Join Gavin Willis, Founder of Search Seven, as he shares how to balance purpose with profit and build a business that makes a real impact—without the marketing gimmicks.
This conversation is packed with insights on leading with authenticity and creating meaningful change.
In the modern business landscape, integrating profit with purpose is no longer just a trendy aspiration, it's a necessity. In the inaugural episode of "Between Me and You," Gavin Willis, founder and CEO of Search Seven, sheds light on how his company successfully blends corporate social responsibility (CSR) with business objectives. Here, we dive into the insights from this engaging conversation.
Understanding CSR goes beyond mere charity work. Gavin emphasises that it's about balancing profit, people, and purpose. It’s about embedding this ethos within the DNA of the organisation, making it a consistent part of operations rather than an afterthought. This means actively engaging employees in choosing and participating in charitable activities they are passionate about, thereby ensuring genuine commitment and involvement.
Employee Engagement:
One of the pillars of Search Seven’s CSR success is employee engagement. Each new team member chooses a charity close to their heart, fostering a culture of community and individual connection. According to Gavin, this engagement not only energises staff but also drives the company forward, creating a powerful synergy between personal passions and professional objectives.
Community Involvement:
Building robust community partnerships is another cornerstone of Search Seven's approach. Beyond mere financial contributions, the agency hosts community events to foster rapport and trust. These activities create lasting relationships and a sense of belonging among participants, which are crucial for long-term success.
The Power of Design and Communication:
Design matters immensely in amplifying the impact of CSR activities. As Gavin highlights through his partnership with a creative agency, impactful visuals and clear communication are key to ensuring that the CSR message reaches and resonates with a broader audience. Consistent branding across events reinforces the company's identity and helps cultivate a loyal community of supporters.
Measuring Impact:
For CSR initiatives to be meaningful, measuring their impact is essential. Search Seven conducts annual impact reports that detail the outcomes of their charitable contributions. This transparency not only builds trust with stakeholders but also inspires other businesses to follow suit.
Advice for Aspiring Organisations:
Gavin has sage advice for businesses just starting their CSR journey: define your purpose clearly, ensure team-wide engagement, and build frameworks that encourage sustainable giving. He underscores the importance of authenticity, warning against CSR efforts that are purely marketing-driven.
Overcoming Challenges:
Every business faces challenges, and maintaining CSR efforts during tough times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can be especially daunting. However, Gavin's experience suggests that commitment to CSR can foster resilience. By continuing their charitable efforts in difficult periods, Search Seven experienced a boost in team morale and community goodwill, demonstrating the long-term advantages of steadfastness.
Looking to the Future:
As CSR evolves, its role in business will grow even more significant. There's an increasing shift towards integrating social impact deeply within business models. Organisations that genuinely align profit with purpose are not only good for society but also fare better in the competitive marketplace.
Wrap -up
Gavin Willis’s insights affirm that successfully integrating CSR is a journey requiring dedication, innovation, and genuine intent. For those aspiring to enrich their business strategies with social impact, Search Seven's story offers invaluable lessons—reminding us that with the right balance of purpose and profit, businesses can indeed do well by doing good.
For those interested in delving deeper, the full Search Seven ebook is available for download, offering a wealth of tips and strategies to help businesses begin or enhance their own CSR initiatives.
Get in touch with Gavin on Linkedin