Synopsis

Social responsibility programs used to be an exception to the rule in the business world.  Today, they are rapidly becoming the norm, particularly with the entrance of a new generation of workers. If price and quality are the same, consumers will choose the companies that show an interest in the welfare of their communities.  Millennials are looking for employer brands that show they care.  Impact investors are interested in healthy sustained businesses that participate in addressing causes near and dear to their hearts.  Supply chain is showing up as the enforcer by escalating requirements for vendors to show evidence of compliance programs, green initiatives, healthy employee programs and a vested interest in their communities.

As a former General Counsel of more than one multinational company, the Founder and President of Cross Sector Institute and the Founder of WGN Global Fund, a 501(c)(3) supporting women in developing nations, Linda Lattimore has witnessed smaller companies being excluded from the bid process for their failure to have these programs in place.  This book provides small to medium size companies a primer on how to frame out a social responsibility program allowing them to compete more effectively, attract a vibrant and invested talent pool and draw a new pool of investors interested in transparent, caring and conscious companies.  The book offers simple and easy to use checklists, assessments, action plans and immediate access with purchase to online downloadable forms on the Cross Sector Institute website, a gateway to other socially conscious businesses who are committed to sharing their wisdom and doing business a better way!

Audience

This book is for small to medium size vendors of products or services who want to expand their market share; reduce costs and increase efficiency; recruit and retain new generations of talent; attract investment funds and serve their community.

Most companies want the public to know that they value integrity, honesty and transparency and that they operate as good corporate citizens.  However, what many are just beginning to understand is that  a solid social responsibility program directly impacts their bottom line.  As Boomers are exiting the workforce, businesses will be facing a talent gap which will be populated with new generations of employees who expect socially conscious business to be the norm.  Both recruiting and retaining these workers will require new approaches just as attracting impact investors will require new business models.  We know that sustainability programs help reduce operating costs, attract a loyal customer base, impact surrounding and global communities positively and differentiate competitors.

Sadly, even if small to medium size companies are motivated to do the right thing, it’s not uncommon that smaller vendors are excluded from playing with the big guys when it comes time to respond to bids for products and services. Although they may offer some of the best pricing, they often lack the ability to show that they have the required proper corporate governance, green initiatives, diversity or healthcare policies or other elements that constitute an active social responsibility program.  Larger companies cannot afford to take the risk and be the deep pocket if litigation appears because critical programs weren’t in place at all levels of the supply chain.

This book is a primer to assist forward-thinking companies in creating a basic program within their budget.  It takes a look at integrating their social responsibility initiatives with their business strategies, identifying their core team, the stakeholders they affect and how their programs will offer the most impact with the greatest return.  With the purchase of the book, this audience will be able to download worksheets, assessments and videos online.  And they will be given the opportunity to become part of a greater community of “Solutionaries” eager help solve some of the greatest social issues on our planet, while they make a solid return.

Promotion

• Over 1,900 - Linda’s Facebook connections – posting and ads

• Over 1,800 - Linda’s Linked In connections -posting, articles and eblast

• Over 8000 -  Linda’s database of subscribers to her social responsibility newsletter (Collective Mind Matters) - eblast

• Linda Lattimore website (www.lindalattimore.com) and Cross Sector Institute website (www.xsectorinstitute.com)

• Speaking Engagements and workshops, approximately 12-15/annum

• Trade Associations of members looking to implement CSR programs (i.e. WBE, industry specific, manufacturing) – keynotes and trade booths

• A local TV program working with socially conscious business leaders is a strong possibility but not confirmed – book offering as we go through it

• Podcast talking to socially responsible leaders and teaching principles of book – book offering in show notes

• Certification program for additional facilitators in planning phase but books would be sold through the program

Competition

Title: Blackburn's The Sustainability Handbook
Subtitle: The Complete Management Guide To Achieving Social, Economic and Environmental Responsibility
Author: William Blackburn
Publisher: Environmental Law Institute
Publication Year: 2014

Description: The pursuit of sustainability can be complex, challenging, and ultimately beneficial when practiced by corporate, academic, government and non-profit organizations. The Sustainability Handbook provides a blueprint on how organizations of all sizes can reach or exceed economic, social and environmental excellence. The handbook offers a wide variety of practical approaches and tools, including a model sustainability policy for organizations, summaries and tips on selecting sustainability codes, an extensive collection of sample metrics, and much more.

Title: Making Sustainability Stick
Subtitle: The Blueprint for Successful Implementation
Author: Kevin Wilhelm
Publisher: Pearson FT Press
Publication Year: 2013

Description: This book provides the blueprint for implementation, breaking down barriers, and the steps required to integrate sustainability successfully into any business.  It is laid out in easily digestible chapters, with action steps backed up from interviews with sustainability thought leaders, case studies, and the real life experience of the author, as well as over 40 interviews with CSR and Sustainability Directors at various companies on how to “get things done” based on their successes and temporary setbacks.  It provides the step-by-step road map for implementing sustainability successfully and focuses on “how” companies can realize the benefits of sustainability by engaging the head, heart, and hands of their employees.  Also included is a checklist for implementation and tips on how to regain momentum or get “un-stuck” at the end of each chapter as well as additional helpful resources and exercises to overcome the most common barriers towards implementation.

Title: Mainstreaming Corporate Sustainability
Subtitle: Using Proven Tools to Promote Business Success
Author: Suzanne Farver
Publisher: GreenFIx LLC
Publication Year: 2015

Description: Used as the centerpiece for a popular corporate sustainability class taught on campus and online at Harvard University, this book provides students and professionals alike with an overview of the most valuable management tools and resources. Through the examples of companies from around the world, you will learn about the various international standards and performance frameworks that can be adapted to your company. This book will help you to develop an understanding of the pitfalls and challenges of this ever-changing field. You will become adept at asking the right questions and speaking the language of sustainability professionals so that you too can become a leader in this important business arena.

Title: The Green to Gold Business Playbook
Subtitle: How to Implement Sustainability Practices for Bottom-Line Results in Every Business Function
Author: Daniel Esty
Publisher: Wiley
Publication Year: 2011

Description: Hard-nosed business advice for gaining competitive advantage through sustainability action in buildings and operations, information technology, product design, sourcing, manufacturing, logistics and transportation, marketing, accounting, and other key business functions. Whether you are a climate change skeptic or an environmentalist, sustainability issues cannot be ignored in today’s corporate world.  With rising energy and natural resource costs, intensified regulations, investor pressures, and a growing demand for environmentally friendly products, sustainability is no longer an option—it’s a business imperative. Unlike many green business books, the Playbook skips the environmental ideology and deals exclusively with tools and strategies that have been shown to cut costs, reduce risks, drive revenues, and build brand identity.

Title: The Cheap Guide to Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
Subtitle: none 
Author: Leo Raudys
Publisher: Raudys Publishing
Publication Year: 2016

Description: A quick and easy reference to the world of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. You'll find lists of organizations, conferences, people, terms and concepts, all to help you navigate this growing profession.