When we were little, our parents taught us to be polite. Do good. At school, we learned that the world has resources, nature, societies, different languages, borders, and economies.
When we grew up, we forgot this. We forgot how we played together outside, how we connected to our classmates, and how we made a bit of trouble at social events around campfires. When we grew up, even more, this mischievousness turned into work life and careers, and a monotonous routine that we adopted. What about fun, excitement, and happiness? It’s only for our social lives, at parties, celebrations, and birthdays.
Have you ever reconsidered, thinking to yourself, is there more to this? Can I work with people who inspire me and make me enthusiastic? Who promotes social change and collaboratively think about the best way to utilize our resources? Nature? Our countries, economies, and societies? Is there a way I can impact my life, as well as the discourse and values according to which I live? I know it sounds overwhelming and utopian. Change? “Let’s leave it to the government, to politicians and decision-makers.”
In the environment in which we live, we’re constantly behind a computer screen: in Facebook groups, on video.
You ask yourself, “even if I did want to change this, where do I start?”
Here are the first steps to maximize your impact and circles
- Look for and join a community that piques your curiosity, or create one yourself
- Find your tribe
- Learn and research what the ongoing challenges are in your country, and around the world. Which of these do you connect with most, and to which of these can you contribute?
- Real change does not depend on the government. Real leaders are among us, and today, each and every one of us can be a leader, if we so choose.
Community is a sphere of social activity that lies between the individual and the collective. Community is expressed from within social connection, allowing for a sense of belonging, as well as human and societal prosperity. Communities are characterized by high levels of solidarity between members, and a feeling of value in working toward a joint interest through collaboration and dialogue. In order for a community to prosper, it’s crucial to create a framework for activity, establish boundaries, and recognize leaders.
For businesses working in the societal or environmental fields, A community has the potential to double your inertia and drive your growth. In 2015, the global community came together, members of the UN, and announced 17 international standards, the Sustainable Development Goals. These goals aimed to solve global challenges that bring about unbelievable distress to us all: hunger, in access to water, pollution, poverty, health, welfare, equal education, gender equality, renewable energy, equal livelihood opportunities, and integrating all pockets of society so that we can all access a life of modern dignity and awareness. Sustainable economic, social, and environmental development, to ensure that we do not damage the future generations’ lives.
The SDGs: Doubling the power of your business
There are a number of ways in which businesses can take an active role in working towards these goals. From the supply chain to activities with communities and local partners to create collective and honest discourse, and to connecting with stakeholders in the business world who will get involved in business strategy.
The central understanding here is that we must all get involved in order to create a sphere of social action that connects consumerism with environmentalism. Accomplishing the SDGs requires collaboration between the private, non-profit, and governmental sectors. In my opinion, businesses must be leaders, who can best tie together social and economic needs.
Doubling revenue—both economic and social—will bring about a change in the way we talk about and behave in consuming
An interesting example of utilizing community is Unilever, an international corporation that came about through the merger of two companies, British and Dutch. Unilever, the third-largest company in the world, owns some of the most well-known brands ranging from food, drink, and household items.
The company employs some 180,000 workers in more than 190 countries all across the globe, who promote and produce more than 400 products. Unilever began working in cosmetics, and then began to expand to food and drinks: today they own Knorr, Lipton, and even Ben & Jerry’s. What’s interesting about Unilever, is their commitment to the SDGs and social good, which are deeply intertwined in their vision, messaging, and marketing with communities. The company committed to “do business in a new way: promoting growth while protecting society and the environment.” Unilever released a sustainable living plan as part of its business plan, including sharing messages on its social media and website, in partnership with business initiatives, events, and information. This is an interesting example of how a company implements a value-based agenda, committed to its consumer community.
The Chef’s Initiative #ChefsManifesto: Chefs from around the world come together to combat food waste with the slogan: Together, Chefs are changing the world.” Check it out>>
The public is calling for honesty, for authenticity, and for real value from businesses. This social and environmental discourse is the way to reach the audience and to hardness it toward growth. Communities do not exist in a vacuum. They are expressed through social connections. As such, growth is collective. Businesses cannot grow without a community behind it, and the consumer community will continue to contribute to the company’s economic growth.
This is an unending cycle, feeding increased revenue for both the community and the company.
Wish to know more? Let’s start now
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