BNI SuccessNet - Fourth Quarter 2002

A global citizen could be defined as someone who looks at the bigger picture - the global picture, and adapts that worldview to their own community or organization. Master networkers all share that global vision. - As Anita Roddick says, Think globally, act locally.

Global citizens individually are conscious of their own triple bottom line. The triple bottom line - another buzz word or faddish jargon or is it the answer to the corporate world profits today. Many companies reviewing their poor results for the year are considering that possibly striving for profits above all else is in fact back firing on them and driving the profits down. As a citizen, is it just about how much money we can make and spend or does quality of life, consider a lot more than just the $$

So what is the triple bottom line?

Companies or individuals consciously focussing on a combination of:

PEOPLE, PLANET & PROFITS

Rather than making profit or money their sole motivator, enlightened organizations and individuals are looking beyond the dollars and creating preferred working environments. Places where people seek employment, not just for the salary packages, but also rather for their companies commitment to the community as well as the environment. Companies aware that 10-12 hour days are not healthy for the individual or the company. Mistakes are made through tiredness and lack of concentration. Preferred work places where senior managers literally chase their managers out of the building after 6 pm - encouraging them to get home and have a life. For some this new way of thinking is frightening and needs some major adjustment in their life. For others they talk in high praise of the organization that they feel part of. The community that they as individuals share.

So lets look at what has triggered this movement. In the '90s we saw dramatic retrenchments, down-sizing, re-engineering, call it what you will the bottom line was, there were less and less people to do the same amount of work. Morale slumped; people felt threatened and questioned on a monthly, weekly or even daily basis, would they be the next to go? Each pay packet may contain the "don't come Monday". Some weren't even given the opportunity of a "farewell event", rather pack up your desk and be gone in half an hour. Absenteeism increased, stress leave abounded and profits slumped, sometimes to record lows. Was it the economy, or was it people looking for more than just a job.

Even high salaries weren't enough to keep good workers, they started to look for more balance, more company caring. Networking events abounded with speakers talking about "finding balance", "looking within" and saying no to increased demands from employers. Many resigned only to be invited back as consultants at often a much higher rate of pay and hours to suit the individual rather than the company.

Television shows like "Sea Change" shot through the roof with their ratings as people considered how they could make their own sea change and many did.

Astute investors are looking for ethical investments. Putting their money and energy behind supporting companies who are clearly showing support of the environment and the community. Organisation seconding their staff to work on a part or full time basis with community groups - a very humbling experience for many.

As the sponsorship dollar becomes scarcer, wise sponsors are often investing in small community events rather than the large costly extravaganza with a quickly response, but often-lower return on investment.

VISIBILITY IS CRITICAL - BE SEEN, GET KNOWN, AND MOVE AHEAD The basis of the triple bottom line is the basis of networking - treat people the way you would like to be treated. So how can we do this on a practical basis, how can we become master networkers and global citizens, with our own triple bottom line awareness?

Here are a few simple ideas you may consider:

Do your homework on your service providers. Do they support the community, how well are their staff treated? If you don't agree with all of their policies, look for an alternate provider, even if it costs a little more.

How much money do you spend in your local community? The ripple effect from spending locally provides employment, keeps businesses trading and most of all keeps money circulating locally

Where do you make your larger purchases? Would paying 5% more make that big a difference to you if you were able to purchase within 10 minutes from home?

What about travel and holidays? With the weakened Australian dollar, more travellers are realising the magnificence of their own country and region. A travel agent recently told me that most Australians have seen more of the world than they have of their own State. How well do you know your own neighbourhood and city, let along state or country?

Do you recycle? Most homes these days are equipped with recycled garbage areas and are well supported. But what about recycling larger goods, like books, outdated computer equipment, mobile phones, and furniture? One person's trash is another person's treasure. Many charities can often arrange collection of sizeable donations of goods. As the triple bottom line becomes the rule rather than the exception, global citizens will network more and more with like minded individuals and support organizations who realize that its not up to the government or the boss, its up to me. And as a wise person once said IT IT'S TO BE, IT'S UP TO ME.

ROBYN HENDERSON, CSP
Global Networking Specialist
Ph 61.2.9369.1025 Fax 61.2.9369.1053
email:inetwork@ozemail.com.au
http://www.networkingtowin.com.au