While there is no one definition for CSR, here’s a good working definition:

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is operating a business in a manner that balances the social and environmental impact created by the business with the expectations of its “stakeholders.”

CSR is a big “umbrella” definition for many business practices.  It covers the gamut — from fair treatment of employees, to monitoring and maintaining safety standards of products, to minimizing natural resource consumption to volunteering and community partnerships.

At The Enterprising Moms’ upcoming event, “Doing Well While Doing Good: Demystifying CSR,” we’ll narrow the focus on two areas of CSR vitally important to a small business owner: Community Partnerships and Sustainability.

Community partnerships are an effective way to engage with non-profits and governments to accentuate and strengthen shared values.  A non-profit gets the benefit of donated time, services, and/or financial resources; and as growing business you form relationships and business contacts to build, strenghten and maintain your brand.

Sustainability should be a priority to all businesses, small and large, for many reasons, including that having a vibrant economy with enough natural resources is important to staying in business.  As business owners, it’s important to look at the resources we are using critically and make choices to minimize our impacts. 

We’ll discuss these topics and more at next week’s event.

In the meantime to jump-start your process, you could …

• Hop on Hands-On Network to peruse potential non-profit partners
• Watch this 2-minute Sustainability Cartoon that provides a concrete definition  to another mysterious buzz word
• Register for next Tuesday’s event, Doing Well While Doing Good: Demystifying CSR!

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Corporate Social Responsibility … What is it? And why should you care? Simply put, it’s creating business value by incorporating your values.

If you donate a portion of your proceeds to a worthy cause, you’re integrating CSR. If you partner with an organization-in-need to collect food, books, clothing, etc. on their behalf, your integrating CSR. If you sponsor an event for a non-profit, if you donate your products or services to an under-served population, you’re integrating CSR.

While many of us are already doing some level of CSR, is it being done in a planned and strategic way?

Whether your already integrating CSR or would like to do so, you’ll want to be at this event where you’ll learn about:

• The business case for CSR—why it’s important &  why you should do it
• Considerations for developing a CSR aspect to your business
• How to align your CSR goals with your business mission
• How to market & communicate CSR—and why marketing is crucial
• Self-Assessment for your business—what are you doing & ways to align business with CSR

The event will feature Jane Meier of Full Circle Partnerships, a marketing consultant who loves helping businesses integrate marketing with Corporate Social Responsibility.  Whether seeking to build partnerships with non-profits, developing marketing strategy, or planning or implementing special events, clients hire Jane for her skills in partnership building, her attention to detail and passionate commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Jane previously worked for Whole Foods Market for four years as a marketing & community liaison.  While at Whole Foods Market, she created successful partnerships resulting in positive publicity, business growth, and awards for the company.  She has a B.S. Family & Consumer Sciences Education and a M.S. in Housing and Consumer Economics.

Door prizes: A choice of a communications review (assess your current communications and provide recommendations for ways to articulate your commitments) or a partnership assessment (whether refining existing partnerships or starting new ones, we’ll take a look at your business model, mission, and partnership goals and make recommendations). Each valued at $300!

Early bird rate ends on April 30th. Get details and register at http://events.theenterprisingmoms.com.

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On Wednesday, April 28, members of The Enterprising Moms will come together to support So That Others Might Eat (SOME), a non-profit organization that has helped thousands of people get off the streets, transform their lives and learn to live independently. Moms will prepare casseroles assembly-line style, and then volunteers and staff from SOME will distribute the casseroles to those in need.

We did this event last November, and it was a blast! It was great to connect with fellow business-owner moms and build relationships in a fun way while contributing to the greater good.

Steering Committee Member Marilyn Nowalk of Intelligent by Design has made it incredibly easy to give back to the community this way:

Nothing to buy. Nothing to bring. Three easy ways to get involved:

1. Donate & Participate (Contribute funds for food and supplies AND join in the fun!)
2. Donate (Can’t participate? Contributions for food and supplies are welcome.)
3. Participate (Can’t donate? Come on out to provide hands-on support!)

However you plan to get involved, register and/or donate today!

If you participated last fall, please chime in and share your experience. Testimonials go a long way in encouraging others to do the same.

Speaking of giving back, also check out our May 11 event, “Doing Well While Doing Good: Demystifying Corporate Social Responsibility.” Get details and register at the early bird rate!

Carolyn
Chief Enterprising Mom  |  @EnterprisingMom |  @ApplyWithin

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What is Celebrate Mama?
It’s a family friendly festival for moms of all ages and stages festival that had more than 3,000 participants the past two years. The goal of Celebrate Mama is to provide small businesses the opportunity to reach a large audience for a small cost. You register for the event and all of the marketing is done for you.

If you offer a product or service for moms and/or their families, you’ll want share your ware at Celebrate Mama, and here’s good incentive for you to do so now … 10% off registration for Enterprising Moms who are first time participants. Rates increase after April 2nd, so be sure to sign up by 4/2 for the best rates.

ADDITIONAL SPECIAL OFFERS:

Two Ways to Increase Your Exposure at No Additional Cost:

Take advantage of the following opportunities to be entered into a special drawing, the winner of which will be able to include a promotional item in 300 goodie bags for attendees at no additional charge (a $100 value!).

1. Sign-up by the close of business on April 2nd
2. Refer vendors – Any participating member who refers a new potential vendor who becomes a paid vendor (and is one who has not already been in contact with Hillary regarding Celebrate Mama)

Take a look at who’s already on board … And join us!

• Apply Within
• Buggy Bonnets
• Handmade by Amanda
• Health Quest MD
• Love Life Images
• Photography by Marirosa
• Preschool Palettes
• Rebecca Weiner Photography
• Stamp 4 Life
• Stella & Dot
• Why Wait, LLC
• Zetta Handbags

For details or to sign up, contact Enterprising Mom Hillary Berman, the mom behind the Maryland event directly at Contact Hillary directly at hillary@bermanevents.com or  240-342-2164.

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The goal of Celebrate Mama is to provide small businesses the opportunity to reach a large audience for a small cost. You register for the event and all of the marketing is done for you.

Here’s a sampling of what you can expect:

Advertising and promotion …

• Washington FAMILY Magazine (already in the March issue), April and May issues
• Our Kids
• DC City Mommy
• The Enterprising Moms
• Giggles on the Go (full page ads in April and May issues).
• Stroller Strides Montgomery County membership of over 300
• Mommy and Me and Daddies Too membership (Mommy and Me events at Congressional Plaza and Rockville Town Square; over 3000 people total).
• In addition, many Celebrate Mama vendors promote the event to their lists.

Who’s on board?

Along with the numerous TEM members who are returning to Celebrate Mama this year, here are some Enterprising Mom-owned businesses that have already signed on for the first time this year:

• Buggy Bonnets
• Handmade by Amanda
• HealthQuest MD
• Love Life Images
• Preschool Palettes
• Stamp 4 Life
• Stella and Dot
• Photography by Marirosa
• Plus several friends of TEMs

General registration closes on April 2. While late registration will remain open for an additional two weeks, it will cost you more, so sign on today

There are many ways to participate:

• Reserve a vendor table
• Place inserts in goodie bags
• Provide a performance or entertainment (this opportunity is reserved for registered vendors only)
• Come as an attendee (free!)

LEARN MORE

• Participate in a call on either Tuesday, March 23, 10am or Wednesday, March 24th at 9:00pm. Details will be sent upon registration: http://events.theenterprisingmoms.com
• Contact Hillary directly at hillary@bermanevents.com or 240-342-2164
• Visit the Celebrate Mama! Maryland web site

You do not need to participate in a call in order to register for the event, so if you’re ready, go for it — contact Hillary directly!  She’ll be happy to talk with you and take care of your registration. Be sure to tell her that you heard about Celebrate Mama through The Enterprising Moms!

Carolyn
Chief Enterprising Mom
@EnterprisingMom |  @ApplyWithin

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The Enterprising Moms is teaming up with Celebrate Mama! to share a special offer being made to first time participants in this fun family festival that had more than 3,000 last year! If your target market is moms, you’ll want to be a part of this event on May 1st.

There are many ways to participate:

* Reserve a vendor table
* Place inserts in goodie bags
* Provide a performance or entertainment (this opportunity is reserved for registered vendors only)
* Come as an attendee (free!)

Opportunities are limited, so act quickly for the best opportunity to secure a spot and to take full advantage of the extended marketing campaign over the next few months.

We’re having an information session via phone tonight at 8pm, so put the kids to bed and plan to join us to get the full scoop. A second telephone information session is planned for next Wednesday,  January 20th at 10am.

Get more details and register today!

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Name: Donna Memmo
Title: Owner/Operator
Business: Spill the Beans – Organic Coffee and Chat House
Location: Alexandria, VA

Type of Business: (B2B, B2C, B2G): B2C
Industry: Food Service
Product/Service: Coffee/Bagels/Pastries/Lunch/Dinner
Years in Business: 1

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals: Everyone!

Personally speaking

Home life:
My husband (and support system) Mario (above), my daughter, and two little boys and I live in Hollin Hall, a cozy neighborhood in the Mt. Vernon area of Alexandria.  We happened to find a property less than two miles from home, and are fortunate to work with and for her neighbors, friends, even her kids’ teachers and coaches!

Childcare situation:
My children are all school-aged, which was a requirement before we could embark on this adventure. My boys attend Ft. Hunt Elementary, which happens to be literally down the street from Spill the Beans!

Motivation for starting your business(es):
In this era of coffee house play dates, I saw a need for proper accommodations. Toys for the tots to play with enables mom an entire conversation or email written without interruption! I also saw a need for delicious foods without sacrificing quality or wholeness.

Greatest challenge you faced in starting your business?
Time is truly the greatest challenge. I love dealing with the public and pouring lattes for my
patrons, but am constantly trying to strike the balance between that and the management side of my work.

How you overcame it:
Still trying! I have been blessed with a super team, and they are all supportive when I need to “hide” in the office to churn out
a newsletter, plan an event or catch up on email!

Greatest benefit of running your own business:
Being with my kids almost as much as if I did not work….It’s also brought out a bond with my husband that was unexpected. We’ve joked for years that we never, ever agree on anything, but having the exact same goals for this business has finally put us on the same page!

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you
celebrated it:
Spill the Beans celebrated its One Year Anniversary this past Halloween! We had an all day celebration complete with entertainment … fun!

On your nightstand:
A notepad for when the wheels in my brain will not stop turning late at night. Three or four books which I have been trying to read since opening Spill the Beans … to no avail!

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:
Blackberry and Google Calendar. I utilize the google calendar because I can manage all my calendars at once: sports, school events, Spill the Beans events, family appointments, etc.

Last purchase for self:
I honestly do not remember. Guess I should schedule a shopping day!

Favorite way to unwind:
Glass of wine with my husband.

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:
The support system! I love women helping women! This is what it’s all about!

Connect and learn more: Web Site |  Blog | Facebook

Contact: Spill the Beans, Organic Coffee & Chat House  |  703-780-3561

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Join us for The Enterprising Moms’ first Holiday Biz-aar on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 hosted by Spill the Beans Organic Coffee and Chat House – owned and operated by fellow Enterprising Mom, Donna Memmo.

The event is two-fold opening with a networking and shopping event for mom-business owners from 6-7 pm followed by a public holiday shopping event from 7-9 pm.

All will enjoy light appetizers and a cash bar while indulging in fun and convenient one-stop shopping, just in time for the holidays!

The purpose of this community-focused Holiday Biz-aar is to:

1. Encourage the patronage of local small businesses
2. Invest in and give a boost to the local economy
3. Provide an opportunity for mom-business owners to build relationships while building businesses.

The Biz-aar will feature local entrepreneurial moms selling many unique and eco-friendly products lines, including:

Patrons will also be able to book sessions with a professional portrait photographer and a wine consultant.

When:
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
6 – 7 pm    The Enterprising Moms Networking and Shopping Hour (Enterprising Moms: Registration Required)
7 – 9 pm    Public Holiday Shopping Event

Where:
Spill the Beans Organic Coffee and Chat House
Fort Hunt Centre, 1900 Elkin Street, Alexandria, VA 22308

Spill the Beans, a locally owned coffee house with a loyal following,  embraces moms and tots and general community, offering free wireless access, some organic and healthy lunch and dinner options, loose leaf teas and beer & wine. Spill is also a frequent host of parties and community events. If you haven’t been, you simply must – and let Donna know when sent you!

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Fairfax County business-owner moms shared a morning full of great ideas for fostering the growth of a community of The Enterprising Moms in the area during our Meet & Greet last week. We did lots of brainstorming and sketched out a path for moving forward that will foster a sense of community and provide opportunities to share, learn and grow. Planning is now underway. If you’d like to stay in the loop as things develop, please get in touch.

And, save the date for our next gathering on Thursday, November 19th. Details and registration at The Enterprising Moms.

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Angela Hazuda Meyers
President/Owner
Meyers Marketing Strategy and Standing Room Only Event Promotion

Type of Business: B2B. Conduct B2B, B2C marketing programs

Industries: Marketing and Events

Product/Service: Marketing (Strategic, Executional, Interim & Retainer) and Event Promotion

Years in Business: 6 months

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals:

• Small–midsized businesses, non-profits and associations who need help growing their organizations.
• Small-mid-sized organizations who don’t have enough funds or work for a full-time marketing director, but realize they need the function filled, or firms who have recently lost their Marketing Director and need a stand-in until they re-hire the position.

Personally speaking …
I am so sad to say that right now I don’t have much to fill in here.  I do a little knitting in the winter, I like to plan the kids parties with theme events and lots of fun activities, and I walk in the early AM with a group of women in the neighborhood and thoroughly enjoy my “adult time,” but other than that this is an area I am working on!

Home life:
I have a hubby of 5 years Patrick.  We have a romantic story of meeting, falling deeply in love, he quit his job a month after we met so he could be stateside (after knowing each other for only 2 weeks) then moving in directly with me literally after the taxi dropped him off at my house and getting engaged a year later on top of the Eiffel Tower – but sadly not much romance post kiddos! I have 3 wonderful children:  Grant (3.5 years old), Rhett (20 months old) and Charlotte (8 months old).  They are fun and keep me hopping, most days it’s wonderful and other days it’s a handful!

Childcare situation:
I have full-time, in-home care.  I attempted to go it alone without care, but with 3 under 3 at the time and now with them only 6 months older now, there was not enough quite time in the day to get any work done and not a quiet moment to talk to a client.

Motivation for starting your businesses:
A passion for marketing and helping other small businesses grow AND a desire to be more connected and present in my children’s days.

Greatest benefit of running your own businesses:
Flexibility.  I try to fit in a few events with the kids during the day each month, we walk to preschool and back and I have lunch with them at least a few times a week.

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it:
I got 2 new clients for my business.  I called my hubby.

On your nightstand:
A notebook to jot down late-night thoughts and to-dos and a few children’s book, Oh and 1,000 Places to See Before You Die – But it hasn’t even been cracked open (I got it for Christmas) and I certainly haven’t scheduled a trip yet!

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:
Sneakers.  I love getting out a taking a walk or jog to energize or blow off steam.  I try to walk most days with the kids or at least get outside for a little fun.

Last purchase for self:
Blackberry

Favorite way to unwind:
Wine a little…

Best advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz):
My mom said – You need to start your own business.  After positions in various companies I was frustrated with an organization’s lack of vision, inefficiencies and inability to execute.  Many companies get in their own way on a regular basis and I want to help them advance.

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:
There are more than one BEST to this one…I love working for myself because I get to be involved with so many exciting businesses and work for a number of different clients, which is very fulfilling.  It’s an opportunity you don’t have when working for one company.  I also love showing my children how mommy works, getting them exposed to alternative work environments and in the future I look forward to them understanding that they can do whatever they want to do as they grow up.

Connect and learn more:
MeyersMarketingStrategy |  Standing Room Only Event Promotion

LinkedIn |  Facebook |  Twitter

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