The Real Talk on Building a Brand with Focused Ethical Practices
Hey there, if you're looking to build a brand that not only scales but also earns people's trust, you're in the right place. And if you’re someone who wants to turn your business into a place you deeply enjoy and thrive in—a living space to hang out with people you care about—you’re going to want to get familiar with these ideas.
We all know ethics isn't just about rules or doing the bare minimum to get by; it's about genuinely striving to do what's called for.
The stuff that matters and gives us true fulfilment. And focused ethical practices? That's where the rubber meets the road. It's cultivating the habit of making intentional decisions day in and day out, in real-life situations.
So, What's the Big Deal?
Here’s my take. You’ve put your heart and soul into your business. You continue to show up each day, trying new things, pouring your time, energy, heart, care and money into this creation that you’re stewarding— which can be incredibly rewarding in itself. You’re your own boss, right?
Having said that — none of us exist in a vacuum. We are part of a myriad interconnected ecosystems that touch lives far beyond our immediate circle of clients. The recession showed us the underbelly of several online industries—and the practices we witnessed ranged from unflattering to downright harmful.
So what do your people really want?
They want to know that you stand for something more. That you are informed, intentional and thoughtful, and that you care more about the wellbeing of your people than the content of their wallets.
Now, the word ‘ethics’ usually makes people squirm, because they think you’re about to tell them you know better, like they’re back in school getting called out for talking in class. I get that too.
Here’s the thing.
Ethics is hot.
Ethics is edgy.
Ethics deal with some of the most profound matters in our lives—money, sex, power, relationships.
Try as we might to sweep contemplating these matters under the carpet, and they’ll pop up when we least want them to.
Look, you don't have to nail ethics perfectly—there's no such thing as a flawless ethical compass. What's really key is your willingness to be intimate with what it means to be human. Trust me, as you get more involved in your brand’s ecosystems, you'll be glad you took the time to start contemplating these things.
When you are cultivating your ethical practices, everything you touch becomes magnetic. Your people not only stick around, but they become your biggest fans and evangelists. And hey, let's not forget the team working behind the scenes. A good, ethical work environment? That's the kind of stuff that makes people excited to log in every day.
Building Blocks for an Ethical Brand
Teach the Art of Good Choices
Hey, rules can be helpful, but they can't cover every situation. That's why it's so essential to cultivate a culture where ethical decision-making is the norm. Give your people the tools they need to make good choices in their relationships with their clients, whether it's training programs or open forums for discussion. Make it fun, make it engaging, but most importantly, make it a staple.
Give Back to the Community
You're not an island. Your brand is part of a bigger ecosystem—your community. Whether it's local or online, engage in initiatives that make a difference. It could be as simple as promoting local artists, offering scholarships, or as big as spearheading a community cleanup or raising funds for a cause. Whatever you do, make sure it's authentic to who you are as a brand (more on this in future blog posts).
Check-In and Adapt
Ethics isn't a 'set it and forget it' kind of deal. It's an ongoing conversation. So don't be afraid to ask for feedback, whether from your people or your team. Are your ethical initiatives hitting the mark, or is it time for a tune-up? Be brave enough to initiate the conversation.
Open Dialogue: The Secret Sauce
Honestly, all of this boils down to having open conversations. Create a space where people—yes, including your clients—feel comfortable sharing their thoughts on ethical matters. The more voices you have in the room, the richer the ethical landscape of your brand will be.
To Wrap it Up
Building a brand with ethics at its core isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must-have for any brand that wants to stand the test of time. It's about finding creative ways to doing the right thing consistently and encouraging everyone around you to do the same. And trust me, people will notice. Remember that every ‘problem’ is a moral opportunity. So, are you ready to ask yourself the questions that truly matter?