4 traits of highly effective impact entrepreneurs.
By: Erik Loots
Tags: Business, Impact, Entrepreneurship

When we started our documentary series on impact entrepreneurs we often asked ourselves whether an audience would be intrigued enough to watch a complete episode (30–40 min) on a single individual. To be honest we still don’t have the answer, but we hope you’ll be the judge of that.

However as time progressed we discovered reoccurring character traits amongst all these pioneers. To start of with, most impact entrepreneurs are nonconformists, eccentric rebels, freethinkers and oddballs, which consequently make them a joy to watch and a pleasure to be around.

Here are my observations.

1. Be crazy

It must come as no surprise that it takes a little bit of crazy to swim upstream. It takes willpower to continue when others tell you it can’t be done. It takes imagination to see the inconceivable. It takes self-confidence to connect to your true self and to finally embrace that we’re all crazy.

Erika (Hallqvist) Lust founder of Lust Productions

2. Be passionate about a problem.

I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs convinced that their product is the answer, when in actual fact there wasn’t even a problem to begin with. Failing to acknowledge the underlying issue or to commit oneself to a problem results in poor products and services. Always put your mission first and product second.

One of our first episodes is about filmmaker Erika Lust of Lust Productions. Whilst being in her presence you can feel she’s a passionate feminist. She is devoted to creating an equal balance between men and women, however her method of tackling that issue is unconventional.

With a degree in political science she could have become anything, a politician, an acclaimed author or professor on gender issues, but instead she became a pornographer. Other roles would have suited her equally well, but then again would it have made similar impact. Today her company provides assets to fuel her broader mission. It’s without a doubt a creative and lucrative way of providing an alternative to a chauvinistic adult industry.

Your passion for an issue will help you refine your product and lead you to the ultimate solution. It will guide you and help you maintain your integrity and spirit to continue.

David Bronner Cosmic Engagement Officer Dr. Bronner’s

Stand for something.

Out of fear of losing costumers and potential income many companies are afraid to take sides on social and political issues. Ironically it’s often those companies that threaten the environment, pay low wages and conduct deplorable practices. It can best be labeled as opportunistic indifference.

Taking a controversial stands might seem like the path to destruction, but more often than not it creates a more loyal costumer base. Dr. Bronner’s America’s number one organic soap company is a perfect example of this principle.

Their company doesn’t shy away from addressing tough issues, such as growing industrial hemp, raising the minimum wage or mandatory GMO labelling. They’ll even use their own labels as political pamphlets to get topics on the agenda. Their enterprise is often rewarded for their devotion rather than penalised. Or as CEO (Cosmic Engagement Officer) David Bronner best puts it “People dig it that we do good shit in the world.”

As a company you have the opportunity to be at the forefront of change, contribute on a global scale and set the example for your employees, customers and investors. Take that responsibility and be rewarded.

As for employees do not fear to ask your company’s stands on equal pay, fair wages or environmental preservation. It’s still your choice whether you want to be part of that identity, but please inform yourself. I’m well aware that quitting your job isn’t always an option, but let yourself be heard. Enough with sexism, slavery and blatantly ignoring the ecosystems we live in.

Bernd Damme founder of House of Eléonore. Sprout Entrepreneur under 25 of the year 2012.

Be kind

I can’t stress this enough. If the only thing you take away from this piece is to be kind then I’ve done my job. Almost every founder or CEO of a social enterprise I’ve met are likeable people. They’re compassionate and empathetic. Optimistic and solution oriented.

Let me emphasise by taking Bernd Damme as an example. Bernd founded House of Eléonore in 2014, his company currently produces jewellery by using fair-trade gold and synthetic diamonds.

His tailored suits and eye for detail have become his signature, especially when it comes to cultivating relationships. He greets everyone with a smile, he writes the most eloquent emails you’ll ever read and he’ll remembers the tiniest details from previous meetings. I’m sure his success is the result of hard work, but I believe it would go unnoticed if it wasn’t paired with his ability to make people feel at ease.

I honestly believe that if you pursue kindness the rest will follow.

Much love,

Erik

Our encounters are currently being solidified in a six part documentary series. The episodes are either in production or lying on the editing table. If you want to know more about our series please follow us on Facebook

Which traits did we miss? We are curious to know what you think. Please leave your comments below.