Ten Steps To Become A Fair Trade, Socially Responsible Jewelry Company
1. Review your decision making processes and set objectives based on end result first.
Write out what your company would need to look like in order to capture the market of people interested in these values and then commit to start, recognizing that decisions have to be made within the context of good, sound economics.
2. Start networking.
Right now, there is just a small group of people in the industry interested in these issues. Those who are involved are passionate. Review the contact list on this blog and see if any of them are a fit. Secondly, begin to ask your suppliers how they are sourcing their material. What are the labor and environmental conditions of the outsourced goods you purchase?
3. Join with networks of people who want to move in your direction and share your concerns for labor and the environment.
International suppliers who support these concerns are difficult to find and verify. Check with your American suppliers who may well share a common concern for fair labor and sustainable environmental practices.
4. If diamonds are your business, be extra careful.
In March, 2007, I went to the Istanbul gem show and spoke with diamond dealers, mainly serving the Russian market. I was told that a huge amount of diamonds are slipping through the Kimberly Process. Canadian diamonds are another viable option. That said, we know also that without the diamond trade, many African countries would deeply suffer.
5. Go green and zero carbon.
See this article article to help accomplish this. Begin to use environmental products – and so on. There are a wide variety of options. The more of them you can put in place, the more your customer will see your commitment to these ideals. The more loyal they will likely become.
6. Offer Fair Trade Gemstones.
There are fair trade gems currently available. Offer them when you can. You may have to do more research than you might ordinarily do to locate them. Start with those individuals and organizations linked here and then begin to bridge outward. If you find really good resources, we haven’t listed, let us know. We would love to add them.
7. If you outsource, visit the factories of your international supplier.
Sometimes, companies will put on a show that does not represent their true state. Bring a pen with you and leave it somewhere in the factory so that you have an excuse to return (and find your pen) without an invitation. If you can visit the site over time, you will also get a good idea of how they really operate on a day to day basis. Do your homework and look from a critical standpoint. Are they doing all they can given their circumstances to uphold any of these ideals?
8. Offer competitive wages and generous packages to your employees to increase your profitability.
A study in Harvard Business Review stated that increased commitment from employees who love their job can lead to a 57% increase in an employees discretionary effort, a 20% increase in individual productivity and an 87% reduction in the desire to leave. The greatest indicator of business success is repeat business which comes from customer satisfaction. The greatest indicator of customer satisfaction is how much your employee enjoys his or her job. Your employees are your first, best customer. If they are happy and contented, it will translate to the customer and they will retain loyalty to your company.
9. Market yourself.
Moving to fair trade and environmental responsibility costs money, but the payback is huge. Once you have the right contacts in place, market your angle using co-op money from manufacturers whenever possible.
10. Pay attention to the alignment of your words to your actions.
This can always improve. It is in your best interests to find ways to improve in this area, both personally and professionally. This will build up integrity and also promote customer loyalty.
What are your ideas that work in this direction?
