Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are quickly becoming big priorities for small businesses. Nearly one-third of surveyed employees say they wouldn’t even consider working for a company that lacks diversity, and 76% say diversity is a top consideration when evaluating job offers. Part of creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace (and world!) is investing in sustainable and eco-friendly business practices. Today’s consumers and employees care about supporting businesses that care about people and the planet. Prioritizing social and environmental responsibility demonstrates your commitment to building a better world for all.
But it’s not just good for the planet and your community, it’s good for business. By investing in DEI and sustainability, you attract a more diverse customer base who share the same values (and are even willing to pay up to 25% more to support your sustainable efforts). Plus, you’ll build a strong brand image in the process, helping you stand out from your competition, increasing customer loyalty, and boosting employee morale. At a very base level, going green can help you reduce overhead costs by conserving water and energy.
There are lots of ways to make small, sustainable improvements to your office or storefront that add up in significant ways. Switch out harsh fluorescent lights in favor of LED bulbs (or, even better, natural light). Add a recycling bin to the break room with clear signage about what can and cannot be recycled. And make sure all electronics are powered down at the end of the day. These changes might seem like drops in a bucket, but those drops add up over time, and lots of small drops (you, plus the 33+ million small businesses across the U.S.) can create a big wave.
Pride Month offers a perfect opportunity to focus your efforts on making a positive social and environmental impact. As you plan your Pride celebrations, keep the following tips in mind.
1. Look for eco-certifications
Green business certifications are awarded to companies that practice sustainability and adopt eco-friendly business practices that benefit the planet. Energy Star, Green Seal, and Green America are some eco-certifications you may have heard of. Whether you’re partnering with a local business, ordering swag from a vendor, or hiring a service company, look for businesses that carry green business certifications (or, at least, promote sustainable business practices).
2. Shop local
Small businesses are the backbone of every local economy. When possible, buy from small and local businesses in your community. Not only does this support your economy, but you’ll reduce unnecessary transportation emissions in the process. Sourcing locally cuts down on excessive shipping needs and could even get materials in your hands much faster.
3. Invest in smart swag
People love swag, but let’s face it: all those cheap plastic sunglasses are probably going to end up in a landfill sooner or later. Instead, invest in smart swag that’s better for the planet. Things like reusable tote bags, water bottles, and notebooks made from recycled materials are both better for the environment and more useful than plastic junk.
4. Find a good cause
You don’t have to shell out a bunch of cash to support a good cause. You can donate a portion of the proceeds from an event, partner with a charitable organization, or volunteer in person. Better yet, give employees time off to volunteer or volunteer as a team. Supporting a good cause increases positive brand perception, boosts team morale, and makes a tangible positive impact on your community.
5. Educate employees and customers
Chances are, your employees and customers are eager to do their part in creating social and environmental change. But they might not be sure how or where to start. That’s where you come in. Educate employees and customers on how you can achieve sustainable and social goals together by adopting green practices in their own lives and participating in your initiatives.
A sustainable future
Pride Month is an opportune time to double down on your social and environmental efforts. DEI is in the air, and so is a desire to enact real, positive change. Get started with a more sustainable Pride celebration and keep that momentum going all year long. Visit the Going Green hub for more resources.
This article originally appeared on QuickBooks and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
The top 5 ways to grow your small business
There are a lot of things that keep small business owners up at night, and one of those fears is growth. Growing a business beyond the capabilities of one individual can seem impossible and more 70% of small businesses consist of only one person: the business owner.
Growth requires new skills, more work, and potentially other employees or partners. At QuickBooks, we recognize how exciting and stressful business growth can be. We spoke to some small business owners to ask for their advice about ways to grow your business.
The community had a ton of really helpful tips around managing your time and money, as well as tips for collaborating and finding a work-life balance.
Check out these five tips on how to grow your business:
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Are you just starting to focus on growing your business? If you’re considering bringing on new clients and potential new employees, make sure you’re recording your business processes now to make it easier to repeat them or train someone else to do it when you’re able to.
Tammy Durden from Tammy’s Office Solutions recognizes how easy it is to overlook processes necessary to running your business when you’re the only one doing them. Tammy mentions, “As the business grows it will become much more difficult to find the time to go back to recreate it all,” so, begin recording your processes today.
- Manage money better by understanding profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements (Related: check out our sales tax calculator)
- Learn what business-related expenses can be deducted at tax time
- Formally outline responsibilities in proposals and contracts
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Marketing your business well is key to gaining new projects and clients. A professional website and maintaining social media profiles that make sense for your community are two highly recommended options. Liz Froment from Location Rebel claims that a professional website is “the lifeblood of your business.” Patrick McGinnis also understands the importance of a logo and states, “in many lines of business, image is everything.” Patrick recommends easy-to-use sites like 99design to help your business and website look professional.
Social media is not just for the kids either. Livia Stancu from StorageCraft recommends making your posts more interesting for your community and says, “adding images to your posts is one way to drive more traffic and engagement.” Violette de Ayala from FemCity recommends connecting with others in your industry on social media; she prefers Facebook Groups. Violette shares, “with privacy settings, we are able to connect and collaborate daily on sharing information, tips and updates.”
- Invest in high-quality photos to share on your website and social channels
- Attend networking events online and in your community
- Create and share meaningful content
- Publish a professional website
- Invest in search engine optimization to increase traffic to your site
- Utilize a CRM platform to bring in qualified business leads
- Implement email marketing campaigns to stay connected with current and potential clients
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An important time management takeaway that will have a trickledown effect on all areas of your life comes from Jeanna Gabellini from MasterPeace Coaching, who believes in practicing habits that will increase abundance in your life and business, and dropping habits that do neither. Jeanna says, “Your frame of mind and personality will dictate what is best for you at this moment. I like to incorporate both small and big habits when I want to increase my abundance.”
- Integrate your calendar with your colleagues and clients
- Track time spent on projects
- Eliminate repetitive tasks by hiring a virtual assistant
- Schedule social shares with social media automation programs
- Block specific distracting websites
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- Take time off and unplug to give your mind a break
- Surround yourself with a supportive network
- Create a positive, motivating environment in your home
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- Cut back on emails with real-time messaging
- Substitute client travel with video conferencing software
- Share files with your team or clients from anywhere
For more information, check out this guide on how to structure your business for success.
This article originally appeared on the Quickbooks Resource Center and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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Featured Image Credit: Riska/istockphoto.
