The Business Case for Changemakers
I've seen how a changemaker mentality is not just good for the common good, it's good for business. Embracing a changemaker mentality isn't just about making a positive impact; it's about harnessing the power of business potential and being audaciously unafraid to elevate for more impact. Here's why.
Differentiation in a Sea of Sameness: In a landscape dominated by conformity, being a changemaker sets your brand apart. It’s essential to know what specifically is the value your product or company brings. Clients and consumers alike are drawn to businesses that stand out, that dare to challenge the status quo.
Innovation Sparks Business Growth: A changemaker mindset fuels innovation, and innovation, as we know, is a catalyst for business growth. Yes, that sounds cliche. But the vast majority of clients I see “embracing innovation” are just making updates or tweaks, not thoughtful and intentional pivots that truly help a product or offering resonate better with their identified audiences.
Resilience in a Changing Market: The only constant is change, and businesses must adapt - especially ones in what I lovingly refer to as the “oldest economy”, agriculture. Changemakers are resilient in the face of setbacks. They embrace discomfort, learn from failures and lean into the wave, not shy away. This adaptability is a competitive advantage in a dynamic market.
Tips for Business-Centric Changemaking
My last musing unveils the audacity it takes to carve a path through uncharted territories. This changemaker mentality is what has allowed us to find our niche, focus in on the places that will yield the largest returns for us as an agency and I think those skills are just as critical for other businesses too. Here are some things I keep in mind that will help naturally create a changemaker mentality,
Align Purpose with Profit: Prioritize purpose over perfection - I call it knowing your why. We do a lot of work in our discovery and strategy work to clearly define why company exists - it’s larger purpose, if you will. And, research shows, purpose-driven brands outperform their counterparts, creating a positive impact while boosting the bottom line.
Build Strategic Alliances: Building anything alone, is, well, lonely, along with hard and tiresome. Having alliances will amplify your impact and open doors to new opportunities. These alliances should be focused on finding like-minded folks who can help fortify and push forward your goals. You’ve heard the phrase “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far go together.”, this is about just that.
Speak Your Truth: Consumers today value authenticity. Now, “authenticity” is a word, I think, is a little hollow on its own and needs definition to have substance. But when we answer the questions of who you are, what you offer and how you do it in a concise and aspirational way, we can find “the brand on its best day”. And, a brand on its best day has significantly more potential than a brand that isn’t clear on what it’s good at.
The Fulfillment of Business-Centric Changemaking
Being a changemaker isn't just about making a difference; it's about building a business that thrives on innovation, resilience, and authenticity. As you embark on this journey, remember the power to disrupt lies within your business.
Start thinking about how you are adopting a changemaker mentality and what that can mean for your future. And, if you want a sounding board, I’d love to chat about how this approach can inform brand strategy, organizational approach, communication campaigns and most importantly, your bottom line.
Here’s to a more focused and prosperous future!
