Social Entrepreneurs: Let's Embrace #ConsciousDisruption
Technologists frequently think of ways to Disrupt industry. Many entrepreneurs and VC investors look at network theory and studies of ecosystems as a framework for finding new ventures to back or embark upon. Business school graduates foam at the mouth on books like the Innovator's Dilemma, and they continuously scour the marketplace for incumbent firms to Disrupt. TechCrunch even has a yearly conference around the globe called "Disrupt," such ethos has permeated the consciousness of the technology world.
Another hot sector in business is social entrepreneurship. Talented recent college graduates know intuitively that our world is going to require a 'reboot,' and organizations like B Corps, Good Business New York, MakeImpact NY, and Be Social Change are aggregating the business-minded toward a more honest living. Conscious fashion companies like Zady and Vaute Couture change the way the beautiful dress, and foodies are seeking out delicacies from entrepreneurs who pay their famers, and their staff, a livable wage. Tiny homes and living spaces are becoming hot, as 'consumers' are realizing that life with limited consumption can be fulfilling and beautiful, and forward thinking companies like the Itsy Bitsy Ritzy Shop are crafting quality, local furniture to meet the needs of such a crowd. Markets are seeking to recalibrate toward a more human way of doing business.
Socially minded businesses are more 'conscious' than traditional businesses. They, unlike technologists, seem reluctant to embrace the meme of Disruption. Many quality upstarts have difficulty rising their message of quality goods above the noise of greenwashing advertising campaigns.
How can more socially minded firms aggregate together to Disrupt the malevolent 'old guard?' How could the conscious fashion world begin pooling their communication resources to inform the public of toxicity, sweat shops, and pollution of many fast fashion companies. How can small furniture makers team together to communicate the enormous waste of companies like Ikea, all to help foster the new artisanal economy with local production? How can social entrepreneurs with a limited budget, buy into a conscious communication ecosystem?
#ConsciousDisruption- coming soon to a marketplace near you.