Tim Bursch

Have you thought about starting your own business? Or a side gig?

If yes then I bet you’ve asked yourself a lot of questions like . . .

Is there a market?

and possibly you’ve come up with enough good reasons to take the plunge.

What if you added this question to the list:
What could you integrate into your business that would make a positive social impact?

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I have friends that are pure entrepreneurs. They are great at business, investing in good ideas, and earning a gazillion dollars.

I also have friends that are in the trenches serving the most overlooked communities in the country. They are brilliant problem solvers, crazy creative, and are able to do a lot with a little bit of resources.

I also have friends that are trying to combine and integrate. They want to serve community and earn a gazillion dollars. They are merging profit and social venture.

Is one better? Does one or the other make a larger impact? What ways are you seeing lines blur between business and non-profit?

Watch soon for details on a Tweetchat regarding social impact, entrepreneurs, and action.

Image credit: D’Arcy Norman

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When a business says they are giving x% to charity do you want to buy more? Or are you turned off?
It seems like some organizations have an authentic value and mission, while others are promoting themselves through cause related marketing.
How do you tell the difference?

Charity just for PR- A company that does a giving campaign, but treats its customers like crap. Does the charity bit redeem the lack of quality in service and products?

Authentic Social Mission- A company that lives it’s mission both in and out. It could be a Landscaping firm committed to excellence in their service and design. And they also plant a new tree for every job done.

Be Heard.

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Is it possible? To do well in business and do good in your world?

A new friend recently reminded me of Tom’s Shoes. When you buy a pair of shoes, someone in need gets a pair too.

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Muhammad Yunus is well known in the social entrepreneur community. He has used business skills to make a huge impact in many people’s lives. His definition of a social business can be found here.

I think social enterprises (think Kiva and Donorschoose) are on the leading edge of positive social change. But what about business? A lot of the news is greed and corruption. Can a bank have social impact? What about a grocery store? Why not?

I believe social business can be any company, of any size, that intentionally integrates a social mission into their business. This could take many forms of investment:
- a coffee company giving to at-risk youth.
- a new way to do classifieds that connect people and benefit communities.
- an investment of profits in a Kiva project.

Business can help change the world and tackle social issues like poverty, racism, the digital divide, and hunger. I know people and business are doing this. Tell me what you see?

Further Reading:

Spotlight: Zack Steven

Where is Poverty?

Tags: change, social business.

I’m looking for companies that have a social mission. Know of any?

Be Heard. Add your ideas.

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I heard about this great campaign on Twitter. All you need to do is make a pledge (give, volunteer, share) and Tyson will give 35 pounds of food to help end hunger. Looks like MN needs some help. Simple. Do it.

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Ok, so most of the time we put poverty in a far off place. Africa, Asia, somewhere else. And I think that is true. Much of the world lives on less than $2.00 a day. Crazy.

We live in a country that has opportunity, a wealth of resources and connections. But are we really that far away from poverty? Here’s what’s happening in our country and our community. This is real poverty for real Americans.

What can we do?
1. Be aware of neighbors near and far. That is what Blog Action Day is about.
2. Be connected. Volunteer to do something. Here’s one idea.
3. Be a resource. It could be money. It could be your time.

We can all do something.

Poverty is here. It is there. It is now.

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Blog Action Day 2008 Poverty from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.

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