How to incorporate impact into business with the MQM® method
- Jessica Oyarbide
- Jul 11, 2024
- 3 min read
There are strategies, tools, and methodologies that allow us to transition from traditional companies and businesses to businesses with a positive impact on people and the planet. But to embark on a path of impact, the key is to ask the right questions.
Today, there are more and more businesses demonstrating that it is possible to combine a strong social and environmental commitment with a solid and profitable business model. It's possible to find examples of small and large companies around the world contributing to mitigating and solving the major social and environmental challenges that plague us. They say the first step doesn't get you where you want to go, but it gets you out of where you are.
Before considering what kind of impact a business can generate, it's essential to ask questions. At the origins of most of the world's leading Social and Impact Enterprises, we can find inspiring stories of people who endured moments of crisis, adversity, and uncertainty, which led them to ask the most transcendental questions, thanks to which they were able to figure out how to build a meaningful path.
To support this process of seeking business impact, Marcas que Marcan (MQM), an agency dedicated to mobilizing the Social Potential® of people and organizations through consulting in branding, marketing, and conscious communication, created the MQM Method®, which applies to businesses and organizations, as well as individuals.
This method consists of three stages
Compass: At this stage, we work on the purpose of the commercial or personal brand to create all the key strategic elements that allow for a solid tool to serve as a guide for charting the course. Some key questions for this stage are:
If money were no object, what would I do?
What activities make me feel like time stands still?
What realities do I want to build with the time I invest?
Footprint: During this stage, the Social Potential® is outlined to define how to navigate a path that generates a positive impact on people and the planet. Some key questions for this stage are:
What causes/issues interest and motivate me, or worry and anger me?
What legacy would I like to leave in the world?
In what ways do I contribute to society and the planet?
Map: In this stage, the key objectives of individuals or organizations are identified to define the goals they need to achieve and design an effective path to achieving them. Some key questions for this stage are:
What are my goals for the next 10 years?
In what spaces would I like to be recognized?
What actions do I need to take today to be where I want to be tomorrow?
After going through the process, it's possible to gain clarity about the type of impact individuals, businesses, and organizations are capable of generating, and create effective strategies to achieve it.
For companies going through this process, there are typically four key strategies for incorporating impact:
Across the value chain: Examining each link in the value chain to identify opportunities for improvement and collaboration that drive positive change.
Strategic alliances: Form alliances with organizations and companies that share values, purpose, and vision to complement efforts toward greater impact.
Hiring Policies: Diversity and inclusion on the team can bring fresh and innovative perspectives, essential for achieving significant impact.
Communication with impact : Transparency, authenticity, and commitment to specific causes in communication are essential to positioning the company or individual in areas of interest.
Incorporating impact into business is a journey that begins with thoughtful questions and continues with strategic actions. For advice on how to incorporate impact into your company, organization, or professional profile, contact jessica@marcasquemarcan.com
Learn more about the method at https://marcasquemarcan.com/metodo-mqm/
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