How Much Does Your Business Have to Change When Upgrading From a Startup to an SME?

Julie Starr • November 2, 2023

So you’ve been working on your crazy idea and you’ve finally made some progress. You’ve hired your first few employees, have a few clients, and you’ve got new products in the works. Things are looking great for your little startup, and you’re feeling good about your chances in the business world.


So now you decide to upgrade to an SME.


Well, it’s not like there’s a test or certification you have to pass in order to be classified as an SME. In many ways, how people class your business and its size is entirely up to them. But if you’re looking to be taken more seriously by the rest of your industry, then there are definitely a few things you can do in order to improve.


It’s time to get more formal with your employees

Having a startup is great because you get to chat with and engage with your employees like they’re friends. However, as things get more serious, you need to start getting more formal. They need to be held accountable for their actions, everyone’s got their own role to play, and you have to start paying them proper wages and giving them decent benefits. These are things that will attract people to work at your company, and it’s also what will entice people to stay.


For instance, you’re going to have to install something like an employee clock in system to keep track of how many people are working, what you owe them, and so on. You’ll also need to consider human resources. You could hire an external team to help with disputes, or you could hire someone for your business if you’ve already got a dozen or more team members.


Team dynamics can change a lot when you start growing your business, but it’s important to maintain your company culture as well. Different companies experience different kinds of growing pains, and many of them usually come from a clash of personalities and differences in the team.


Scaling up your operations and technologies

One of the simple ways to grow your business is to add technology. It’s a lot more nuanced than just throwing together some software and expecting your team to use it though!


You have to consider what sort of technology you rely on or need to use in your business. Some companies find it easier to work together with their employees to figure these things out. For instance, your workers might find it hard to market your business because you’re not using a customer relationships management package. Similarly, you might still be using cheap software or unsecured operating systems that are considered a security risk.


As you scale up your operations, you’ll need technology that can handle the growth. Hiring an IT specialist is one way to manage these expectations, but you’ll also need to consider what’s best for your team as a whole. Focus on technologies that can scale well, and don’t hesitate to try new things and introduce different processes that could make things more efficient later in the future.

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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