What we have created at Social Enterprise Greenhouse is a rapidly growing movement of people – entrepreneurs, businesspeople, academics, students, policymakers, funders – who believe that by helping launch and grow businesses with purpose, we not only can create jobs for everyone, regardless of barriers, but also make the world a better place.
The movement doesn't just believe in this mission. All involved actively work to make it happen.
As rewarding as managing SEG is, building it has been an inspirational journey. Some things I have learned over the past six years:
» Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are. Even though it means many of your decisions will be questioned, and it might seem like things are never good enough, building a culture of excellence will get you where you want to be.
» Build win-win partnerships. Finding aligned, like-minded partners and crafting partnerships that create mutual value make you better, stronger, quicker.
» Practice reciprocity. Being generous with your knowledge, networks and resources always pays dividends, and often in ways you never expect.
» Listen to your customer (often). First off, make sure you know who your customers are and then just ask ask, ask, ask. Listening is almost always more powerful than talking.
» Embrace change and failure. If you don't you probably aren't learning along the way.
» But most importantly, find your purpose and follow your passion. Once you do that, all the rest just happens naturally. •