Let’s take the politics out of it

Make better decisions

We seem to be in an era described by commentators as post-reality politics. It’s all about making the pitch and telling a compelling story. The politicians have learned that successful marketers are the best storytellers.

But, they have also learned they can they can make the sale even if the story is complete fiction. The listeners are buying it. The critics and fact checkers are ignored or accused of bias. The lies and invented narratives are not unique to Trump or Republicans and although most effectively demonstrated by Nixon, Reagan and the other Clinton, the tactics have been used for a century. It’s important to have a good story to support the political arguments, so “creativity” is justified.

Unfortunately for voters, there is no consumer protection or return policy. Just watch, wait, and hope for the best, until the next election.

So in politics, as in business and life, let’s make better decisions based on the ideals not the ideology, the facts not the fiction, the reality not the rhetoric, the answers not the anger, and the principles not the personalities.

We’re all counting on you.

Your Uncle Ralph, Del Chatterson

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Every business is a social enterprise

It’s an evolution of the community

The term “social enterprise” is starting to get annoying. Over-worked jargon used to make entrepreneurship in general or a particular business seeking support appear more appealing and acceptable to a cynical public that sees every business as evil and driven by the sole objective of making money for the executives and the owner/shareholders.

Often the promoters of social entrepreneurship come across as “holier than thou,” suggesting “I’m a good person and you are not, you filthy capitalist.” Maybe I’m being too cynical, but let’s dig a little deeper before giving one entrepreneur more credit than another for being socially responsible. Attaching a label does not answer all questions.

Let’s define a social enterprise as one whose primary objective is to address social issues. It can still be a good, sustainable and profitable business. And there is every reason to be optimistic that entrepreneurs can apply their skills in leadership, management and innovation to deliver effective solutions to social problems.

Is every charitable organisation or non-profit effective as a social enterprise? No. Some are corrupt, some are incompetent. Some pay their executives more than any profit-oriented enterprise could justify. So their positive impact on society and social issues is actually less than the enlightened business that recognizes its responsibilities to employees, customers, suppliers, strategic partners, its community and the planet, and responds effectively.

Is every profit-oriented business an evil enterprise creating social problems? No. But some are greedy, selfish, or incompetent and they do exploit employees, customers, suppliers, strategic partners, their communities and the planet. Fortunately they will not last.

The future will be better with both social enterprises and enlightened entrepreneurship.

Let’s speed up the process of natural selection, by supporting those that meet the criteria of having a positive impact on society. Let the others go extinct.

Your Uncle Ralph, Del Chatterson

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