On April 22, we'll celebrate Earth Day once again. This year begins "The Green Generation Campaign" leading up to the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. Also on April 22, you can view "Walden: The Ballad of Thoreau", a two act, four character play reflecting a conversation between Thoreau and Emerson set during the final two days Thoreau spent in his cabin before leaving Walden Pond. Over 7,100 colleges and schools have already performed the play. On Earth Day, April 22, 2009, the play will be broadcast nationwide on public TV, public radio, movie theaters and through Earth Day TV.
The Many Shades of Green
Different shades of green are often used to describe how environmentally aware and active a person or organization is. You may be light green if you do a little recycling and have replaced your light bulbs with the CFL variety. You may be dark green if you are an avid activist for all things related to the environment: your carbon footprint, driving hybrid, recycling and freecycling and so on. I believe any shade of green is good and that efforts to criticize or minimize the benefits of the 'lesser' shades of green is counter-productive. The goal is for everyone to contribute in the ways that you can.
Going Green is a popular term now, yet many are confused by it. They think it's too hard, too much to do or they're not sure where to start. To help, I've created "10 Things to Do on Monday Morning - Going Green Made Easy". This list demonstrates that you don't have to re-tool a factory or single-handedly dredge the Trinity River to have an impact. As Arthur Ashe says, "Start where you are, use what you have and do what you can".
Yet green has another shade, right? The 'shade' of Money!!! How's your money supply right now? Are you chasing the buck harder than ever? Or are you attracting more of the business you truly desire? Whichever is the case for you, I'd invite you to think about this: the more clear and focused, the more strategic and dedicated you are to delivering the BEST product or service possible, the more people will be attracted to you. I believe that part of the opportunity for 2009 is to get back to the basics - delivering consistent, high-quality, desirable, even remarkable experiences. That's what people want - that's what you want!
So, as you think about the meaning of green in your life and business - reflect on how you can be both a part of the environmental movement, yet achieve desired monetary gains at the same time. Research shows that increasingly you are making purchasing decisions based on the environmental and social responsibility record of the companies you patronize. How great is that - - -do good and do well - the mantra of the movement, and it's calling us all to participate.
Thank you! Ann
Check It Out !
Resources You Can Use
Part of my goal with my newsletter is to provide you with some of the better reports, studies, films or books that I find on topics I think you might enjoy.
This month, there are a fresh batch of resources that I'll share. I hope you'll check them out:
some highlights..... The Leading Question: Consumers say they like the idea of purchasing ethically produced goods. But will they pay more for them? How much more? Findings: * Yes, customers will pay a premium for ethically produced goods * Conversely, they will punish companies (by demanding a lower price) that are not seen as ethical * The punishment exacted is greater than the premium customers are willing to pay * Companies needn't be 100% ethical to be rewarded.
some highlights... Creating a Micromovement: (pg.103) 1. publish a manifesto 2. make it easy for your followers to connect with you 3. make it easy for your followers to connect with one another 4. realize that $$ is not the point of the movement 5. track your progress
A very interesting book - too many highlights for this small space. Follow the link above to Amazon, and buy it now!
About Ann
Ann Ranson helps Non-Profits and For Profits create powerful partnerships to create communities with a cause and positively impact revenue. Her keen eye for social dynamics and their impact on the market drives her innovative solutions.
With a career spanning 30+ years in the rough-and-tumble media world, Ann learned the art of the alliance. Her real world perspective comes from executing high-stakes sales and marketing campaigns, to quickly learn what does and does not work.
Ann is a member of the National Speakers Association, the International Coach Federation and is a Certified Selling to Women Performance Coach and Facilitator.
Visit her website to learn more about how you and your organization can benefit from her business coaching, retreats and keynotes.
Written by Ann Ranson to keep handy at work for those moments when you've misplaced your positive attitude. This Handy Guide or thought for the day will give you a quick thought and quote to bring you back to center.
Ann Ranson helps Non-Profits and For Profits create powerful partnerships to create communities with a cause and positively impact revenue. Her keen eye for social dynamics and their impact on the market drives her innovative solutions. 
