5 ways to build a positive brand image through corporate social responsibility

Today’s market seems to be quite good at what creates a positive brand image in the consumer’s mind. There are tons of suggestions from influencers; social media campaigns aim to gain loyal followers based on compatible values ​​and common goals; and solopreneurs have the power and freedom to shape their missions and resources as they see fit.

But what about on a larger scale? What can small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs and large firms around the world do in their enterprises to take a seat at the table of social responsibility and happily share in the rewards that come with a respected brand image?

It’s a part of my job as CEO public relations company advises my corporate clients on how to do greater than just improve theirs corporate social responsibility (CSR) position and then publicize and market it so that the public is aware of their efforts. I’ve narrowed down the key CSR categories to five and will share some suggestions on how you’ll be able to make progress and make an impact in each area.

1. Adopt sustainable practices

The first measure you’ll be able to take to improve your PR image with a socially conscious audience is to shift to sustainable practices that profit the health of our planet and its population. The goal is to reduce your footprint on the environment, and you’ll be able to do this in a variety of ways:

• Energy efficiency: Use renewable energy sources and implement energy-efficient processes and systems. Efforts in this area may be as large as installing solar panels and as small as adding a water cooler to the premises or a water filtering device to the break room faucet to eliminate plastic water bottles on everyone’s desks.
• Waste reduction: To minimize waste, you’ll be able to recycle materials, buy recycled products for your warehouse, and update your packaging materials (e.g., using recycled paper or biodegradable peanuts for shipping as an alternative of bubble wrap or Styrofoam).
• Sustainable sourcing: Ideally, firms can make their supply chains more sustainable through measures corresponding to contracting with suppliers and suppliers using environmentally friendly methods, using Fair Trade certified products, and purchasing goods from local sources and sustainable farms.

2. Invest in community development

The next step you’ll be able to take is to show your commitment to the communities in which you use by connecting with those communities and participating in achieving their goals. Community development it could appear to be this:

• Implementing local employment initiatives: Prioritize hiring locally, which brings jobs and economic support to the local level where your organization is based. This is especially visible in areas with a high unemployment rate.
• Supporting local businesses: When you engage with neighboring businesses in any way that is appropriate for your industry, you each stimulate the local economy and change into a valued member of the community.
• Contribution to social projects: You can make a real difference and create a significant knock-on effect by participating in community development initiatives corresponding to building latest schools, beautifying parks, and helping to establish or fund health care facilities and social services that profit local residents.

3. Support diversity and inclusion

DEI Policy have change into a sensitive topic of dialogue, but in my opinion the concepts of “diversity”, “equality” and “inclusion” are in themselves beyond reproach and are extremely desirable goals in any skilled environment. The measures you’ll be able to take in this regard are based more on common sense than on existing policy and go a good distance towards establishing a fair and equitable workplace.

• Integrate diversity in all processes: Formally promote diversity in hiring, promotion and leadership succession procedures. This demonstrates management’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone inside it.
• Creation of the ERG: Nowadays, employees simply don’t expect to be valued and heard; they deserve it. Employee resource groups are a good way to show support for traditionally underrepresented groups who may not feel as visible and valued as others in your organization. Establishing an ERG as a platform for diverse voices and viewpoints doesn’t cost anything, but it may well repay well in advance when all of your employees feel respected and included.
• Turn on inclusive marketing: Does the world really consist of a typical family of 4 (all incredibly beautiful, in fact) playing in a meadow with their cute puppy? Break through the limitations of outdated visuals and stereotypical messages by respiration fresh and real life into your marketing assets by showcasing all types of faces, places and lifestyles on your website, collateral and social media channels. Your customer base (and a wider one at that) will take notice and take motion to support you.

4. Get involved in philanthropy

Another motion firms can take to increase their CSR is to find causes they consider in and then actively support them. Yes, you’ll improve the image of your PR brand, but you may also improve society in the way you select. Effective strategies include:

• Charitable donations: Altruism is not fashionable, it is timeless. Research reputable charities that align with your organization’s values ​​so you’ll be able to sponsor missions that actually matter to you and so you’ll be able to make sure where your money is being spent. “Corporate greed” turns into “corporate goodwill” when profits are shared.
• Encouraging worker volunteering: If you enable your employees to enjoy the rewards of volunteering – whether through paid volunteer days or organizing company-wide volunteering events – it is not only a incredible team-building and morale-boosting exercise, but also highlights the humanitarian status you wish to build.
• Creating substantive campaigns: Linking your products or services to your chosen goals is a particularly effective approach to strengthening your brand image. For example, pledging to donate a portion of your earnings can increase sales while also drawing attention to a noteworthy charity or community organization.

5. Establish ethical practices and a transparent business model

Finally, I counsel my clients to be as transparent as possible in all their transactions (for example, by posting their policies on their website) and to conduct these transactions in an ethical and reasonable manner.

• Clear communication: Ethical practices require, above all, clear and open communication about who the company cooperates with, whether and by whom it is subsidized, worker policy and business model. Publicly accessible sustainability or social responsibility reports are preferred but not required.
• Fair business practices: It is extremely vital to maintain high ethical standards in all business transactions, corresponding to ensuring fair labor practices and maintaining anti-corruption measures. This demonstrates the perceived honesty and trustworthiness of the company.
• Responsibility: Companies appear trustworthy and trustworthy if they are willing to be accountable for their actions. Admit your mistakes, take corrective motion when you’ll be able to, and solve problems as best you’ll be able to. Public opinion has proven to be completely understanding and forgiving when business sometimes slips up, just because it does with people.

It’s a two-way street

Corporate social responsibility can’t be ignored in today’s work environment. And while it could require some reforms and flexibility on the a part of company management, any measures taken in the name of CSR can only help improve your brand value and position in the industry.

If you do your part by adapting to and embracing the expectations in your current workplace, your external or internal PR team can be in a much higher position to perform their tasks on your behalf, equipped with all the information and excellent news they need to publicize your organization. efforts loud and proud. And there’s nothing shameful about it; in fact, informing the public about your proactive and positive CSR activities shows your commitment to creating a socially conscious marketplace and deserves recognition.