Post Author: Carroll Ross
December 6, 2008
As a sit down to write what will be the first of many blog entries, its exciting for me to reflect on how brand image at Collaborative Solutions has evolved during the last year. We set out in early 2008 with a goal of refining our visual image and clarifying our messages about who we are and what we do. The effort was intended to build on the many things we’ve accomplished during our first five years in operation and set the tone for what we will focus on for years to come. We wanted to pick some new, more impactful colors in our brand and better communicate our company initiatives. We found that “being green” was something we all wanted to do a better job at. Of course, when we started discussing the concept of “being green”, it reminded some of us what this used to mean in the consulting world. Many employees any in the company, myself included, cut our early career teeth at one of the “big six” consulting firms where “being green” didn’t evoke thoughts of recycling or alternative energy. Rather, “being green” meant being fresh off the “school bus”, out of our consulting “boot camp” and ready to take on the challenges of our first customers with little or no real world experience. (And, of course, let’s not forget the other green favorites such as “green beans” and ”greenies” since we’re talking about it). It wasn’t a term that was especially complimentary. I also recall it wasn’t a term many customers liked to hear back then.
Today, “being green” has transcended this old meaning and now reflects a commitment to doing those things that will help our preserve our environment. Its not just a concept we embrace, but our customers embrace as well. Particularly in this time where our economy is not at its best, “being green” has also become a way many customers can, frankly, save some green. Technology has enabled organizations to see savings in many areas, such as reducing paper waste through electronic workflows and processing more data with more efficient computer solutions. There are now many cool ways in which technology is helping us be green. In fact, one of the benefits we’ve been offering our employees is a subscription to Earth Class Mail, which allows customers to review mail online and recycle the physical mail they don’t want (junk mail, catalogs, etc.). For consultants out on the road, this is a great way to stay on top of your mail when you are away from home and at the same time show you are “being green”.
This blog wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t pay due respect to a famous saying “its not easy being green”. I think that statement has always been true. Today, however, if someone told us we were “being green”, I would thank them for the compliment.
