rather than painful. Purpose resides in challenges because, without one, there cannot be a sense of fulfilment. The difference between someone having a purpose and someone living purposefully is that the latter actively overcomes challenges that bring him a sense of purpose—a calling. We have, to individually understand what challenges uniquily call us and apply ourselves there. Imagine then, a business is built to stand for good themselves. Aligning to businesses like B1G1 seems almost natural. It’s what we’re aiming at Peoplepreneur?.
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1 周Hi Paul Harley here I would really appreciate being able to have a chat with you or one of your team, I have tried several times to use the contact portal on your page but it just doesn’t like me I basically am seeking some assistance with the setting up process of the Blueflag initiative which when up and running will contribute to your organisation through the mental health for children fund that you have, as that is the whole idea for this idea that I am working on. Thanks in advance - Harley springer The Blueflag initiative
Keeping your Business alive and well through periods of damage and interruption of trading.
1 周The individuals behind superannuation fund investments are looking for excellent returns not purpose. They need returns to fund their non working retirement years including the later stages of very high aged care. If purpose provides returns all well and good .if not why invest in it.