What makes a good company successful in an age where we are blessedly cursed with a wide selection of products in every category? With technology being a widespread disruptor, the business landscape is rapidly changing and making some companies obsolete almost overnight. Do you recall Blockbuster? In our new book The Purpose Revolution: How Leaders Create Engagement and Competitive Advantage in an Age of Social Good, we show that in the present marketplace where almost everything is commoditized, it is critical to build relationships with customers that connect to shared values.
Of course, good products still matter, as do all the other traditional differentiators, but true relevance now comes from connecting with customers’ deepest values and the ability to build an authentic relationship. The value of relationship can be significant. For example, at Unilever, brands that have made a purpose connection with customers, such as Dove and Ben & Jerry's, are growing 35 percent faster than the rest of the company’s portfolio of brands.
The challenge for sustainable companies is communicating corporate commitments in a way that fosters relationships with savvy environmentally conscious consumers. A Unilever study reveals that 33 percent of consumers choose to buy from brands they believe are doing social or environmental good, and that an estimated €966 billion opportunity exists for brands that make their sustainability credentials clear.
Seventh Generation believes in creating ingredient transparency with its customers and several years ago began highlighting the key value attributes of its products on the labels. For example, on laundry detergent: “No dyes, optical brighteners or synthetic fragrances, Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent…[is] made with plant-based ingredients [and] is a USDA Certified Biobased Product 97%.” The company believes so strongly in customer education on this issue that it spearheaded ingredient transparency for all cleaning-product companies with the Cleaning Product Right to Know Act, which became law in California in 2017.
Circularity by Design: How to Influence Sustainable Consumer Behaviors
Join us Thursday, December 5, at 1pm ET for a free webinar on making circular behaviors the easy choice! Nudge & behavioral design expert Sille Krukow will explore the power of Consumer Behavior Design to drive circular decision-making and encourage behaviors including recycling and using take-back services. She will share key insights on consumer psychology, behavior design related to in-store and on-pack experiences, and how small changes in the environment can help make it easy for consumers to choose circularity.
Sustainable consumers may even care more about the environment than they do about their own wallets. Joey Bergstein, Seventh Generation’s CEO, said a 2014 Earth Day ad — which didn’t even mention the products — had a larger impact on sales volume than did all the coupons they offered for a year. In the ad, the company tackled an issue that it felt was important to its customers and invited them to get involved directly. The campaign was much more than a simple marketing effort. It solidified Seventh Generation’s relationships with its customers and reinforced its mission for good.
Because we never know what will resonate with consumers, it’s critical to test your purpose initiatives for business impact and find out what resonates. Today, the marketing is ultimately about building a more authentic relationship with consumers centered around your shared values. Find out how in The Purpose Revolution, which shows business leaders what today’s consumers truly want and offers practical strategies on winning in an age of social good.
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Dr John Izzo provokes greatness in people and companies. He stretches leaders to dream even bigger through intentional leadership. He recently co-founded Blueprint, an NGO at the University of British Columbia that seeks to create a more sustainable world through enhancing men’s contribution to communities.
A bestselling author, John’s books include the international bestsellers "Awakening Corporate Soul," "Values Shift," "The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die," "Stepping Up" and "The Five Thieves of Happiness." His latest, "The Purpose Revolution (How Leaders Create Engagement & Competitive Advantage in an Age of Social Good)," was published in March 2018.
Published Jan 31, 2018 8am EST / 5am PST / 1pm GMT / 2pm CET