The sustainability of health: Why living healthy is good marketing
The sustainability movement is motivated largely by a desire for better health. A healthy planet means healthy communities, healthy people and healthy future generations. As a green company, health promotion - financial, social, and environmental - is a core tenet of your business philosophy. Why is it so easy to forget that your personal health is also a necessary aspect of your business?
Good health is more important today than ever. The economic crisis can mean heightened stress. Yes, the economy can impact your health as well as your bank statement. A little stress is okay - it can motivate you and even make you more productive. But in times of crisis it's easy for stress to become overwhelming and start to impact your health. And that's when it can have a direct effect on your marketing.
As the face of your business, your image is part of your brand. For customers to take green businesses seriously, owners must live what they preach (or else be accused of greenwashing). This applies to your health - how you treat your mind and body should be a reflection of your business philosophy.
But don't be stressed. Improving your health doesn't have to require dramatic changes to lifestyle and time management, but it may mean shifting priorities a little. Here are a few small but significant changes you can make to improve your health and better live your philosophy of sustainability:
Give yourself a time out
For many people running their own businesses, especially start-ups, the work week begins and ends on Monday. If you find it impossible to give yourself periodic breaks, practice closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing for a few minutes every few hours during the work day. You'll go to your next meeting refreshed and energized, better representing your brand's potential.
Feed your body well
Green business owners are often green eaters, but money and time can hinder efforts to eat healthy. If the financial crunch has you sweating about the price of food, practice cooking healthy on a budget. Use your produce before it rots. Instead of eating out, form a potluck club - perhaps at your company or networking group - to grow community around healthy eating. Become familiar with your store's bulk section. Learn how to cook dry beans. You will be feeding your body well, saving money, and decreasing your footprint and the same time.
Move more
Exercise is usually the first to go when difficult times hit, yet it's arguably the most important tool for coping with stress. Scatter exercise throughout the day - 10 minutes here and there - to work it into your schedule. You can incorporate exercise in a way that promotes sustainability, especially by ditching your car. Bike or walk to meetings when it's practical. You will feel better and your clients might notice, too.
Good health is not only about your image. Investing in prevention and healthy behaviors now yields returns as your business grows. Good health means sustainability for you and your business. It's all part of a healthy marketing strategy.
