Corporate Social Responsibility, that’s a mouthful isn’t it? But at its core, CSR is very simple: it’s all about ensuring that your business operates on a strong mission statement and a great set of company values . No cutting corners, underpaying, or smear campaigns. That sort of stuff is irresponsible, and it’s been the downfall of endless businesses before you. But there is more to CSR than just a kind smile and a thoughtful gesture, much more.
CSR is broken up into four branches, each with unique interests and topics to tackle: environmental, philanthropic, ethical, and economic responsibility. How your small business tackles these will be quite different from a megacorp’s far-reaching projects, but don’t pooh-pooh it. When it comes to CSR, no step is too small. That might mean switching to paper instead of plastic, or obtaining ISO 14001 certification, but whatever step you take, you’ll be fighting for the greater good, and that’s admirable.
How Social Responsibility is Related to Small Business
The fact is that almost all businesses in Australia are actually small businesses. In fact, small businesses make up around 98% of Australia’s economy. Walking down the street, you’ll meet more than a few small business owners and that’s exactly why small businesses need to be socially responsible. No matter what sector or size, you should be doing your part and feeling good about it. Use eco-friendly suppliers, organise a local event, or even just switch your computer monitor to one that is more energy efficient. And be proud of these changes, tell your customers about them, let them know that you’re doing right by them, others, and the world and they’ll support your business that little bit more in return.
The Benefits of CSR for Small Businesses
Better Brand Reputation
If you knew the coffee you’re drinking was setting bombs off in the amazon, or the paper company you’re printing from just created a new great desert, you’d think twice about supporting them, right? Well the exact opposite works too. If your business is planting a tree for every major purchase, people will flock to see your new forest grow, and to be a part of it too. Being socially responsible and being transparent about these actions looks good, and that attracts people. Being good makes for good press, it’s as simple as that.
Increased Sales and Profit
Using your company’s contributions to society and the environment as a selling point can be a great way to improve profits. People’s money is made from their hard work, and they don’t want to spend it on things that diminish themselves or others, so knowing that they’ll be supporting a company that is socially responsible is an easy way to turn a ‘maybe’ into a sale.
Happier Employees
Even if you’re a one-person-show, you’re an employee and your happiness while working for your business is important. At the end of the day, you want to have something to feel good about, no matter what you do. That could be a dollar to charity with every sale, and seeing that add up to a new habitat for orangutans in Borneo, or supplies for a family affected by a disease. It could be a few hours a month volunteering your services to a charity or even another small business. Doing good feels good, and people love to see it, so you’ll be meeting friendly faces when you do.
Easier Access to Finance
A bank doesn’t want to trust a business that cuts corners, it’s too risky. You cut the wrong corner and suddenly you’re in trouble with the law then everything goes up in smoke. So, being a socially responsible company looks good on paper too. You’ll be able to receive better loans at lower rates. You’ll also have an easier time convincing people to invest in your venture, and you’ll be able to confidently assuage their concerns.
Small Business Social Responsibility Ideas
1. Environmental Activities
Wherever you look, you’ll see new efforts to be environmentally friendly. Things like recycling bins, paper packaging, and alternative plastics. Because of this, it’s one of the easiest ways to improve your small business’s social responsibility. Just look around and you’ll start getting ideas to make your business more eco-friendly.
2. Philanthropic and Volunteering Activities
You don’t have to volunteer or even pay money to charities to be a philanthropist. Your business can support non-profits in many other useful ways too. For example, you can promote and share their events, causes, and calls for fundraising. You can give discounts to these organisations. You can even support them by exclusively hiring your staff from them. Get creative and you’ll see it’s never impossible to support a good cause.
3. Honest Marketing
Simply tell your customers what they get and how they’re getting it. Giving them the facts of your operation allows them to understand what they’re supporting and gives them a better appreciation of your business. And by respecting your customers to make up their own mind on your operations, they’ll respect you giving them the option to choose.
4. Ethical Sourcing
Do you know how the sausage is made? Many businesses don’t and that blissful ignorance can cost them a lot. One day they wake up and get into hot water with the public or experience supply issues because the piping they purchased from overseas turned out to be made in awful working conditions. Every part or ingredient you’re buying should come from an ethical source, for both your peace of mind and your customers’.
Conclusion
What kind of effects does my business have on the environment and other people? That’s the question corporate social responsibility tackles, but the answers are up to you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others or research how other businesses like yours maintain responsibility. Besides being a worthy effort, it provides unexpected dividends like positive promotion, opening new doors, and higher life satisfaction too. So keep taking steps towards a business that you and others can be proud to support.
//Branded Content
