Social entrepreneurs don’t only launch a business or product with the intention of making a profit. For them, making a difference in society is just as crucial. They are passionate about wanting to make an impact, and they let nothing stand in their way.
Of course, a social entrepreneur, too, wants to earn profit. But he wants to do more too. For instance, there’s Scholly, the co-founder of Cristopher Gray, who is committed to helping low-income students find scholarships for college so they can pursue higher studies.
Yes, all social entrepreneurs start with a positive goal and passion for success. However, not all of them manage to make an impact. Because to make a big impact as a social entrepreneur, you need more than a great business idea. You must have commitment, approach, discipline, and so much more.
Everyone wants to do something good for society. But this isn’t one of those journeys you can undertake without a proper plan. Here are some tips that can help you in your goal and create waves as a social entrepreneur.
1. Work for Your Mission Statement
To say that you want to do something good for society is pretty vague. You have to narrow your vision. Be clear about who you want to serve and how. What problem do you want to target? Let’s be real. The world is facing uncountable issues. You can’t work on all of them. And no one will take you seriously if you make any such claims.
So you have to figure out what problem your target audience is facing that you intend to solve. If you aren’t passionate about a particular issue, you can always evaluate your competence and natural talents to find the answer. The vital thing is to be focused on something specific.
2. Become the Authority in Your Field
Once you have picked your social cause, you have to make an effort to learn everything about it. For instance, if you intend to do something for Cancer patients’ treatment, you should be fully aware of the costs, challenges, and more.
It’s quite probable there’s another social entrepreneur working for the same cause. Don’t view him as a competition but as an inspiration. Learn all there’s to know about your field so that you can get some credibility.
3. Give Your Idea a Unique Touch
If you do what everyone else is doing, how will you stand out? Even social entrepreneurs have to make an effort to do something unique. Only then can you hope to make a significant impact.
Therefore, if you want to solve a problem, make sure you do it differently. Let people know your social enterprise is not following the same run-of-the-mill approach.
4. Never Hesitate to Get Feedback
When you are running a social enterprise, you must learn whether your efforts are indeed making a difference. A lot of social entrepreneurs think it’s enough that they are doing something beneficial for society.
But if your social enterprise isn’t yielding the desired results, is it successful? You can only find definite answers if you reach out to your team members for feedback and support.
Let people whose opinions you value know about your mission statement and then ask for their opinion regarding the progress of your social enterprise. This will also give a clear message that you genuinely care about what you are doing, enabling you to create a big impact.
5. Work on the Business Model
This is one of the most crucial mistakes made by social entrepreneurs. They think that since they are working for a social cause, their enterprise does not need a proper structure. The result? No one takes them seriously, and they miss their chance to make an impact.
Remember, even social enterprises need a proper business model. You have to plan well and think about your investment, services, target audience, and more. Only then can you convince people that you mean business!
6. Arrange Finances from Credible Sources
You are working for a social cause. You want to do something good for society. It wouldn’t do your cause any favors if your financial source is dubious. Do your research to determine where your funding should come from.
It will actually be better if you find financers who share the same passion for the cause as you. This will put you in a better position to make an impact.
7. Stick to Your Action Plan
This doesn’t hold true only for your business plan. It goes for your routine tasks too. If you want to ensure that your social enterprise continues to run smoothly, you have to go by the plan. When you make a commitment, make sure to stick to it. Otherwise, you will lose your credibility.
8. Select Partners Carefully
If you collaborate with someone for your social cause, make sure they are legitimate and genuinely care about their work. By signing up with people who aren’t serious about their work, you will only dilute the effect of your efforts.
9. Focus on Your Growth
Contrary to what people think, working for a social cause does not mean you stop focusing on your own growth. You have to simultaneously work on yourself too. The impression to people should be that you are someone who’s always looking to improve. At the same time, don’t forget to be humble.
10. Take Charge!
There have been too many instances where social enterprises have succumbed to the greed of a few. Don’t let this be the fate of your organization. While it’s perfectly accessible to take feedback, never let anyone forget who the boss is!
It’s Time to Lead as a Social Entrepreneur
When your brand gains recognition, so does the cause that you are working for. Therefore, don’t abandon your efforts of making an impact. Look at the bigger picture and keep in mind how it will ultimately take you closer to your goals.
