May 2023
17
Does DEI improve your firm's brand value?
Your brand isn't just a fancy emblem or catchy tagline – it's the entire perception people have of your firm. So why not stand out from the crowd by showing your commitment to social justice? Incorporating DEI into your brand not only sets you apart, but also positions your firm as a reliable and dedicated ally. Let’s explore why DEI could be the missing piece to your branding puzzle.
Why DEI is important for businesses
DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion – more on that here) is taking over the business world, which is crucial, especially in light of events over recent years that have highlighted societal inequalities. By incorporating DEI into your brand identity, you're shouting from the rooftops that you care about more than just making money. You're a company with a heart and soul, committed to making a positive impact on the world.
Attract more talent
Research shows that 74% of millennials believe that an inclusive culture foster more innovation, so a company with strong DEI values attracts the best and brightest talent. We all know that the accounting industry has a diversity problem, but did you know that companies with more diversity are 15% more likely to financially outperform their competitors? By prioritising diversity, you're not only building a team that's more creative and innovative, but you're also showing candidates that you're committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
Set your firm apart from competitors
Nowadays, people want to endorse companies prioritising diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you turn a blind eye to DEI and ignore it, you’ll risk coming across as out of touch, and even unfriendly. If your firm is one that prioritises DEI, you'll stand out from firms that don't.
Less talk, more action
How can people get behind what you do? If you claim that diversity is part of your brand, then live by it. Walk your talk – don’t just have it down on paper. Weave your values into everything you do, from website design all the way through to your tax software.
Consumers are smart and can quickly discern whether a company's commitment to DEI is sincere or just a marketing ploy. Identify areas where you can improve – like more inclusive hiring policies, DEI training, or promoting staff equitably for leadership positions.
How do you inspire people to support your cause? If you're all about diversity, show us! Don't just say it, slay it. Embrace your values wholeheartedly, starting with your website design right through to sorting tax returns.
Let's not beat around the bush, customers know when they're being hoodwinked by a fake commitment to equality. Take a good look at yourself and see where you can do better – a more inclusive hiring policy or promoting staff to leadership roles regardless of their background can make a real difference.
DEI isn't optional
To learn more about the importance of branding, Jonathan Stobart and Alex Tory from Bright's marketing management team recently hosted a webinar on how a powerful branding strategy can transform your firm, attracting the right clients and unlock success. To watch it, just click the link below.
Here at Bright, we create software for tax, compliance, practice management and payroll. We’re on a mission to make a happy and efficient working life a reality for accountants through reliable software and amazing support.
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Apr 2023
19
The benefits ESG can offer your firm
Making the planet a better place doesn't involve just going veggie for a day or buying a reusable straw (although every little step does help). If you want to save the planet, you've got to think big picture. ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) is rapidly becoming standard practice in businesses, with 70% of people willing to cancel their relationship with a brand that doesn’t take sustainability and social initiatives seriously. People want to be part of the solution (not the pollution), so how can you, as their accountant, lead the way? Let’s dive into it.
It helps to differentiate you in the market
While Earth Day is this Saturday, every day is an opportunity to level up your ESG game. How? Well, you're naturally looking for ways to add more value to your services and keep loyal customers coming back, and ESG is a great way to achieve this. If clients can use your services to not only balance their books, but to reduce their carbon footprint too, it gives you that 'eco-edge' in the market. Luckily, your clients have a superhero in their corner – you, their accountant, with all the number-crunching tips and to help them get there.
Set realistic goals for your firm
Think about it – if you implement a plan to reduce your carbon footprint, or work with energy-efficient suppliers to run your firm, couldn’t your clients to do the same? Whether it's switching to e-payslips, installing solar panels, offering staff incentives like a "bike to work" program, or a volunteer day at a local charity – promote the positive impact you're making. This can ripple out to your clients, and spark sustainable ideas for them too.
While this may seem like an unnecessary burden, making these changes now could actually save you money in the long run. The world's becoming more green – especially giving the taxes and schemes in recent years - like the Carbon Tax and home energy upgrade grants.
Above all, report honestly
Lastly, report honestly about your ESG efforts and plans. Here at Bright, our Green Team served up a delicious veggie lunch on Monday the 17th of April, and we did a litter-pickup around the business park of our head office in Duleek. Last July, we also made a donation for 60 native trees to be planted by HomeTree.ie in Co. Clare in Ireland after each member achieved their goal to walk 130km in our 2022 Charity Walk.
We’re on a mission to make a happier, more efficient and sustainable working life a reality for accountants through reliable software and amazing support. We create multi-award-winning payroll software, accounting software, accounts production software, and practice management software. Let’s work together towards a Brighter and greener future!
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