Dispatch from SSC President Jennifer Woofter.
We have gotten a flurry of calls from prospective clients recently, asking if we could help them develop a sustainability communications plan. Some wanted a sustainability report, some wanted a section of their website devoted to sustainability, one wanted a social media engagement strategy around "green" issues, and another wanted to put an eco-label on their product.
Our first response was this: tell us about your current sustainability strategy.
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Each of these clients was ready to shell out hard-earned cash for a green marketing project, but none of them had done the legwork to develop a robust sustainability strategy that could withstand the scrutiny that "going public" entails.
Some clients got it (and hired us to help them develop the sustainability strategy first, then work on the green marketing plan). Others didn't (and presumably found another consultancy to work with). But since SSC has been seeing such an uptick in these kind of inquiries, we thought it might be helpful to use our blog to explore the steps that need to happen ahead of any sustainability communications efforts.
Next week, we'll post a video presentation on Three Steps to a Credible Sustainability Program. In it, you'll learn the key elements that need to be in place BEFORE you get out there and start talking about your organization's social and environmental programs. And of course, if you'd like to speak with a member of our team about developing a customized sustainability strategy, please contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
In celebration of Earth Month SSC is offering our sustainability readers the opportunity to win an energy-savings Nest Thermostat, valued at $250. Click to learn more about the Earth Day Giveaway.