Zitat des Tages von Jerry Greenfield:
I like that Ben & Jerry's is willing to speak out about social and political issues that aren't always safe - but are the right thing to do.
Look at your business and the activities that you undertake. Then, start to think about not just your economic concerns, but about social and environmental impacts that businesses have.
One out of every 100 families in Vermont was a part owner of Ben and Jerry's.
If you open up the mind, the opportunity to address both profits and social conditions are limitless. It's a process of innovation.
Business can be a source of progressive change.
Now, when we face a problem like global warming, and you understand that the biggest impacts on global warming come from business and industry, I think business needs to take a leading role.
Don't just do something because it's a trendy idea and will make you a lot of money. The reason I say that is because any kind of venture involves going through difficult times. If you're doing something you are passionate about and really believe in, then that will carry you through.
When you are led by values, it doesn't cost your business, it helps your business.
We measured our success not just by how much money we made, but by how much we contributed to the community. It was a two-part bottom line.
If your support the community, they will support you.
One of the great things about Ben & Jerry's for me is that not only is it delicious, but I get it for free.
Businesses can lead with their values and make money, too. You don't have to simply be purely profit-driven. You can integrate social and environmental concerns into a business, be a caring business, be a generous business and still do very well financially.
The reality is that most companies are not about any values at all - they are about making money. It is extremely rare for a business to stand for anything because most businesses don't want to alienate potential customers, and if you believe in anything you are going to alienate someone.
I eat many different ice creams. I'm not an ice cream snob, although I do think Ben & Jerry's is the best. But I'm happy to eat anybody's ice cream, really. As long as it's good.
Startups are often very undercapitalised, but I found that to be very beneficial because it forces you not to throw money at problems. Instead, you learn all the nuts and bolts of what you're doing and become an expert.
Recycling, packaging, businesses are changing all of those things because that's what consumers want.
Ice cream is the perfect buffer, because you can do things in a somewhat lighthearted way. Plus, people have an emotional response to ice cream; it's more than just food. So I think when you combine caring, and eating wonderful food, it's a very powerful combination.