In the wild jungle of business, where the corporate lions and entrepreneurial cheetahs roam, there’s a new breed emerging – one that’s not just chasing profits but also prowling for purpose. Let your minds wander and picture entrepreneurs with hearts as big as their ambitions, striving not just for success, but also for significant impact. Welcome to the era of purpose-driven entrepreneurship!
Changemakers
According to a recent study by the Center for Social Entrepreneurship, there has been a 30% increase in the number of social businesses and initiatives within existing businesses over the past five years.
An amazing statistic when you consider the good these kinds of businesses / initiatives could bring!
Allow me to give you an example; My first glimpse of social entrepreneurship came courtesy of TOMS – A footwear and apparel company. In 2006, TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie pioneered the One for One model – giving away one pair of shoes for every pair sold. To a little teenage me, this was amazing! What’s even more amazing is the fact that in four short years, TOMS had donated over 1 million pairs of shoes!
The One-for-One Model
The One for One model has spread like wildfire throughout the entrepreneurial world, adopted by coffee chains, restaurants, clothing companies, and by young visionaries like Yasmin Li – Founder of Impacting The Young.
A shiny new business born in 2023, Impacting The Young has a goal to be the world’s most accessible speaker agency for places of education. However, they understand the impact a simple conversation with the right person can have, and therefore have pledged that for every paid business talk, they will fund a school talk.
This ensures everyone has a chance to be inspired – Not just those who can afford the privilege.
Think about it… instead of just building empires, these entrepreneurs are building communities. They’re not just creating products; they’re solving problems. It’s like they’ve swapped their business suits for capes, ready to swoop in and save the day!
And the best part? You don’t need a fancy MBA or a vault full of gold coins to join the club. All you need is a spark of passion and a load of determination. Because in the world of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, the currency of change is heart and hustle.
Purpose Driven
So, to all the aspiring entrepreneurs reading this, here’s a little piece of advice: Don’t just follow the money; follow your heart. Find a cause that sets your soul on fire and build your business around it. Trust me, the world needs more heroes like you!
Now go forth, dear entrepreneur, and let your purpose guide you! And remember, the world is your playground – so play nice, play fair…ish, and most importantly, remember – Neckties are nowhere near as comfy as Nikes!