7 Business Areas Where You Can’t Afford To Slip Up On Your Sustainability Goals

Julie Starr • November 8, 2022



We all know that running a business is no easy feat. There are a million things to keep track of, and even the smallest mistake can have big consequences. That’s why it’s essential to be extra careful in certain areas of your business where one misstep could derail your sustainability targets and damage your reputation. So let’s take a look at seven business areas where you can’t afford to slip up on your sustainability goals. 

1. Finances:

Finances are the lifeblood of any business, and it’s no different when it comes to sustainability. Without careful financial management, your business may be unable to meet its sustainability targets. This could damage your reputation and make it harder to achieve long-term success. That’s why it’s important to focus on your finances and ensure they’re in good shape. This will give you the stability you need to pursue sustainable initiatives and reach your goals.

2. Human Resources:

To achieve sustainability targets, businesses must focus on their human resources. This means ensuring that employees are properly trained and have the resources they need to do their jobs efficiently. It also means creating a work environment where employees feel valued and supported. Focusing on human resources can help businesses achieve their sustainability targets by reducing waste, promoting energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions . However, achieving these targets as a business requires the buy-in and effort of all employees, and a strong focus on human resources is essential in making this happen.

3. Marketing:

Marketing is vital to the success of any business, especially those with sustainability targets. Marketing helps businesses reach their target markets, identify new opportunities, and build customer relationships. To achieve sustainability goals, a business must have a clear understanding of what its customers want and need and be able to communicate this effectively to them. Marketing also helps businesses to track their progress and measure the impact of their sustainable initiatives. By focusing on marketing, a business can ensure that its sustainability targets are achievable and that its message is being heard by those who matter most.

4. Customer Service:

To achieve sustainability targets, it is important to focus on creating a positive customer experience. When customers are happy with the service they receive, they are more likely to return and recommend your business to others. This helps to create a positive word-of-mouth marketing campaign that can drive business growth. Additionally, satisfied customers are more likely to be forgiving if an occasional mistake occurs, which minimizes the negative environmental impact of running a business. By focusing on providing excellent customer service , you can help your business achieve its sustainability goals while also building a loyal customer base.

5. Operations:

Keeping your business running smoothly day-to-day is no small feat. From managing inventory and supply chain issues to ensuring quality control, there are a lot of moving parts to consider when it comes to operations. A strong operations department requires good planning and coordination to ensure all aspects are running efficiently and effectively in line with targets. A quality operations department also needs to be proactive in identifying any potential sustainability issues and finding solutions, such as reducing waste or using more environmentally-friendly materials.

6. IT:

Companies must have a functioning and efficient information technology (IT) department in today’s business world. The IT department is responsible for maintaining the company’s computer systems and networks and ensuring that all employees have access to the necessary technology tools to do their jobs. Any malfunctions or disruptions in the IT department can have a ripple effect throughout the entire company, costing the business money by interrupting its operations. This is why it is so important for businesses to ensure that their IT department is functioning properly and has the resources it needs to do its job. Some businesses find themselves with a lack of IT experience or competency, which can expose the company to various security risks and vulnerabilities. This is one of the main reasons why IT-outsourcing is such a lucrative market for IT specialists. IT can also be used to support other business departments, such as training departments, in sharing resources geared to support organizational targets linked to sustainability.

7. Sales:

Sales are a key driver of any business, and a slip-up in this department can be costly. To stay competitive, it is essential to maintain a strong sales strategy and keep your sales team focused and motivated. Falling behind in sales can mean losing market share and revenue and may even lead to bankruptcy. To stay ahead of the competition, it is important to ensure your sales team is always on top of its game. This means providing them with the tools and training they need to succeed and keeping them motivated. Companies focusing on sustainability have a competitive advantage over their competitors, and it is vital to use this to drive sales. It is also important to have a good sales strategy in place. This includes developing a good product or service that meets your customers’ needs, pricing your products correctly, and targeting the right market. If you can do these things, you will likely succeed in sales.

Conclusion: 

As you can see, there are many critical areas of businesses where one misstep could lead to big problems in achieving your sustainability goals. However, by being mindful of these areas and taking steps to prevent mistakes, you can set your business up for sustainable success!

Turning the Tide: How Brands Can Engage Consumers on Water Sustainability

By Julie Starr • January 30, 2025
Online conversations about water sustainability are surging. According to Diageo’s latest report , social media discussions on this topic have grown by 186% year over year, reflecting a significant shift in consumer interest. With over 94.3 million search and social media interactions, water pollution, climate change, and regional water crises are dominating discussions. As digital engagement experts, Taiga Company understands that brands must not only participate in these conversations but lead them in a way that is authentic, action-driven, and impactful. Here’s how brands can navigate this rising tide of interest in water sustainability while leveraging digital strategies that drive real engagement. Why Water Sustainability Matters to Your Audience Diageo’s report highlights several key takeaways for brands looking to communicate effectively about water sustainability: Consumers expect brands to take action – Messaging should showcase tangible sustainability efforts, not just corporate commitments. Emotive storytelling increases engagement – Brands that use powerful storytelling techniques see up to a 33% boost in engagement. Timing and relevance are critical – Water-related conversations spike seasonally and regionally. For instance, in India, discussions peak during the monsoon season, while in Mexico, the ongoing water crisis fuels year-round concern. Digital-first strategies are a must – Social media, PR, and digital campaigns drive consumer awareness and action. Brands that align their content, messaging, and engagement strategies with these findings will be best positioned to connect with consumers in meaningful ways. How Taiga Company Helps Brands Drive Meaningful Engagement At Taiga Company, we specialize in helping brands connect with purpose-driven audiences through strategic digital engagement. Here’s how we can help your brand capitalize on the growing interest in water sustainability : Brand Strategy & Thought Leadership - Water sustainability is more than a trending topic—it’s a movement. We help position your brand as an industry leader by crafting compelling narratives and thought leadership strategies that align with consumer concerns. Stakeholder Engagement & Digital Campaigns - Brands that actively engage in these conversations see stronger consumer trust and loyalty. We develop impact-driven digital campaigns that resonate across social media, industry networks, and key global markets. Corporate Communications & PR - Consumers demand authenticity and action. We craft transparent, results-focused PR strategies that showcase your brand’s sustainability initiatives in ways that build trust and credibility. Social Media Marketing & Community Building - With conversations around water sustainability happening online in real-time, brands need an agile social media strategy to stay relevant. Our team creates engaging, data-driven social content that drives awareness, advocacy, and action. The Time to Act Is Now Consumers are paying attention, and brands that communicate their water sustainability efforts effectively will stand out. By aligning your messaging with the right timing, storytelling, and digital strategy, you can build deeper connections with environmentally conscious audiences.  At Taiga Company, we help brands amplify their voice, engage their audience, and drive impact. Let’s make waves together.

Leveraging Social Media to Engage Stakeholders in Environmental and Corporate Sustainability

By Julie Starr • January 27, 2025
Social media has transformed from a perceived "trend" into an essential tool for businesses to connect with their audiences. It is a cost-effective and dynamic way to personalize a brand and foster meaningful relationships with both existing and potential stakeholders. However, many companies miss the mark by focusing too heavily on pushing corporate messaging rather than fostering genuine engagement. When used thoughtfully, social media becomes a bridge between the corporate world and its stakeholders, especially when addressing critical topics like environmental and corporate sustainability. Why Social Media Matters for Sustainability Engagement Social media provides businesses with an opportunity to access and leverage social intelligence—the insights gained from observing and analyzing online conversations. This intelligence is invaluable for understanding stakeholder concerns, interests, and values. By utilizing social media’s openness and users’ willingness to discuss almost anything online, companies can gather data to inform their sustainability strategies and communication efforts. Stakeholders today expect more than generic corporate messaging. They want to see how companies align their actions with broader sustainability goals. Social media is a platform where businesses can showcase transparency, share progress, and create dialogue around environmental and corporate responsibility initiatives. Crafting a Stakeholder-Centric Social Media Strategy A successful social media strategy starts with understanding what stakeholders care about. To create content that resonates, consider the following guiding questions: What are the primary incentives or goals that stakeholders prioritize? Tailor your content to highlight how your sustainability initiatives address these priorities. What preconceived ideas do stakeholders have about the issues being communicated? Address these head-on to build trust and credibility. What concerns or objections might stakeholders raise? Anticipate and respond to these concerns in a transparent and constructive manner. What communication styles resonate with your audience? Determine whether stakeholders respond better to data-driven content or inspiring narratives and adapt accordingly. How does your messaging align with corporate values? Reinforce your company’s commitment to sustainability through consistent and value-driven communication. What metaphors, images, or stories will appeal to stakeholders? Use visuals and storytelling to make complex sustainability topics relatable and engaging. Why should stakeholders find your definition of success compelling? Demonstrate how your goals align with broader environmental and societal benefits. What other issues must be addressed to build credibility? Ensure your messaging doesn’t overlook topics that matter most to your audience. What are the intended and unintended consequences of your messaging? Consider how your communications will shape future stakeholder relationships and perceptions. Turning Insights into Action By incorporating a 360-degree assessment of stakeholder engagement, businesses can use social media to: Educate audiences about their sustainability efforts. Showcase measurable progress and impact. Engage in two-way conversations to gather feedback and improve initiatives. Build a community of advocates who share and amplify sustainability messages. The Power of Collaboration and Authenticity Authenticity is the cornerstone of effective sustainability communication. Stakeholders are more likely to engage with brands that demonstrate genuine commitment and transparency. Share real stories, admit challenges, and celebrate milestones. Additionally, collaborate with influencers, non-profits, and other organizations to amplify your message and showcase a collective commitment to sustainability.  Partner with Taiga Company for Strategic Social Media Engagement Navigating the complexities of social media engagement can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Taiga Company, we specialize in crafting tailored social media strategies that connect businesses with their stakeholders while driving environmental and corporate sustainability goals. Let us help you create meaningful, impactful conversations that inspire action and foster lasting relationships.
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