Sustainability: business, life, environment

Every day the indications that we are on a road to recovery get stronger.  In fact, according to Discover Small Business Watch business and individuals are poised on these economic indicators ready to hire and spend.  For this reason we ask the question: Where is your business focus in 2011?

Differentiating between reactionary decisions and implementing informed business sustainability strategies can be a fine line, especially in tough times.  Within our professional consulting practice, we often qualify decisions in terms of increased business sustainability and future growth.  Decisions relevant to surviving the last few years may be in direct conflict to the opportunities that lie ahead in 2011.  Ask yourself:

•    Are we cost cutting your way to out of business?
•    Have internal resources been reduced to levels that place a strain on operations?
•    Are stressed supplier relations creating uncertainty and increased risk on future supply?
•    Are our current strategies leading to business instability?

Our sustainability consulting finds the business sustainability leaders are looking beyond the basic ‘stay-in-business’ strategies of a depressed economy to the opportunities of 2011.  Entrepreneur highlights some trends set to make a big impact on the New Year:

•    Consumer confidence is increasing and spending is set to rebound, but with an evolved set of expectations.
•    Social media is connecting thoughts, ideas, and business actions.
•    Health and fitness is returning in wake of an improved economy and health care reform.

Integrating sustainability concepts into core business functions makes brands more attractive to consumers, executive management more respected by employees, the company more attractive to financial markets. In short, business sustainability is about making the organization stronger and more responsive for a positive future.