Do your clients care about your company's environmental impact? The answer is a resounding yes. A majority of clients prefer to buy from socially responsible businesses that align with their values. Let’s take a look at why.
Clients Want to Work with Eco-Conscious Businesses
According to a survey conducted by Cone Communications, 87% of consumers would purchase a product because a company advocated for an issue that is important to them. Meanwhile, 76% of consumers would refuse to buy a product or service that contradicts their values. These statistics show that clients care about a business’s environmental impact and are willing to put their money where their values are.
It's not just individual consumers looking for socially responsible companies. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of socially responsible investing, where investors choose to put their money into companies that align with their values. This trend is not only driven by personal beliefs but also by the recognition that companies with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices tend to be more financially successful in the long run.
What Your Clients Are Looking For in a Business
# 1: A Company Culture That Aligns with Their Values
Clients want to work with companies that share their values. This includes a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Studies found that 71% of consumers prefer to buy from brands that share their values. The bottom line is that people care! If your company culture does not align with your client's values, it’s often a deal breaker. Your customer will find a better-fitting company to resolve their problem while staying true to their values.
#2: Transparency
Transparency is more important than ever. Clients want to know what a business stands for and how it operates. This includes being open about your company's environmental practices and any efforts you are making to reduce your impact on the environment. Social media is a great way to be more transparent with your audience and focus on building between your customers and your brand.
#3 Authenticity
No more “fake it till’ you make it.” People can sense when a company is being genuine and when it is trying to manipulate or deceive them. Authenticity means being genuine and true to oneself, and it involves being transparent and honest with customers, employees, and stakeholders. When a business is authentic, it builds trust and credibility with its audience.
Authenticity also involves being true to one's values and beliefs and consistently acting in line with them. This helps to establish a strong company culture and create a positive reputation. In today's world, where consumers have a multitude of choices, authenticity can be a key differentiator for a business and help it stand out in a crowded marketplace.
#4: A Focus on ESG
As mentioned earlier, ESG practices are increasingly important to clients. Companies with strong ESG practices tend to be more financially successful in the long run, and clients are taking notice. By focusing on ESG, you can show your clients that you are committed to being a responsible and sustainable business.
Why Do Clients Care About Your Businesses Environmental Impact?
We're all human. We care about people and our environment and generally want to do what is right. It's natural for us to want to support businesses that align with our values and take care of the planet. Plus, nobody wants to be associated with a company that is harming the planet or treating its employees poorly. By demonstrating your commitment to environmental responsibility, you show your clients that you share their values.
Societal Pressure
There is often social pressure to only support businesses that practice social responsibility. This pressure can come from a variety of sources, such as peer groups and social media, and it can significantly impact people's purchase decisions. Consumers may feel pressure to only support certain companies or brands that align with their values or that are perceived as being socially responsible. This pressure can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the values and beliefs of an individual's social circle, as well as the messages and information that they encounter on social media platforms.
Greenwashing: Don’t Do It
Greenwashing is the practice of making false or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company. It is often used as a marketing tactic to appeal to consumers who are concerned about environmental issues and want to make environmentally responsible choices. Greenwashing greatly undermines the efforts of companies that are genuinely committed to sustainability by making it harder for consumers to trust and support them.
Nowadays, the public has become more savvy when it comes to detecting greenwashing, and they are quick to call out companies that attempt to mislead them with false or exaggerated claims about the environmental benefits of their products or practices. In fact, some consumers have even gone so far as to boycott companies that they believe are engaging in greenwashing. This trend highlights the importance of honesty and the need for companies to consider their environmental impact carefully.
Keter Environmental Services: Achieve Your Waste and Recycling Goals
Keter Environmental Services is a top provider of recycling and waste management services. Our turnkey sustainability programs are designed to help your business reach its ESG and sustainability goals. Our services include the design, implementation, management, and transparent reporting of your sustainability initiatives.
