There Is No Business Like Show(ing) Business How To Address Poverty

We’ve been hearing about the Clinton Global Initiative since they met last week in New York City. With the sad reality that four billion people on this planet are struggling with poverty—i.e., living on $2 per day—I’m encouraged to see business thinkers propose creative ways to battle poverty.

Of course, when business reduces poverty, they are also increasing potential new consumers. It becomes a win-win formula.

Here’s a piece on 8 ways business can end poverty. They propose the following:

Look Inside – encourage and fund average people who are able to create products that sell to average people.

Patient Capital – Invest in the long-term.

Internal Sustainability – Create products that are compatible with many communities.

Market Focus – Design products that meet the needs of the right local market.

Embed Innovation – Use social mobilization as part of business development.

Keep The Money Flowing – Develop loan programs for people in need rather than simply food programs.

Don’t Re-Invent The Wheel – Develop products using existing platforms.

Make People Feel Good – “Dignity is more important to the human spirit than wealth.”


(Pic from www.basebasebase.com)