Sustainability should not be an Achilles' heel for your business.
Sustainability—a term that still confuses many.
"Please, for the love of God, explain to me how to make my business sustainable. Where should I start? I am so lost…" This sentiment is all too common. Perhaps you've even heard more desperate requests: "I don't understand what 'sustainability' means. It's so hard for me to grasp, and I feel like I can never do anything great to make my business more sustainable." Oh this tricky word “great”!
There are many reasons why you might feel that sustainability is an Achilles' heel for your business. Feeling held back and fearful about making big changes often comes from thinking that sustainability needs huge leaps. But what if I told you that you can approach sustainability one step at a time, reducing the overwhelm?
Lots of things can make you feel unready for sustainability, like too much information or new regulations. But thinking of sustainability as a step-by-step process can help ease that stress.
As a first step check where you are now. To see where your business stands presently, consider checking Carroll's CSR Pyramid of Business Responsibilities. This pyramid consists of four levels of responsibilities: Economic, Legal, Ethical, and Philanthropic.
Carroll's CSR Pyramid suggests that businesses should strive to fulfil their economic, legal, and ethical responsibilities before engaging in philanthropic activities. By addressing each level of the pyramid, companies can enhance their reputation, build trust with stakeholders, and contribute positively to society while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Let's break it down even further: at first, you have to make sure you're making enough money to run the business, get your employees paid (that's the economic part). Then, you need to play by the rules—following all the laws and regulations (that's the legal bit). After that, it's all about doing the right thing even when nobody's watching, like treating people fairly and being honest (that's the ethical side). And at the very top, you've got the cherry on the cake—doing good deeds just because it's the right thing to do, like helping out your community or supporting causes you believe in (that's the philanthropic part). So basically, it's about being a good business in every way possible!
When considering how to make your business more sustainable, be sure to identify which levels of the pyramid you've already reached. Assess your current position and begin striving for new sustainability goals according to your business type.
Remember, the first step is crucial in the journey toward becoming a sustainable business.
Ensure you follow the right steps and seek professional advice or guidance along the way.
You deserve to own a business that is sustainable!
Feel free to reach out for a chat!