Social Entrepreneurship-doing well by doing good

GordonMiller

Posted: Dec 6, 07 8:41am

Doing well by doing good is an expression that has been around forever. But it's beginning to take on a new meaning for many of us. It can be about creating exciting new careers for many Boomers.

Many of the people who decide to become social entrepreneurs tell me that it's part of their desire to "give back" and become part of something significant. Something, like their own business, or a job, that's focused on making a difference locally or nationally. Maybe even globally.

If you're interested in learning more about this growing trend in encore careers, here are a few websites to check out:

www.howtochangetheworld.org

A book and resource guide

www.purposeprize.org

A group that gives away 5 awards of $100k each year to people over 60 who want to be social entrepreneurs

www.skollfoundation.org

Investing in and celebrating social entrepreneurship

Any of you have social entrepreneur experience, or want to seriously consider it?

5 Comments // 4 Members

Posted: Dec 9, 07 5:00am

Doing well by doing good is an expression that has been around forever. But it's beginning to take on a new meaning for ...

Gordon,

Thanks for the web sites. I will be sure to check them all out.

I started a project with my 11 year old called www.everykiddeservesabike.org , This year we are giving away 30 new bicycles for Christmas. I am so pumped up over this. It was a lot of fun and teaches my son many lessons. He now wants to take it national. What do you think?

Joe

Posted: Dec 9, 07 5:34am

Doing well by doing good is an expression that has been around forever. But it's beginning to take on a new meaning for ...

Gordon, this is something I have really been focusing on for the last couple of years. Thanks for the great links!

Posted: Dec 9, 07 7:20am

Gordon,

Thanks for the web sites. I will be sure to check them all out.

I started a project with my 11 year old c...

I think it's a cool cause and probably has some potential for some business success. I'd take it one step-at-a-time...meaning, see how it goes in the first market, capture your lessons learned, and move to the next market.

And, of course, have fun with it.

Posted: Dec 9, 07 7:22am

Gordon, this is something I have really been focusing on for the last couple of years. Thanks for the great links!...

You're welcome!

If you are thinking about doing something along these lines, I suggest you talk to people in your city who have experience in this path and are willing to serve as your mentor.

Posted: Dec 9, 07 7:33am

Doing well by doing good is an expression that has been around forever. But it's beginning to take on a new meaning for ...

Thanks!