If your company consistently runs social responsibility programs, but doesn’t take the time or have the confidence in its programs to make sure I know about them, it’s doing me and itself a disservice. Like Walgreens or Rite Aid, CVS is a national pharmacy chain. There’s no visible differentiation between it and its competitors. Maybe […]
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Why Your Mission Should Alienate Some People
When you stand for something, you’re not supposed to please everyone. The misstep of trying to please everybody comes when we don’t stand for something, when we lack an internal drumbeat stronger than the chatter of the crowd. Most people know that the clothing company Patagonia* gives money to myriad environmental organizations. Fewer people know […]
Can Crowd-sourced Solution Campaigns Save The World?
Can crowd-sourced solution campaigns save the world? Yikes, I need a better name for the concept, but here’s what it means: an original body that sets up the framework and partnerships to drive a social solution. The betacup and WeCanEndThis.com are two campaigns I’ve been following. Each brings together corporate, nonprofit, media, technology and design partners […]
How Much Does a Business Need to Believe in Sustainability to Do It Well?
“If you’re pushing sustainability because you think it will enhance the company’s reputation, you’ll have a problem with authenticity, because they’ll be times when your reality doesn’t live up to your rhetoric. But if you’re into sustainability because you think it will drive innovation, then talking about it almost becomes irrelevant.” –Hannah Joes, Nike’s sustainability […]
3 Things REI Should Do to Turn Its Social Programs Into a Social Mission
Dear REI, Your products are good, but you are missing a bit of edge. With you, I’m getting a durable jacket. With Patagonia, I’m getting a durable jacket and helping to save the planet. That’s how Patagonia makes me feel about their products. Pretty powerful, right? The thing is, you are doing good work […]
Air Miles for Volunteering: Oxymoronic? Cause-washing? Genius!
In my view American Express should get a handshake for its new initiative, but many think a slap on the wrist is more deserving. American Express is offering 500 points to members of its rewards program for every hour they volunteer. The program is capped at 10,000 points or 20 hours per year and volunteers must choose […]
This St. Patrick’s Day, Be Good As Well as Green
Americans are renowned for needing little excuse to call it a holiday. But today, St. Patrick’s Day, is not a little excuse (says one-quarter of my blood, but two-thirds of my spirit). Admittedly this post is a bit cheeky, but no matter. I’m using today as an opportunity/excuse/reminder to do something good. I’ve decided to […]
We Can Do More Good With a For-Profit Model: The Lesson of Speed
I used to consult with nonprofits as part of a firm. What I’m about to write comes from my observations doing this work. We can do more good and do it more quickly with a for-profit model. Nonprofits aren’t bad, their model just has some flaws. (more…)
Does Doing Good and Getting Paid For It Leave You Feeling Unethical?
I was reminded tonight of how new the idea of social enterprise really is. Maybe not for you, but take a step back. Not only do some investors or consumers question it, but so do some of us. I just got off the phone with a change agent who is trying to put the pieces […]
Can Bad Manners Can Kill Your Social Mission?
I want to use the story of what happened when I contacted one company for an interview for Cause Capitalism to point out that the way you treat people is a clearer indication of your company’s social mission than who you hire to launch a fancy cause marketing or employee-volunteer program. I’m not hurt by […]
I'm Olivia Khalili. I created Cause Capitalism to show you how to grow your business by incorporating a social mission. I've worked extensively with both nonprofits and for-profits. I found that when you combine the two, you grow your profits, impassion all your stakeholders and do good in the world. Read more.
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