SEWF 2013 was pleased to host a wide array of local students, including five from West Island College. The following story reproduces the post-event summaries provided by those five students. At the request of West Island College and in compliance with their rules regarding the privacy, the names of the students have been withheld.
Student #1
Thank you so much for providing the opportunity to attend the Social Enterprise World Forum 2013. It was an amazing experience that furthered my understanding, awareness and interest in the field of social enterprise. Many of the ideas presented throughout the day emphasized the increasing importance and prevalence of the role of social innovation and enterprise in business. There were so many inspirational speakers that we heard from, each with a message regarding a different aspect of social enterprise, that I could go on and on about numerous things.
What was really surprising to me was the marketing seminar as it really altered my perceptions about marketing social enterprises. They pointed out the harsh truth that most people do not care about the social or environmental good of a company. Since consumers primarily care about price and quality while investors are concerned with profit, they informed us that it is often negative to promote the social good the company is providing because it results in people assuming the product is more expensive and of lesser quality. (I’d like to think the ‘morally conscientious citizen’ in me wouldn’t succumb to that kind of stereotyping but the practical side of me acknowledged that this probably is the case). Instead the speaker provided us with changes in the slogans of products to highlight product quality instead of cause. The instant change in the message the company conveyed made me realize just how influential marketing can be.
I found it truly inspiring to see so many different examples of people incorporating their passion for a particular cause into a successful business.
Student #2
First of all, I would very much like to thank you for allowing myself and the four other West Island College students take part in this amazing experience. It was a fantastic opportunity for all of us to learn so much about different aspects of social enterprise in society.
In this conference, I took part in the “Introduction to Social Enterprise” and the “Marketing your Social Enterprise” talks. In the preliminary talk I took away the vast span of Social Enterprises across Canada, and throughout other countries. I found this interesting because before, I had only thought that Social Enterprises consisted of charity organizations. Unbeknownst to me, even major businesses take part in Social Enterprise.
The Introduction to Social Enterprise talk was interesting in that it showed the various types of Social Enterprise businesses present today. Before this talk, I had a basic understanding, and during this talk the speakers engaged the audience, which provided me an opportunity to learn more about what Social Enterprise is all about. I learned about Social Return on Investments, Social Mission Statements, Business Plans, and how to find a Target Market. All of the things I learned will benefit me in my future business ventures.
In the following talk I learned about marketing, which is something I personally take great interest in. This was an opportunity for me to learn a different approach to marketing a business or Social Enterprise. I learned various, cost effective marketing approaches through the experience of two different companies. I learned more about different aspects of marketing such as Unique Selling Propositions, and how specific techniques can affect different target markets. I learned about many cost effective marketing techniques from Marty Donkervoort, the Author of “Inner City Renovation”. He talked about what to promote in a business and different ways to promote the “4-P’s” of marketing. The other speaker, Tim West, is involved in Matter and Co. He also talked about how to market specific aspects of a business. He talked specifically about how to promote the missions statement of a business, and how this can be effective if used with a marketing slogan. This led to him stating “Don’t throw out the Baby with the Bathwater.” This linked into both talks, meaning that in marketing businesses must focus on what is important to market, and market what is important while, at the same time, getting rid of the ‘unwanted’ pieces.
I have learned much through these two talks, and am extremely grateful for the experience that has been provided to us, and will take all that I have learned at the conference, and take it with me in my further business ventures.
Student #3
I was fortunate enough to attend this year’s Social Enterprise World Forum, and it truly was an eye-opening experience. I came into it knowing almost nothing about social enterprising, so I had no idea what to expect. The schedule for the day was really nice, easy to follow and not very pressing. The opening speeches, presented by three very diverse women, were very interesting. The first woman’s passion about empathy was inspiring and exposed a new way of thinking and of resolution. I found the next woman’s take on community really interesting; seeing how foreign her lifestyle is, not to mention some of the problems het culture has faced, and how she was able to thrive. Her dedication to community and the success that it brought her was very inspiring, and relatable. The third woman to speak resonated most with me. Though her speech was long, she emphasized the importance of innovation and how now is one of the most innovative times the world has seen. She was very optimistic, yet realistic about the future, and as someone who is just beginning in the work force, it was really nice to hear so much enthusiasm about the future.
The first session I attended was ‘Scaling Social Impact’. This was all about developing business models, specifically for up and coming businesses and non-profits, that balance financial and social goals. This session wasn’t exactly catered for students as it was more aimed at fixing existing issues within businesses. From the intensity at which the people were talking notes, I would say a lot of useful information was given. The panellists were very good, as they were able to, for the most part, sufficiently answer all varieties of questions thrown their way.
The second session I went to was ‘Marketing Your Social Enterprise’. Though the aim of the session was less of a tutorial, there were some really interesting tips given about marketing. One thing that I had never considered was the importance of distinguishing a product’s or service’s features versus its functionality, the personal benefit it will provide. Many of the tips I found really interesting, mostly because I know they have worked on me. I know I will definitely keep a keener eye out for some of the more subtle marketing tricks the panelists mentioned.
The sessions were very interesting, but I think one of the best parts of the day, at least for a student, was seeing the diversity in which business, and more specifically social enterprising, exists. The forum displayed people from all walks of life, with different goals and circumstances, united by their common interest. It breaks the stereotype of the ‘business crowd’ and it was nice to see the success stories of people who are able to match work with their passion. I started the day thinking I would be able to hone in on certain areas of interest but walked out knowing that no matter what area I choose, there will be a ton of diversity. This type of exposure is the best way to learn, and I am so grateful to have had the experience. I know the farther I move on, more of what I learned will show.
Student #4
The Social Enterprise World Forum gave me many insights into the field of social enterprise. The sessions greatly demonstrated how important social responsibility is, as well as how prevalent it has become in society. It astonished me how many different avenues one can take in social enterprise. Listening to both the panellists’ and attendees’ stories and job descriptions showed just how broad and all-encompassing the field is. It was incredible to see how many industries are expanding their effort to be more socially conscious.
Perhaps one of the biggest takeaways from the forum was how passionate each of the speakers was about changing the world and accomplishing their vision. Each of them had a certain cause or objective where they were using business to promote the greater good. Hearing the inspirational stories of the struggling start-ups and the moments of success were the highlights of the forum. It was in these stories that one could truly see the commitment these entrepreneurs had for making the world a better place.
During the ‘Scaling Social Enterprise’ sessions one of the panellists, Dave Beaton, briefly discussed the start up of his enterprise ChangeIt. He stated that he began as a teacher, however, after many years of doing so, he made a sudden change. He had a sudden spark for an innovative, and philanthropic business and immediately ran with it. The panel was mainly a discussion about how to present metrics to investors and shareholders. However, Beaton’s comments reflected a certain dedication to his main purpose. When he replied to questions he would state how important it is to build one’s social enterprise around a certain cause and to keep that goal in focus while building the business. It was clear that despite the growth and success of his company, Beaton has never lost sight of his purpose. His statements, as well as many others throughout the commerce, were displays of true passion for one’s work. These individuals’ dedication to their cause and innovative thinking to bring about change was perhaps the most influential aspect of the forum.
Student #5
The Social Enterprise World Forum gave me a taste of how important social change and giving back to the community has become in the business world. What surprised me were the diverse non-profit organizations that attended the forum. I had no idea how popular this sector has become and how it continues to grow. Learning about how people were working in the business world and created a business dedicated to creating social change was really inspiring. It’s great to see that this has become an increasingly popular focus for many companies. This forum also gave me an insight to different job opportunities related to social enterprise and how successful and how much change people are capable of contributing.
During the sessions I learned how to market your company’s product by focusing on a specific target (age group, female, male), and the benefits or negative impact sharing a mission statement could be. The importance of pricing the product close to the price of your competitor, and hearing about mistakes the leaders had made during their career and what they learned from it. The other session was based on quantifying for the social benefit and, for many companies interested in non-profits, how they need to be able to “show number values” in order to attract potential investors.
As a whole the forum was very well organised, the leaders had much useful information to share, and I learned a lot about a growing attraction in the business world. It is great to see that I am in a community where big companies put and effort in creating social change in efforts to do their part in this worldwide effort.
More About SEWF
The Trico Charitable Foundation was honoured to host SEWF 2013. It made history in a number of ways – it was a first for Canada and attracted a record number of speakers and attendees (1,000 individuals from more than 30 countries and over 100 speakers from 20 countries) – but we are most proud of the quality of the discussions on Skills Building, Social Finance, Indigenous Social Enterprise, Collaboration, Policy and Research, and Social Innovation.
We would like to thank the following partners for making SEWF 2013 possible:
Organizing Partners:
- Social Enterprise Council of Canada
- MaRS Centre for Impact Investing
- Social Innovation Generation (SiG)
- The Canadian Community Economic Development Network
Lead Sponsors:
- Suncor
- Vancity
- Government of Canada
- Canadian Youth Business Foundation (now Futurepreneur)
- Social Change Rewards
Presenting Partners:
Supporting Partners:
Friends of SEWF:
Media Partners:
Each year SEWF gives a different host country an incredible opportunity to celebrate and nurture its own social enterprise movement. The inaugural SEWF met in Edinburgh, Scotland. Since then it has been to Melbourne, Australia; San Francisco, U.S.A; Johannesburg, Africa; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Learn more about SEWF’s history here.
SEWF 2014 will be held in Seoul, Korea from October 12-16. Hosted by the Work Together Foundation, this significant international gathering has an ambitious agenda: “Social Change through Social Enterprise”. Learn more here.
