A Value Drvien business is no longer optional
Why Is This More Critical Now? Changing Consumer and Investor Expectations
There's a new wave of accountability sweeping through Australian business, and smart business owners are using it to their advantage when choosing who to work with. Millennials and Gen Z customers are more likely than ever to support businesses that take environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities seriously. This means the companies you partner with can either boost or damage your own reputation by association.
When you're evaluating potential suppliers, partners, or contractors, your customers are asking the same questions you should be: Is this business ethical? Do they care for the planet? Are they treating their people and partners fairly? If you're working with companies that don't measure up, it can reflect poorly on your own business when customers find out.
The same scrutiny applies to investors and lenders. Funds are increasingly flowing toward companies that can demonstrate strong ESG credentials and genuine social commitments. If you're seeking funding or partnerships, being able to show you work with reputable, values driven businesses strengthens your own case significantly.
For business owners, this means doing your homework on potential partners isn't just about checking their finances anymore. Their community standing, environmental practices, and how they treat employees all matter for your own reputation. Choosing partners with strong ethical credentials doesn't just protect your brand, it can actually enhance your standing with customers and investors who value businesses that make responsible choices about who they work with.
At Zellus, we're looking to build that vetting process for business owners. We understand that thoroughly researching every potential partner takes time you don't have, which is why we're developing tools to help you quickly assess the reputation, ethical standing, and community impact of businesses before you commit to working with them.
by Stephen Neli
