Barefoot Business News from Robert Ashton
December 2010

Winter Drawers On
 
Eskimo

I love playing with words and the double meaning of this month's title always makes me smile. Warm underwear is certainly important this winter, particularly as you have to keep fishing for business. Even in the harshest economic and climatic conditions, you need to stay warm and keep active!

The current sub-zero temperatures in the UK also remind us of our human vulnerability. However much we invest in snow ploughs, flood protection and energy generation, our planet has a way of reminding us of our relative insignificance.


That's why we need to pay equal regard to people, planet and profit. To pursue just one at the expense of the other two is to invite disaster. As you plan for 2011, make sure you try even harder to balance your focus across these three vital, interconnected dimensions. Only then will you enjoy the success you deserve.



IN THIS ISSUE
An alternative Christmas quiz
How to be a Social Entrepreneur reviewed
Tweeting
Big Society
Quote of the Month


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Quiz yourself this Christmas

SEE What You Are Buying Into logo

Here's a great alternative to those pointless seasonal quizzes. Check out how you match up against the social, environmental and ethical standards needed to carry the SEE What You Are Buying Into logo.


Download the 25 questions here and be surprised by what they prompt you to consider. We went through the process last month and are pleased to say we met the standard. Our answers are published on the SEE What You Are Buying Into website. For a modest investment you can register and be encouraged along the accreditation journey too.


It doesn't matter how your organisation is structured; it's what you do and how that qualifies you to join this exclusive socially, ethically and environmentally responsible network. In 2011 demonstrating that you care will become even more important. Why not make a start right now?



How to be a Social Entrepreneur

How to be a Social Entrepreneur


My most recent book really seems to be touching the spot. It's picked up some glowing endorsements from people unafraid to say it as they see it. For example Third Sector and Guardian columnist and former Social Enterprise Ambassador and Craig Dearden Phillips said: 'Robert is helping turn social entrepreneurship from a hairshirt option for the extremely worthy to something we can all do.'


Popular social enterprise blogger David Floyd said: 'Ashton's key strength is in encapsulating in bite-sized chunks the ideas and practices that successful social entrepreneurs - or those of us who are at least successful enough to keep going - rely on.'

 

I hope both will encourage you to add this book to your reading list for the Christmas break.



Tweet tweet

Robin


My reservations about Twitter were shattered recently. I was invited to speak to a group of social entrepreneurs in Swansea earlier this month. The conference was about 'digital inclusion' and my session was transmitted live online. Viewers were invited to Tweet me their comments and questions, giving me two audiences to pay attention to; one in the room and one spread over the globe.


Robert at the Wales winter conference


People as far away as New Zealand took part in the session, as did a few local folk unable to get to the conference. You can watch the recorded session here and follow me on Twitter @robertashton1.



Big Society
  
Gin Lane
 

Looking at my workload for the first quarter of 2011 I find that I am now exclusively working on what might be called 'Big Society' projects. These include stimulating community enterprises including shops, transport schemes and a nursing home; piloting a new social lending brand; mentoring groups of mental health 'service users' into social enterprise and helping the CEO of a disability charity replace lost grants with trading income.


I'm also talking to two publishers who both want a book from me in 2011 and am determined to create and launch a challenging stage performance. These shows will help anyone brave enough to buy a ticket discover the joy of entrepreneurship. It'll be me saying it as I see it, with no holds barred!



Quote of the Month


David Floyd's review of 'How to be a Social Entrepreneur' opened with this quote from page 93: 'As a social entrepreneur, you have more to consider and build in to your plan. Some will be dismissive of your social mission. To counter this you need to make it a pivotal aspect of your business plan. In other words, the closer you get to making profit the product of your positive impact on people and planet the better.'


He liked the way I'd captured and presented what for me is the essence of social entrepreneurship. I hope it resonates with you too!





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Sincerely,