Tim Bursch

We live in a beautiful world. - Coldplay
Sometimes it seems ugly though. And really hard.

Please help here or here.

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We all know the man is behind the curtain. The veil is being lifted. We want the real deal.

We are asking where our food comes from. We are breaking down the walls of news. We know the corporate boardroom has been exposed. Our financial system is cracked open and the truth is coming out.

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I can’t wait to read the new book Drive by Daniel Pink. I watched this 2 minute trailer for the book and was captivated. It talks about having a sentence for your life. One sentence to summarize who you are and what you are about.

I get psyched about living a life that is integrated with a mission. People that love their work, their friends and family, and are motivated by a bigger purpose inspire me everyday.

What if you made a personal impact statement? Who and What do you want to impact in this world? How? What will you utilize to do it? One day down the road, what will people say about the impact you made?

My hope: Tim was a voice for overlooked people to business. He helped business see social justice.

What would yours be? Share it here or go write about it.

Image by: Helico

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Is everyone included in social media and digital community? That’s a question I have been wondering about lately.

Are we including people on the margins or seeking connections with those who are different than us? My gut feeling is that we have a ways to go bridging the digital divide.

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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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