Steps to Starting a More Sustainable Business

Julie Starr • Jun 01, 2020



If you have a business idea, and it is a niche you’re really pleased with, know there is a market for, and want to get the idea going, then where do you start? So many business ideas these days need to be about creating a solution to an environmental or social problem, as for many consumers, that is what they are all about. There is a choice in business, and there is a choice for consumers. We are seeing more and more of them opt for more sustainable or green choices. So if you want a new business to be able to stand a chance, then it needs to have an element of that, and really think about the processes used, the materials, and where things are sourced. 

So with that in mind, here are some steps that will help you get on the way, to get your business started successfully. All while helping you to strike the right kind of balance between business and being sustainable .

Making money and a scalable business

Although many business owners go into owning a sustainable business to solve a problem or provide a more sustainable solution to something, they would be lying if they didn’t want to make money at the same time. If you focus too much on the impact of charitable PR, rather than focusing your business growth on solid economic principles , then your business could come to a bit of a stop. There will be interest with business when they first open, but you don’t want that to tail off. You need to look for ways to grow the business in an economically sustainable way, in order for the business to survive. 

Deciding the kind of business structure you will have

When you are getting a business up and running, there is more to decide than the initial business plan. To start with, you need to think about the kind of business you will have. Will you choose to have it as a registered charity, for example? How about an S corp or a C corp? If you are wondering what is the difference between S corp and C corp , then you need to know before you set up your business. One advantage of an S corporation is that it gives the business owner limited liability protection, meaning that any personal assets to the business owners aren’t at risk, should the business fail. For a C corp, it means that there is unlimited potential to grow, and can benefit from tax deductions for things like expenses. So think about the business structure that you want to have before you kick-off.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel

There is much demand for sustainable businesses, solutions, and products, in nearly every industry. But don’t think that you need to have a brand new concept in order to start your business. Even common household items that are made in a more sustainable way, such as a hairdryer that uses less electricity or dries without getting too hot, could be an example of a solution. There is an audience out there waiting for more sustainable options, so don’t hang around.

Embracing Sustainability: How To Shift Your Business Efforts For A Greener Future

By Julie Starr • 26 Apr, 2024
Imagine walking into a world where every business breathes sustainability. Great, right? That’s where we’re all headed, and today, we’re looking into how your business can join this green revolution. It’s not just about planting trees or cutting back on plastic; it’s about a total game-change in how we think about business. Reimagining Your Supply Chain Alright, let’s talk about your supply chain. It’s the backbone of your company, and it might be time to give it a little eco-friendly makeover. Instead of just churning products through a one-way street from creation to landfill, think about making it a circular journey. How? By designing products that can be recycled or reused at the end of their life. This little twist not only reduces waste but could also save you some money and spark some serious innovation. Investing In Sustainable Technologies Now, onto tech. Investing in the latest tech can seem like a luxury, but when it comes to sustainability, it’s more of a necessity. Technologies like AI can make your operations super efficient, slashing energy costs and reducing waste before it even happens. And then there’s blockchain. It’s not just for crypto enthusiasts; it can help you keep your supply chain transparent, letting everyone check if you’re keeping your green promises. Empowering Employees And Building A Culture Of Sustainability But technology and plans are only part of the picture. The real magic happens when your team gets in on the action. Start with some fun workshops or team challenges—anything that gets everyone thinking about sustainability. Maybe set up a green squad within the company who can lead the charge and come up with fresh ideas. Remember, if your team is excited about a project, they’ll put their hearts into making it work. Customizing Your Sustainable Transformation Tailoring your sustainability efforts can be tricky, but it’s a lot smoother with some expert guidance, like ZBrains’ Zoho Consulting services. They’re great at tweaking Zoho’s tools to fit just right with what your business needs. Need to track your energy usage or cut down on waste? They’ve got an app for that. Automation? Yep, they can make those repetitive tasks disappear, too, all while keeping Mother Earth happy. Building Partnerships For Sustainable Innovation Going solo can be tough. Why not buddy up? Collaborating with other companies or non-profits can lead to some groundbreaking eco-friendly innovations. It’s all about sharing what you know, pooling resources, and sometimes, pushing for changes that make it easier for businesses to be green. Plus, working together means you can share the spotlight when your cool new sustainable project hits the headlines! Going Beyond Compliance Lastly, don’t just play by the rules—aim higher. There’s a whole world of eco-certifications out there that can push your business to do better. Whether it’s getting a LEED certification or joining the ranks of B Corps, going the extra mile not only helps the planet but also polishes your brand’s reputation. Think about it: customers love companies that care, so why not be the one they love? Conclusion Switching up your business to be more sustainable might seem like a big leap, but it’s all about taking one step at a time. Whether it’s rethinking your supply chain or empowering your team to lead the charge, every little action counts. Ready to start? Let’s make your business not just better, but greener and more resilient for the future.

How To Identify Companies That Match Your Values

By Julie Starr • 22 Apr, 2024
As you try to develop a sustainable brand , you need to consider what other companies you work with. These could be collaboration opportunities or suppliers and vendors that help you develop the product or service you want to sell. But, many companies may not share your values, so how can you identify the right companies that meet your eco-friendly attitude? Make Use Of Marketing Platforms It's frustrating to reach out to multiple companies to identify collaboration opportunities. For one, there’s no guarantee you even get a response, and cold emailing or other measures are rarely successful. However, you can use marketing platforms and their many features and resources to companies or influencers that align more closely with what you feel is right. Various platforms offer unique options that enable you to whittle down possible companies until you find the perfect match, saving you plenty of time. Research Their Website However, you can’t just leap into any partnership since these platforms may have outdated information, or companies could have selected everything they think will get them a partnership. As with any approach, extra research is essential. Once you’ve identified a company that seems to match your values, it’s with checking out their website. Look at their blog and customer reviews to get an idea of where their ideals lie so you can get a more transparent picture. Meet With Companies Businesses can also meet directly with potential companies when they have established the possibility of a partnership. Whether you’re looking for a better green transport service or need central laboratory services , having face-to-face conversations is a must. You can open discussions via video calls before arranging an in-person meeting which gives you the chance to visit their location, such as an office or warehouse, to ensure that you aren’t stepping into something you may regret. Look For Accreditation and Certification Modern businesses require certification and accreditation to back up claims they are the most sustainable or to prove they have adhered to necessary compliance laws and regulations. Usually, you can find this on their website but there could also be PR pieces on various industry news sites that can prove the company has obtained the necessary certificates. Identifying these certificates will add confidence they are the right company to work with. Offer Value To Them While you hope the potential partnership brings value to your company, you also need to provide value to them. This point is key for strategic collaboration as it otherwise means you take without offering anything in return. Consider what your business can do, such as increase their awareness or help them develop new research projects. In doing so, you will have a mutually beneficial partnership that helps both companies achieve the goals they have outlined for the year. Values and Value Every partnership or collaboration should bring value. This value should apply to your business and any partnerships but also your customers. If you can identify companies that align with your brand values, you’ll have an easier time developing a positive relationship that ensures you stay on track to meet your goals.
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