Elizabeth W. Gordon, founder and President of The Flourishing Business, LLC, is a visionary leader who has a passion for helping others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and enjoy more of the best in life.
In the wake of An Inconvenient Truth, the eyes of the business world have opened wide to the consumer demand for doing greener business. As a business advisor, I have noticed this trend and the companies that are embracing it. My clients are always looking for ways to set apart their business in order to increase their company’s bottom line. For many companies using environmentalism can be a very effective way of differentiating their business from their competitors.
One example of a company that uses its green thumb to stand apart from the crowd is Greenkarat.com. They sell rings that are made of recycled gold and platinum taken from old jewelry and other items. The company emerged with the goal of starting a trend to limit industrial methods of extracting jewelry’s precious metals and gems from the earth that damage the land and endanger ecosystems. Their market knowledge told them that there would always be a demand for jewelry yet they saw an opportunity to do things differently. Their mission is to “…provide an ecologically and socially responsible jewelry alternative to those who seek change.” Greenkarat rings have been featured in top magazines like InStyle Weddings and are enjoying much international success. While your company may not be able to be as green as Greenkarat, it is wise to observe how the trend of environmental awareness and concern will affect the behaviors of your customer base and, in turn, do what you can to use this trend to your business’ advantage while also taking part in helping this noble cause.
There are many ways you can go green. One thing all companies can do is recycle their garbage. Other potential recyclables include computer hardware and office equipment. Companies can also join one or more green organizations. There are local conservancies and other local and national organizations that can easily be found through the internet. Companies with more money to invest in the cause can use solar panels to reduce their energy needs. Companies can also find ways of becoming a paperless or less-paper-using office.
Becoming a green business just makes good business sense, because many organizations and individuals are willing to pay more or go out of their way to support green companies. If your customer base shares the value of environmentalism, or a segment of your market does, this could be a way to drive new sales and cultivate loyalty within your customer base. The increase in operational costs (if there is one) of doing business the green way, should be offset by the increased margins you will be able to command by increasing your value proposition to the market. You will not only provide your customer with a valuable product or service you will also provide value to the world in which you operate. There is a measurable economic value associated with being a green business, and that value is now being recognized and paid for by the marketplace.
In order to capitalize on the environmental actions your company chooses to take, make sure to promote your efforts by including a section or page on your website that discusses your intentions and explains the measures you’re taking to join this movement. If your business has a storefront, you can put a sign up in a visible area explaining what you’re doing for the environment. We suggest that you don’t print pamphlets since the paper usage runs contrary to the classic green cause of saving trees.
Of all the business trends in the market today, the recognition of the value of being environmentally conscious and eco-friendly is one that I am most excited about. As a business owner you have the power to not only add value to customers but also to make the world a better place. What better way to differentiate your business than by joining the fight against waste and pollution and actively working to preserve our natural resources? For more help with differentiating your company to create increased loyalty and profitability, visit www.flourishingbusiness.com.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Business Green Rewards from American Express - The Best Credit Card Rewards Program
- Make Your Business Green
- Business Green Rewards From American Express for Quick Rewards
- Business Green Rewards From American Express – the Best Credit Card Rewards Program
- Entrepreneurial Woman: Start Your Business Green
- National Programs to Help Make Your Business Green
- How Capcatchers is Keeping Business Green
- Color your Business Green with Eco-Friendly Printing




Overcome Technological Challenges With Help From IT Consultants
By: R. Barkman | 20/12/2009Small businesses often face a number of challenges in the technology area with most small business owners having no idea how to work the newer technology so that it works right for them. However, with the help of IT consultants, these small business owners can face any technical problems head-on...
The Web Traffic Genius - A Work In Progress
By: Trevor Taylor | 20/12/2009When I first came across The Web Traffic Genius Software a few months ago, I was simply on the look out for web traffic software or traffic tools to give me more web traffic.
$12,830/trade L.F.S. Forex system FREE for today only!
By: Rob Trader | 20/12/2009Now this is not your usual worthless freebie that you can get from other so called professional traders. This a very profitable, step-by-step Forex system that can be easily sold for $297.00 or more and has returned profits such as:# $12,830 in one trade; # $3,730 in one trade; # $9.570 in one trade; # $4,100 in one trade
Fast Payday Loan Online - Get Fast Cash For Desperate Situations
By: Matt Couch | 20/12/2009Getting a fast payday loan online is a service that consumers continue to turn to when they have short term cash flow problems and need some quick cash.
Who is Terry Dean and Why Should You Care What He Says?
By: Tammy Morton | 20/12/2009As a network marketer, I try to find new inspiration and knowledge about MLM in order for me to apply new techniques and strategies in the MLM industry. Besides, we have to remember that the world is constantly changing and we should keep up with the changes in order for...
Robert Blackman: How to Go From $85 Per Month to Top MLM Superstar
By: Tammy Morton | 20/12/2009After struggling with my MLM business and also as a network marketer, I finally gave up and tried looking for help in the internet. I searched for network marketing tips and I ended up in the website of Robert Blackman. Known as one of the most successful network marketers today, I...
Do you have a strategy to attract the truly elite consumer?
By: Tom Jacobsen | 20/12/2009If you are supplying luxury goods and services to the financially affluent, how do you attract more clients of the right calibre? You need a specialist firm who are experienced in luxury marketing.
How to Have a Successful Business Venture
By: Simon Johnnson | 20/12/2009It is said that money is the honey of life. When you spend your money to set up a business venture, you would want the maximum profits out of it. Much of the success of your business depends on the steps you take towards it. Of course, a part of...
Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship
By: Elizabeth Gordon | 29/10/2007 | EntrepreneurshipWhether you’re just starting out or you’ve already established a business of your own, here are some things to keep in mind on your ride...
Just Say No to Interruptions
By: Elizabeth Gordon | 01/10/2007 | BusinessHere are three easy ways to make sure you set aside interruption-free time everyday...
The Who Why and How of Networking
By: Elizabeth Gordon | 23/09/2007 | Business OpportunitiesHere are three tips to make networking work for you...
7 Things you Need to Know About Web Marketing
By: Elizabeth Gordon | 21/09/2007 | BusinessHere are 7 things you need to know about web marketing that can improve the functionality and attractiveness of your website, so people can see just how great your business is.
Get Hip to the Business Trends of Today
By: Elizabeth Gordon | 18/09/2007 | BusinessMake your product look cool, your service sound cool and your customer experience be cool.
Direct Mail That Directs Action: Get your Marketing Mailer Opened
By: Elizabeth Gordon | 04/09/2007 | Strategic PlanningDirect mail is a lead generation tool that can be very effective in filling your sales funnel. How can you get your marketing piece visibility and sales? Here are 5 tips for doing just that:
Getting Good People to Do Great Things
By: Elizabeth Gordon | 24/08/2007 | Human ResourcesA successful business owner finds the right people and then instills a passion for achieving the business’ goals into those people. You too can find these people and empower them to do great things using these tips:
Stop the Bleeding: When Things Start to Go Wrong
By: Elizabeth Gordon | 13/08/2007 | Strategic PlanningThe best thing you can do when a problem is detected in the office is to uncover the cause not just identify the symptoms.