Let’s Talk Good Business!
Networking events are finally back and we couldn’t be happier! Last week, we attended Canopy's 2nd Annual Good Business Summit as guests of our client, Wilson & Muir Bank, a sponsor of the event. Canopy Kentucky’s mission is to, “Grow Kentucky businesses to positively impact people, our planet, and our future.” At Cambium, we recognize nonprofit organizations and local governments need help when it comes to solving our toughest social and environmental challenges. Kentucky needs a new tool to drive business results, amplify economic development, and catalyze positive social and environmental change.
The summit held a highly acclaimed panel of business professionals, including Kim Harmon, Director of Safety and Sustainability at Maker’s Mark Distillery, Dave Christopher, Founder of the Academy of Music Production Education and Development (AMPED), and Johnetta Roberts, Founder and Owner of The 40 & 1 Company. Each speaker shared the innovative ways their businesses are practicing good business by showing up for our local communities and landscapes through equitable and sustainable practices. On top of reconnecting with friends, we discovered new ways to be more socially and environmentally engaged in our community, and as a business and members of nonprofit boards. Below are three of our major takeaways from the Good Business Summit:
1. Talk about the uncomfortable: Whether it’s about unjust policies or educating employees on company failings (we all have them), there are many long-term benefits to transparency and social action.
2. Rethink what sustainability means: Being sustainable means something different for each business. We all leave behind a unique carbon footprint, and there is a responsibility to our community and brand to practice environmentally best practices. Examples include: helping employees reduce their commute, providing in-house child care, finding new ways to incorporate environmentally-friendly practices, or building teamwork skills at a community cleanup event.
3. Invest in your team: Valuing the capabilities of your team means allowing them the space to grow. You can invest in your own team by having annual team progress meetings, allowing time for summits and networking, or offering skill-learning opportunities. Acting on feedback from your team, whether good or bad, shows accountability.
One of our goals at Cambium Marketing is to help our clients build partnerships in our community and guide them through acting on these takeaways. In terms of marketing, this means crafting a socially responsible brand strategy that is sustainable for your business and reflects your values. Contact us to learn how we can help!