5 Ways to Become a More Socially Conscious Business

2 MINUTE READ

Becoming a socially conscious business can be essential in developing your brand.

Social consciousness is an 'awareness of important social issues' (Merriam-Webster). If you want to build a brand that can position itself to be aware and active in moments of rising social issues, here are 5 steps you can take now:

1. Develop Company Values and Set Goals

Before thinking about how to become more socially conscious, you need to understand your own values and principles for your business. What is your mission statement? What has been the overall vision for your business thus far? Once you determine your core values, you can then find ways to implement them into your social impact strategy. Make sure to set realistic goals and objectives that align with your business model. Building a social impact strategy directly from the core of your business will establish authenticity, and will likely be more effective in its execution.

2. Ensure Everyone is Involved

Becoming a more socially conscious business requires everyone involved in that business, directly or indirectly. It shouldn’t just come from the top. They need to understand the issues your company is addressing, why you’re doing it, and exactly how. Everyone has their own stories and experiences that can strengthen the overall social impact. Having a well-rounded and holistic view gives you a better idea of how to tackle social issues and how your involvement can directly bring change.

3. Establish a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

This committee can be dedicated to achieving the goals and objectives set forth in the company’s social impact strategy. Diversity in your committee is the key here. The more diverse the members are, the more viewpoints and opinions can be brought to the table. The committee should meet on a regular basis, with set agendas and talking points that directly correlate with the company’s core values, and objectives set forth to become more socially conscious.

4. Be Prepared to Respond to Current Events and Social Issues

One of the key functions of your DEI committee should be responding to major events as they relate to your social impact strategy. It’s important your company provides the necessary support and reinforcement for those that are negatively affected by these events. You don’t have to take a political stance. The goal here is to address the issue by communicating your existing values and mission as it relates creating a social impact.

5. Keep the Momentum Going

Becoming a more socially conscious company is not a one-time marketing campaign. Social responsibility is an ongoing effort that requires you to continually assess and establish new objectives, stay informed with current events, educate your employees and other constituents, and leverage your DEI committee. Social change is never easy. The hard part is deciding to become a more socially conscious business, but the harder part is actually making it happen.