#1 Generate and maximize Social Value, not profit.
In most of the cases, a Social Business starts with a social or environmental problem to be solved. The profits earned will then be reinvested within the business to help even more people and create benefits for society. This is what we refer to as the “Social Value”: Benefits to and improvements in society, that have a positive impact on peoples’ daily life.
#2 Be the change you want to see in the world.
If you want the world to change, do not wait for others to act! Social Entrepreneurship is now your chance to tackle social and environmental problems on a sustainable way.
#3 Create economic value.
Apart from the focus on social value, a Social Business is still a business: It will create jobs, obtain resources from business partners and engage with logistic companies or retail stores, for example. In the end of the day, employees will spend their salaries again which sets off the economic cycle.
#4 Be a multiplier and inspire others to work in Social Business as well.
What is the reason for you to get involved in the field of Social Entrepreneurship? Most probably you have heard about someone, who founded a Social Business and drove true change: This person was like a role model for you and inspired you. When you become active by founding a Social Business or working for one, you can in the same way be an example for others!
#5 Call public attention to immediate problems.
Usually for a problem solved by a Social Business there did not exist a solution before. Maybe this was because many did not even know it existed. Socialpreneurs therefore are the ones who raise their voice and draw attention to these problems.
#6 Act as an example for corporate organizations and show that it works: Socially beneficial and profitable.
More and more large and famous corporate organizations act on the field of Social Business today: For example, Professor Yunus and Grameen started joint ventures with large companies like BASF or Danone. The success of social entrepreneurs shows that it is worth focussing on the social value!
#7 Do a job that matters.
There are a lot of different jobs in the world. And by choosing the right one, you can change the world! Like Sameer Hajee, one of our last year’s speakers, stated: “Instead of increasing profit on a bank’s balance sheet: Why don’t you solve the water problem in Africa instead?”
