What do All Kinder Brands Have in Common That Make Them Sustainable and Effective in the Long Run?
As I was thinking about the subject for this month’s article, I found myself hearkening back to an article I did a few years ago for Baby Boomers and Beyond. It was an inspiring interview with Joy Margolis, a local strategic business consultant, about the Power of Visioning. She spoke so clearly and passionately about Vision Making that I felt compelled to revive her words and connect them to the mission driven, value-based businesses we have been interviewing over the past several months. Here’s what she had to say:
“Vision Making is, quite simply, the process of creating a meaningful life: one based on specific goals and aspirations that are in alignment with one’s values. Those goals can be personal (who we want to be, and be around), business or creative endeavors (what we do for work and/or play), or philanthropic (how we make a positive impact). Effective Vision Makers are creators who make the effort to ensure that their decisions and professional and charitable endeavors reflect who they are and what they stand for.”
When I re-read this, my immediate reaction was: “Yes! This is exactly what our socially responsible businesses do!” But it’s not an either or for them. They do this with their personal and philanthropic endeavors as well. Our kinder brands strive to live in alignment with their values both in and outside of their businesses. And the reason I find this so exciting is because it reminds me of when I was studying life coaching over twenty years ago. The specific life coaching method I practice is based on authenticity, and as we were learning about what this means, my mentor uttered these words: “Authenticity is about being the same person you are from 5 to 9 as you are from 9 to 5.” What she meant by this is that you live your core values wherever you are, not just at work. In other words, if you value and practice kindness and respect in the workplace, then you do the same with your family and friends. Living an authentic life, therefore, means practicing congruency with your core values 24/7.
And this is what I find so compelling about our kinder brands. I know that every interaction I have with anyone in their company will feel similar regardless of whether we’re working together on a project or sharing a meal. Because they value kindness and respect, I know I can count on that in all of our interactions.
So how do values and vision come together? They are inextricably connected. Our core values instruct and drive our visions for our lives and our businesses. I just love what Napolean Hill has to say about having a vision: “Cherish your vision and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” In addition, values serve as guideposts for decision making as we move towards our vision, and they hold us accountable.
For Claudia at Estetica Mia, her vision is to make a positive impact in our community through the transformative power of beauty. And Marine and Jeremey at Brighten Solar hold this vision: to lead the transition to a more sustainable future by providing forward thinking customers a profitable investment.
Socially responsible businesses are fueled by compelling visions that are bolstered by deeply held values. It is this intentional approach to making a difference that makes working with them such a pleasure and a joy!
So, if you’re looking to make 2022 your happiest and most fulfilling year ever, start by identifying your core values, those values that make your heart sing. Then move into envisioning a life, a year and/or an endeavor that makes you want to get up in the morning and start your day with vigor and enthusiasm.
To your health, success and happiness in 2022,
Monica