By , Jayson DeMers
Published June 02, 2016
When you’re creating a business from scratch, especially during the ideation phase, things you'll think about will include the product you’re making, the services you’re offering, the cost for rendering these goods and services and how much you'll charge. These factors will comprise the essential foundation for your business, from a logical, mathematical standpoint.
But what about from an ideological one?
Related: Why Should Your Business Care About Social Responsibility?
Most businesses try to isolate themselves, at least in some way, from ideologies or political perspectives, believing that neutrality and non-involvement are essential keys to avoid disrupting the waters. However, serving some kind of social mission can be empowering, and can demonstrate your business’ level of commitment to your community, your environment and the general “greater good.”
This, in turn, will give you more opportunities to promote brand visibility, earn you a higher reputation among your customers and followers and connect you with powerful partnerships already tied to the cause.
The big hurdle then, is finding an ideological or social mission that aligns with your brand.
So, how can you develop a social mission? First, consider the social missions you shouldn’t develop:
As long as you avoid these particularly controversial topics, you’ll be in pretty safe territory. Rather than trying to rack your brain about what would “look best” or be best, start with your brand: who you are and what you offer -- and try to apply that outward. Chances are, you’ll naturally stumble upon some cause or some amount of good that your products or services could be affiliated with.
Related: Lauren Bush Lauren on Running a Business With a Social Mission
If you’re still struggling, the following social missions are almost never a bad idea:
Once you have a solid social mission for your business, you’ll have to implement it throughout your company if you want to see its benefits:
Your brand will benefit by having one “core” social mission, but be aware that corporate social responsibility isn’t inherently limited to only one focus or approach. Your business can have multiple social goals, some of which aren’t even formally documented or publicized. Any time your business contributes to the greater good, you’ll stand to benefit in terms of visibility, reputation and connections -- not to mention the good karma you'll get in the process.
Related: Before Incorporating a Social Mission, Consider These 5 Things
In sum, it's never too late to get involved. If your existing business doesn’t currently have a social mission, now is the perfect time to get started with one.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/how-to-define-and-implement-a-social-mission-for-your-business