The implementation of de-risking by consumers (and potentially voters) is a growing force for restoring the economy, environment and jobs. There is emerging market research that point to consumers embracing de-risking as a key lifestyle component. And there is also growing business documentation that aligning with this de-risking trend affords an attractive revenue growth path for businesses offering de-risking solutions.
Today I attended a great session at Sustainable Brands conference by Suzanne Shelton, President and CEO of theShelton Group. Mainstream consumers are complicated. They know just enough buzz words to make you think they know more than they do, and most don’t actually go green to save the planet. How do mainstream consumers ACTUALLY make decisions about which green products to buy?
The fear of being being branded as a “greenwasher” is holding back many companies from adopting and advertising their sustainable practices. While environmental advocates should continue to hold companies accountable for their claims, it is important for businesses that are going green to overcome their greenwashing fears and connect with their customers. The use of social media is a great way to establish authenticity, trust and transparency in this context.
Sustainable Brands 2010 – Where the Sustainability & Brand & Design Communities Come Together to Build Brand Leadership. Monterey Conference Center, June 7-10. Join 700+ sustainability executives, business and brand strategists, designers, and communications experts who are building brand value through sustainability.
There’s been a lot of discussion about elevating corporate responsibility to become a strategic driver of your business. Most companies would like to benefit from their ethical efforts in the form of increased customer attraction and loyalty, yet few have figured out how to do it successfully. When marketing and PR are relied on, it can often backfire in accusations of greenwashing. The secret is to apply brand-strategy principles to build your ethical reputation.