For at least the past century, the purpose of business has remained more or less the same. This purpose has been to deliver goods and services and to create wealth and economic prosperity.Consumer expectations were that businesses simply deliver on this purpose, and expectations did not extend much further than that. However, in the past decade something has shifted.
Why Every Community Investment Program needs a Brand
I was proud to have presented at the February Conference Board of Canada's Corporate Community Investment Council meeting in Toronto. I shared the Canadian Oil Sands "Math Minds" case study, and the key message of the presentation was that every Community Investment program has a brand, whether it is managed it or not. Community investment professionals must embrace a brand mindset.
Top Five Must Watch Trends for 2013
Welcome to the age of Community-Business InnovationFive Trends that Matter for 2013!As we begin 2013, JS Daw & Associates has identified the top 5 trends that will matter for community-business innovation. Based on the power of “&” we will see the amplification of:1) Purpose & Performance = Increased impact and enhanced value2) Nonprofits & Impact = Greater value and differentiation as the sector continues to grow3) CSR & Innovation = The new business imperative4)
2012 Highlights from JS Daw & Associates
As 2012 draws to a close, the team at JS Daw & Associates is proud to share some highlights from the past year. From the launch of Math Minds, an innovative three-way partnership to enhance early numeracy; to a new office, and a growing staff, 2012 has been a very exciting year for our team.The Launch of Math Minds: This past November, JS Daw & Associates was proud to attend the launch of Math Minds – A Canadian Oil Sands Initiative.
From Traditional to Breakthrough Branding
As the number of nonprofits grows and corporations expand their work in the community the philanthropic marketplace is becoming more complicated and crowded. A deluge of overlapping messages is often overwhelming and difficult to distinguish. How can you stand out? How do you maintain and grow support for your work? The answer lies in building a clear, focused and compelling brand. Whether you are a nonprofit, foundation or corporation building a brand for your work in the community is no longer a nice to do - it is the new imperative
Building a Social Purpose Community Investment Brand
This June I was pleased to be invited to speak at a meeting of the Calgary Community Investment Council. When I first attended a meeting of the CCIC the membership was small but growing as the value of community investment was realized. Thanks to those pioneers the organization has grown to well over 100 strong. There is a shift occurring in the world of community investment. CI now means co-creating for social and business value.
Social Purpose + Meaning: The New Nonprofit Imperative
Business has focused on social purpose and nonprofits need to put social purpose on their agenda. How do you create and engage your stakeholders in your social purpose cause? Find and express your organization's higher purpose and focus on impact and outcomes not programs and projects! Organizations that stand for a clear and inspiring social purpose and bring commitments to life through outcome driven action will deepen relationships, foster loyalty, build sustainable organizations and achieve positive social change.
Purposeful Brands for Greater Good
The last few years have seen a huge increase in purposeful brands that not only look to improve their bottom line, but the community as well. Whether its in the form of a social enterprise, B-corp, or simply a company that has chosen to highlight their true purpose, this is a very exciting trend that will continue to change the way business operates in community.
Strategic Purpose + Sustainable Profits: The New CSR Imperative
I am pleased to share with you my recent speech from the Women’s Executive Network Leading Edge Corporate Social Responsibility. “These days brand is king. Companies want to improve their image as good corporate citizens in both the marketplace and in the community. For this to ring true they need to do a lot more than talk the talk.”Leading Edge Corporate Social Responsibility is the title of the session today. So what does this mean and how can you embrace the new thinking and practices to power increased results for your company and society.
Why Every Community Investment Program Needs a Brand
Companies today have so much going on and it can be difficult for community investment programs to get the attention and engagement they deserve. It’s a common concern we hear from our clients, especially if a CI program is viewed as peripheral to the core business. I am a passionate advocate for the need for nonprofits to strategically build and manage their brands.