We all understand the importance of a premium product and outstanding customer service in order to attract new business and retain existing customers. But did you know that 70% of consumers are also invested in how the companies they buy from support social and environmental issues.
This accountability for the economic, social and environmental impacts of your business is known as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and is an integral part of what customers look for. Whether you’re a small sole operator or a multinational conglomerate, customers want to see a reflection of their own values and ethics within the businesses they support. What used to be a corporate bonus is now considered a necessity in the eyes of many consumers.
The CSR scale is infinite and full of opportunity. However it is crucial that anything you choose to do is seen as genuine and related to your business, and not simply done ‘for the sake of it’. Within your own business there is a wealth of information, potential and resources that can improve the world around you. For example, a Food Service business might choose to deliver any food left over at the end of the day to a local homeless shelter.
You may already be dabbling in CSR without even knowing it. By utilising Formitize, you’re a paperless business (or one that is heading in that direction) which means you’re leaving a smaller environmental footprint in your wake. But there are so many causes that would greatly benefit from some genuine time and investment, which would make your own business look admirable and provide a sense of fulfillment and pride.
As 2021 winds down and we face the brink of a new year, now is a great time to reflect on what really matters to you (personally and professionally) and what is important to your customers. Make 2022 the year that your business stands for something greater than itself.
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