7 simple secrets to “Switch” to green

Change does not come easily to us, as a species. We are hard-wired to prefer the status quo, to drag our feet or over-analyze to the point of paralysis when changes are proposed. Fortunately, a new book addresses this in an engaging and enlightening manner: “Switch: how to change things when change is hard,” by Dan and Chip Heath. I’ve pulled out seven secrets from this book to help you to design a smooth transition to a greener business.
 
1. Use a metaphor to understand the three parts to effective change. Using vivid examples, the authors illustrate the story of the rider and the elephant. The rider is our rational brain; the elephant is our emotions. Both are actively functioning in us; the trick is to engage them each in ways they understand..

• The rider – avoid analysis paralysis by providing specific instructions and direction
• The elephant – give people an emotional hook to instill hope and motivation
• The path – change the circumstances or environment, such as by using social pressure

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Julie Gabrielli, founder of GOforChange, mentors entrepreneurial businesses and organizations to “see the green.” She has been at the cutting edge of the green movement for over 15 years. Her expertise includes energy efficiency, renewable energy, green architecture, and strategic sustainability planning.

Does going green matter?

Yes, it does! Market analyst Stephen reports on 5 major companies that consider environmental practices when purchasing. The article also has a brief survey to ask other companies if their purchasing decisions would be influenced by a supplier's efforts to go green. Read his article and take the survey. Note: this survey closes Friday, 10/8, so make sure your voice is heard.

9.29.10 Panelist at Energy Sector Partners conference, sponsored by the Baltimore Office of Employment Development. Addressing the topic of green job training for the new economy.

11.19.10 As an EcoCEO winner, I will be profiled in the December issue of Baltimore SmartCEO magazine and recognized at the Green Matrix luncheon

1.5.10 Guest on Angela Jia Kim’s Fireside Chat for Savor the Success premium network members, “See the green: how you can cash in on the green economy.” If you’re interested in joining, send me an email and I will recommend you.

1.21.10 Presenter at workshop “Net-Zero Energy Building Design and Construction.” Julie and Julia Craighill from Steven Winter Associates are leading a day-long workshop in Northern Virginia for architects and contractors. We will answer the question, what is a net-zero energy building, review case studies, and give tips on best practices for design and construction.

Weekly Green

"Everything we love can be saved." ~ Alice Walker

Ready for “Green Halloween?”

Consider participating in National Costume Swap Day. It’s on October 9th, and this website has some great tips on how to host a swap, find a swap, and register your swap. Lynn Colwell, author of “Celebrate Green,” recently had a guest article on GOforChange. If you own a store or other community-oriented business, you will be part of their national PR for the event. (But only if it’s registered on the site soon.)



Tap the Power of Networks! Become an Enlightened Insider.

An effective way to tap into the awesome power of networks is to become a GOforChange Affiliate (or, as we say, Enlightened Insider). As a savvy marketer who cares about the environment, you can help the earth and make extra money at the same time. When we offer programs, you can choose to promote them and earn commissions on any sign-ups that come from your links.

Learn more on our affiliate page. Sign-up takes about two minutes and costs nothing.

Your Eco-Blueprint Home Study Course

A 4-part home study e-Course which helps you to:

• Clear up misunderstandings about what best motivates us to help the environment, and start fresh with an uplifting, transformative vision.

• See greening in its larger context - culturally, historically, and as part of the natural world.

• Think about what going green really means to you.

• Learn to discern which tools will help you baseline your impact, and eventually to measure and track progress. This includes the many resources and connections in your own community.

• Discover how employing environmental practices can also alleviate financial stress.

To learn more and to order, click here.

We help organizations unlock the value and unleash the potential of going green.

You want to cash in on the green economy, but don’t have the time or bandwidth to do it alone. We help you to engage your employees, so you can save money, create new income streams, and better communicate your successes outside the organization.

We tailor our work with you based on the kind of support you are looking for and your level of experience with greening your business. An overview of our programs:

Here is where you can get help to. . . .
• Save money by reducing waste
• Offer more profitable, premium services or products
• Receive more media attention
• Attract and retain great employees
• Be beloved in your community as a positive force
• Increase customer loyalty + serve more people

You’ve done that energy audit, changed lightbulbs and started a recycling program.
Is that all there is?

No!

Greening your business is an extraordinary opportunity to vault into higher levels of excellence, performance, and service. Embrace the vision of a profitable business that is good for the earth and for people.

Read more about our services and programs.

Julie Gabrielli, founder of GOforChange, is an award-winning, leading green business expert. She is an industry-changer who was instrumental in starting the sustainable design movement in her region. Her work has included helping large businesses and institutions develop sustainability initiatives and Climate Action Plans.

Her years of competitive sailboat racing taught Julie that when good design is combined with clear vision, steering for changing conditions, and a healthy respect for the forces of nature, great results are possible!

Gabrielli's Green Business is a publication of Gabrielli Design Studio LLC.
All rights reserved, copyright 2010.
2224 Crest Rd
Baltimore, MD 21209

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