ocial enterprise, impact investment, social entrepreneurs, marketing Yep! Investors do want to do well by doing good. Worthwhile social enterprises abound. What's keeping the two apart?

That's the 120-billion-dollar question, raised by the research.

It's the question that will be discussed at the Social Capital Markets Conference (SOCAP) in October.

How, indeed, do social entrepreneurs convince these potential investors to put their money in social enterprises, to consider social impact and the triple-bottom line?

It's a great question. And I have an answer that is based on my years of experience in marketing. That answer is, of course, marketing. The concept of impact investing has to be marketed as good for your portfolio as well as the world. For more about that, check out my entry in the SOCAP blog contest.

The contest is designed to get the conversation started. The winner gets a free pass to the conference, which will be an energizing and inspiring gathering of impact investment strategists and entrepreneurs.

Yes, my answer is one of the entries. Yes, I'd like you to vote for it. Just look for my picture next to the blog.

It's not an easy vote to cast; you have to register at the site and then validate your registration by responding to an email.

Check it out ... before Sept. 14 when the voting closes. Yes, I want you to vote for me but I also want you to be inspired by the energy, creativity and size of the social enterprise sector and its potential to change the world.

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SalesForce Starts With Vision and Values, Ends With Success

by Geri Stengel on Aug 10, 2010 - 10:39am

Nonprofit nonprofit leaders SalesForce Social Enterprise social entrepreneurs values

I can't think of better guidelines for social entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and small business owners than that of Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, a very large, socially responsible business.

As quoted by AP, Benioff describes his philosophy as the V2MOM process. It stands for the vision, the values, the methods, the obstacles and the measures.

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You're Richer Than You Think So Sharing Won't Hurt

by Geri Stengel on Jul 1, 2010 - 8:00am

mindfulness social consciousness Social Enterprise social entrepreneurs social responsibility

Feeling strapped in the current economy? To get a reality check on just how lucky you are, check out the global rich list. Enter your yearly income and you'll find out just how well you are doing compared to the rest of the global population.

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Nonprofits Need To Put Their Money Where Their Mission Is

by Geri Stengel on Jun 3, 2010 - 2:00am

individual investors Nonprofit nonprofit leaders Social Enterprise social entrepreneurs social responsibility socially responsible investing

So you're recycling, reusing, paying a fair wage, and donating to nonprofits. Or you are a nonprofit, giving your all to make the world a better place.

Is that all there is to social responsibility?

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Challenge: Use Good Business Practices Without Losing Social Purpose

by Geri Stengel on Apr 29, 2010 - 10:40am

Bunker Roy business practices Matthew Bishop McKinsey & Company measure outcomes measurement micro finance social enterprise Social Enterprise social entrepreneurs triple bottom line

As the saying goes, "assume" makes an ass of you and me.

In a recent "debate" posted on the McKinsey & Company website, I think some asinine assumptions were made by both sides.

Small Business Networks Help Each Other and Their Communities

by Geri Stengel on Feb 23, 2010 - 9:00am

BALLE Best Practice Motivated by Purpose Small Business small business network small business online community small business support social entrepreneurs triple bottom line

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) is a great example of what you, through survey responses, and I have been saying for a long time: Peer support is a valuable asset to small business owners and social entrepreneurs.

You Can't Be Socially Responsible Without Ethical Standards

by Geri Stengel on Jan 24, 2010 - 5:09pm

business ethics corporate social responsibility entrepreneurs Social Enterprise social enterprise social entrepreneurs social responsibility

A strong sense of ethics is essential to social enterprises, corporate social responsibility, and any business, small or large, that wants the respect and loyalty of their customers. Ethics is an important part of doing well while doing good, so Ventureneer has joined forces with Business Ethics, the Magazine of Corporate Responsibility.

A List for Santa that Will Make Everyone Smile

by Geri Stengel on Dec 4, 2009 - 6:43pm

charitable giving How To non profit leaders social entrepreneurs

Every year, organizations like Heifer International urge people to give their loved ones cows, goats or chickens that will be used to create a sustainable living for people in third-world countries.

Social Enterprises: Taking a Well Traveled Road versus Blazing a New Trail

by Geri Stengel on Nov 9, 2009 - 2:59pm

Best Practice social enterprise social enterprises social entrepreneur social entrepreneurs social entrepreneurship

Last week, I attended the 6^th Annual Conference of Social Entrepreneurs at NYU Stern’s Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. My big take away: Sometimes the past provides a road map for the future and sometimes you need to blaze a new trail.

Business Incubators Increase Nonprofit and For-profit Odds of Success

by Geri Stengel on Jun 30, 2009 - 11:46am

Business Incubators Motivated by Purpose New York Women Social Entrepreneurs (NYWSE) nonprofits professional development small businesses social entrepreneurs technical training

Every organization can use a pied piper – a leader who inspires people to follow. New York Women Social Entrepreneurs (NYWSE) has two: Natalia Oberti Noguera, director, and Allison Lynch, incubator manager. They recruited me to screen applicants for the program, provide training, and be a mentor.