How To Be An Eco-Entrepreneur
Guest Blog Post By Joyce Wilson
As we all become more conscious of the environment, businesses of all sizes must come
together to implement practices that help make today friendlier for tomorrow. We do this through
what’s known as “sustainable” business practices. This simply means that everything we, as
business owners, do puts the environment first. Thankfully, it’s not as hard as you might think,
and you may even save money along your road to launching a green business.
Today’s tips are brought to you by Plan It Green Printing.
Why Sustainability Matters
Sustainable business practices have many benefits for our businesses. First, they can lead to
higher profits. Cool California explains that using LED lights, traveling less, and being more
water efficient can cut your utility bills down. Plus, improving your environmental stance can
help open up a broader demographic of customers since your current environmentally-friendly
customers will likely tell their friends about your earth-loving habits. But, how do you find out
who these customers are?
Using A Customer Data Platform
Finding environmentally-aware customers isn’t always easy. Of course, you can always add
your sustainability efforts to your marketing plan (more on that in a moment) but you can also
use available information on your current customers to see who may have the same values as
you. You do that by implementing a customer data platform. This is the type of program that
helps you dive deep into the minds and buying habits of your customers. You’ll be better able to
see what they want, what they don’t, and where they’re looking for it. Your CDP gives you
instant information, and there are many on the market. This is a good one to consider,
especially if you’re just getting started.
Marketing To Your Target
Whether you’re marketing to existing customers or are a startup looking to gain the affection of
new customers, it all begins with your message. If you’re not sure what that is, Wordstream
offers a list of the top environmentally-friendly businesses that you can follow to get an idea of
their marketing practices. A great place to start is by posting on your social media that you’ve
launched with environmentally-friendliness in mind. Next, confirm that your suppliers share the
Courtesy Plan it Green Printing
How To Create A Sustainability Plan
Creating a sustainability plan will look different for you than it will for other businesses. But there
are five common steps that all small, medium, and large businesses can take. This includes
assessing your current sustainability practices, developing new ones, implementing them,
evaluating each new plan for effectiveness, and putting in a system of continual reassessments
and, if needed, modifications.
You’ve Got This
Whether you’re just getting started or have a solid foundation laid, going green is easier than
you might think. Being a socially-responsible employer means that you’ll draw in the highest
quality workers and customers that are willing to pay a premium to do their part in saving the
environment. Remember, your business moves now may inspire future generations to act
responsibly. In other words, don’t be afraid to get started. You’ve got this!
There were more than 5 million small business applications submitted in the United States in
2022. Many of these won’t make it past the first year, but those that do will likely all position
themselves for success by prioritizing not profits but the planet. After all, we only have one
Earth, and consumers are increasingly concerned about it. It’s time to turn your business green.
From reading the info in your customer data platform to creating a sustainability plan, today’s
suggestions can put you on the right track, and it’s up to you to follow your path toward eco-
friendly success.
Writer Joyce Wilson may have retired from teaching but that doesn’t mean she has lost her passion for education. On her site, Teacher Spark, she is working to build a resource of engaging lesson plans, activities, and other fun learning opportunities for her fellow educators and for parents.
Image via Pexels
