Knowing your customers and catering to their needs is essential to the success of a small business and being socially responsible is a big part of that.  A Business 2 Community article notes that 84% of consumers try to purchase products or services that are socially or environmentally responsible, while 90% would like to see more of these products and services offered.  These are staggering numbers and a clear indicator that a small business’s social awareness and agenda are key to small business growth.  So, what steps can you take to be socially responsible?

Social Mission Statement

Much like starting a business a social mission statement is the first step in creating a plan to incorporate social responsibility into your company culture.  What does your company care about?  What do you plan to do about it?  Consider holding a company meeting to discuss the concerns and interests of your employees to get everyone’s input and encourage participation.

Go Green

There are many different steps you can take to make your company more environmentally friendly.  Making an effort to lessen your company’s carbon footprint and conserve energy can provide you with several benefits.  Not only will you save money with more energy efficient practices, you will also appeal to customers who place a premium on environmentally responsible businesses.

Volunteer

Volunteering for a worthy cause has long been one of the most significant social responsibilities that a small business can take on.  Not only should you as a small business owner donate your time, you should encourage your employees to do so as well.  Offer incentives for volunteer work and consider a company outing based on volunteer work.  This will help you give back to the community and also serve as a team building exercise.

Donate

Donations come in many different forms and being creative can dramatically increase your giving power.  Offering buy one – give one programs where you donate certain items whenever they are purchased or donating a portion of your daily receipts is a great way to start.  You can also hold fundraising events such as bake sales, car washes and tag sales.

Educate Employees

Educating your employees about social and environmental concerns will shed light on important causes and encourage them to contribute.  Some of your workers may not be aware of the problems the world is facing in these times and making an effort to show them could have a tremendous impact.

Practice Proper Labor Ethics

Social responsibility starts within your organization and practicing proper business ethics is at the core of it.  Make sure your own policies have your employees and customers best interest in mind.  This can start with labor practices as well as compensation and promotions.

Collaborate

Teaming up with another company to attack a social issue can increase the impact of your efforts exponentially.  Cross promotion activities have long been very successful for small businesses and utilizing that same concept can help you accomplish your social goal more effectively.

Hire Socially Responsible Employees

Your employees are the ones that make your business run and seeking out candidates who have shown interest in social issues will help you to create a company culture that is genuinely socially conscious.  Include questions about volunteer work in your interview process and emphasize the importance your company places on such activities.

Be Genuine

Don’t just make an effort to be socially responsible for the benefits your company can receive.  Seek out causes that you truly care about and make a genuine effort to contribute to their resolution.

Follow Through

While many businesses start off with good intentions it can be tough to maintain a culture that prioritizes social responsibility.  Include a brainstorming session during company meetings to encourage an ongoing effort.

Consumers have made a drastic shift towards supporting businesses that have mutual social concerns while in effect boycotting those who don’t.  Know your customer base and tailor your social initiatives around their core beliefs.  This will breed loyal customers and bring new ones in the door who share your views and respect your work.

Click below to learn more ways to grow your small business