Ready for a Green Startup?
Green is the buzzword in the business world today. It is not enough that businesses satisfy customers; it should be done in a clean, sustainable, or environmental way. Big players are aggressively promoting this cause-worthy strategy but it doesn’t mean our small businesses can’t compete in that category.
The recent passing of Anita Roddick, Body Shop founder and prime advocate of environmentalism, should serve as an inspiration to all entrepreneurs. Her business started from a small store with only 15 product lines and grew into what it is today. Here’s a simple guide to start a green business:
Choose a Niche Product
Green business is not limited to cosmetics and foods, although they represent the chunk of the market. Other categories include eco-friendly blankets, baby products, vitamins, or books. Visit some of the credible suppliers in the following sites:
Following the advice from 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, you should seek first to understand, then to be understood. That’s why it is important that you know well your chosen niche product. Bootstrapper offers a comprehensive green entrepreneur’s toolbox containing 100 networking resources, guides, and links.
Practice What You Preach
It is very hard to convince your employees and customers to support green products if you don’t apply it to yourself. You are your business’ best endorser during the initial stage of this venture. It can be simple “green acts” like using recycled papers and other eco-friendly materials.
Capitalize on Word of Mouth
Eco-friendly products are strongly driven by word-of-mouth advertising so you should delight all your customers and motivate them to your very credible and highly active sales force.
