Business Ideas

Ten Dangers of Commercializing Non-Profits

Non-profits and their causes are created out of the existence of a problem in need of a solution, usually political or cultural in nature. Veganism is a cause that has developed because of animal cruelty and oppression. Vegan non-profits seek to educate people about the issues, without focusing on giving back to the organization with profits. Herein lies a dangerous grey zone. When followers of a cause increase, demands on organizational resources increase, and eventually some form of business model is needed to reach out to growing numbers of members. But there is a fine line between successful promotion/expansion of a cause and commercialization. Below are ten dangers I’ve chosen to highlight. You may agree, disagree or find this list isn’t inclusive, so feel free to leave comments below.

1. Cannibalizing other causes. I recently wrote a blog post about PETA’s advertising and how, in this particular campaign, their strategy has taken the focus away from animal rights and put it on Pamela Anderson’s body. The commentary surrounding this “edgy” ad has been redirected to whether or not women’s rights are in question. Commercializing animal rights as PETA has done has possibly led to the cannibalization of one cause for another. Women’s rights for animal rights. People shouldn’t have to choose one belief; polarization occurs when too much effort is put into being progressive instead of targeting the true message. Amnesty International is another cause-related organization known for over-the-top advertising. You decide if Amnesty compromises the human rights plight for something else entirely.

2.Wishy-washy messaging. The opposite of the PETA approach is to avoid targeting anybody in hopes of achieving the highest mass audience. An attempt to reach “everyone” by not taking a strong stance could water down the message you are trying to send about the animal rights cause. Trying to reach the masses with bland promotions leaves the message too broad; it doesn’t convince anyone of the urgency in the issues you’re peddling. It won’t strike an emotional cord, leaving inaction as the best possible choice.

3. All About the Benjamins. Following the lead of high-profile corporations by getting bogged down with the bottom line is the quickest way to become a for-profit. If all your strategizing and creativity funnels into the “books” and staying afloat - i.e into efforts that pull in more revenue - before you know it, the friendly grassroots organization you once were could be a fond memory. Corporate sponsorship can also ruin non-profit ideas by having too much influence on the decision making.

4. False Idols. Copying non-vegan culture in advertising is tricky. The practice of following standard marketing prototype needs to be monitored and evaluated constantly or you may end up projecting false images. Your organization won’t want to nurture a negative/unattainable ideal related to envy or appearances, or encourage a lifestyle of materialism by trying to compete with the top brands of today.

5. Consumption. Turning animal rights into an excuse for consumption, mass production, and capitalism could lead your company to an output of lowered environmental sustainability (in the production of your vegan goods). The idea – which is healthier for us, the animals, and the world in general - is to consume less, and to consume more ethically; it’s important not to lose sight of that.

6. Legislation. Although it can be very helpful to the vegan cause to get politicians involved, it is wise to step cautiously in this arena. Commercialism can deter politicians/lawmakers if there is any association with advertising scandals or radicalism that may have the potential to hinder re-election. We want to change legislation, not get tied up in red tape.

7. Values. The Media Awareness Network (from Canada) says that “Commercialism may erode values – such as sharing, co-operation, and frugality – fostered by families, religious institutions, and schools.” Costs, especially commercial costs, get in the way of charitable aspects which could dissolve community outreach efforts, ties to co-ops, neighborhood relationships and educational endeavors. The effects of a decrease in charity range from cannibalizing other sister-organizations, owing favors to corporations and losing sense of the original cause for which your non-profit was founded.

8. Too evangelical. With a lot of power and a big name, an organization will fall hard if they can’t keep up. A vegan organization should be careful not to imply that veganism will end all troubles, which can happen in lofty advertising messages. All eyes will be on your name for the key to weight loss, finding a spouse or becoming an overall happier person. If you preach large, your organization will be expected to deliver.

9. Erosion of artistic freedom. Mass targeting leaves no room for tailored messages as mentioned above, and by commercializing the vegan lifestyle you could leave the impression that it is a one-size-fits-all program. In reality, beliefs and practices are (and should be) different for each person. Veganism isn’t as simple as one-two-three. Artistic freedom to express the multifaceted nature of veganism goes out the door when deadlines and budgets become gods.

10. Elitism. Advertising emphasizes a sort of elitism and encourages capitalism. In combination with all the dangers listed above, a vegan organization that capitalizes on the commercialization of their cause will leave in the dust all but a small circle of well-knowns and have-it-alls. And then who will spread the word on behalf of animal welfare if they want to keep their tight circle closed?

TALK TO US: Now’s the time to chime in. What do you agree with? What do you disagree with? What is left out?

How to communicate the message of veganism successfully

Most Americans will likely tell you they strongly oppose animal cruelty. They will denounce animal exploiters like Michael Vick as villains, spend hundreds of dollars a year on their companion animals, express outrage towards BP for damaging wildlife in the gulf and stand up for a dog left chained outside in a thunderstorm.

There remains little question that humans care about some animals.

Yet, these same individuals who scream at the television set when Michael Vick’s story appears on the news and who grieve for months after the passing of a companion animal later sit down to their dinner tables and consume meals of animal flesh and milk laced with the cruelty of the dairy and meat industries. Worst of all, these individuals often don’t think twice about it or recognize the obvious contradictions.

Thus, the problem remains for vegan and animal rights activists: how do we influence people who care so much about some animals but completely disregard others?

Vegan communication messages often fail because of the message receiver’s frame of mind. In communication theories, a frame refers to preconceived stereotypes and the individual’s background, which influence how an individual responds to a message or understands an event.

Framing is used in psychology and media studies to influence the way someone responds to information. By nature, psychologists argue, humans are “cognitive misers”, meaning our brain prefers to do as little thinking as possible when being prompted for an answer. In other words, if someone is asked his or her viewpoint on meat, rather than deliberate on the issue and consider all sides, it is likely that he or she will instantly draw upon past experiences (the individual’s frame of mind) and voice an opinion. Most people grew up eating animal products and being told it was morally acceptable to do so. This frame of mind influences their current decisions because it is easier than re-evaluating what they have been told their whole lives.

If you ask an animal-rights activist about animals, their answer will indicate that they regard animals as individuals with emotions and the ability to suffer – and individuals who are in need of rights. If you ask a meat-consumer about animals, their answer will often indicate that they think of animals as property, or things used for human economic gains. This varying frame of reference is where the problem lies.

So how do we, as vegans, create effective messages that reach non-vegans?

First, we need to consistently infiltrate the mainstream media with stories about animal emotions and suffering. For example, last week the cover story of TIME magazine featured an article on animal cognition. It presented the idea that animals are smarter than we think and feel pain just as much as humans do. Because the article was not written by an animal rights organization, nor did it proclaim in red, bold font “murderer”, it allowed readers to approach the content without the stereotypes often placed on animal rights organizations.

Secondly, we should promote all the benefits of veganism, not just the ethical argument. Inform individuals on the health benefits of a vegan diet. Tell others why we need to stop consuming meat for environmental and global health reasons. Find the issue that the individual relates to and feels strongly about—it may not be the ethical issue for everyone.

Thirdly, we should each identify our audience’s frame of reference and change messages based on the individual or group.

Lastly, we need to teach our children to respect all life and do harm to no other living creature. It is likely more effective to shape younger generations’ experiences and background with animals so they have a more tolerant and open-mind to the message of veganism.

Great Blogs to Travel By

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When you’re planning a trip, no matter how close or far away your destination may be, the Internet has become an invaluable tool. There is so much information, in fact, that it can be overwhelming; indeed there are so many great, specifically VEGAN travel sites/blogs out there, it was hard to choose just five for this article.

Being vegan means that a little planning can go a very long way to making your adventures more enjoyable. Browse through these blogs, and add favorite sites of your own…this is the season, afterall, to have an adventure! If you’re a vegan business, you might find some ideas on these sites (or ones that are linked to them) about places to get mentioned or named – people use travel sites to figure out where they want to go, and your business could be on their list!

http://gogreentravelgreen.com/

Lots of info about green traveling – and their food and restaurants section encompasses some great ideas for veg eats. Plenty of good articles about traveling in an eco-conscious fashion, including tips and tricks from seasoned travelers.

http://www.vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=2358&catId=4

VegNews has a useful travel section which gives those with itchy feet lots of veg-specific info about cities around the world. A great place to browse when you are trying to determine your next travel destination!

http://circleourearth.com/vegan-travel/

Circle our Earth has tons of great links to vegan sites all around the world – and is organized into general tips and tips by country. It’s a great forum for seasoned vegan travelers to post their own experiences, and interesting reading – even if it’s only on those grey days when you WISH you were going somewhere!

http://www.vegvoyages.com/vegvoyages.html

Any way you put it, this is a cool lookin’ site! VegVoyages caters to vegans and vegetarians who want to travel to Asia, without worrying about what they are going to eat. They specialize in Off the Beaten Track vacations – browsing around their site will make you start searching around for your backpack and your passport.

http://veganbackpacker.com/

Follow Jill and John, two vegans from Canada, as they eat their way around the world in 2010. Their backpacking adventure will take them through South America, Europe, China, Thailand, India and Africa. Lots of great photos and tips that could be invaluable if you are planning a trip to the same areas.

Do you know of other great vegan travel blogs? Share them with us here!

Connecting Your Vegan Business to Your Community

Businesses are an important part of any community.  To a large extent they demonstrate the true local culture.  For example, New York City is saturated with local mom-and-pop shops, as well as major Fortune 500 companies, representing a wildly diverse population with a high-speed lifestyle.  Los Angeles maintains high-end fashion boutiques and public relation firms to represent the high-society lifestyle that is associated with the city.  The heart of smaller towns can often be found in local soul-kitchen restaurants.  No matter the size of the town or city, each is represented by its businesses. For this reason it is highly advisable for businesses to get involved with their townies.  Here are ten ways vegan businesses can get active in their communities:

1.  Newsletters

Newsletters are a great way to update the public about your business.  Newsletters can also help unite your business with the local community, by publishing community activities as well as specialty vegan news. 

2.  Store Parties, Why Not Invite the Locals?

Whether your vegan business is a retail store, a restaurant or a marketing company, you can always have social gatherings at your place of work.  Make it public knowledge that (for example) once a month your store has free coffee and a pancake breakfast for customers – or fresh free lemonade breaks every Thursday for an hour.  Customers love to get involved with local businesses, and this is an easy way to make that happen.

3.  Home Grown Food Extravaganzas

Growing your own garden can be gratifying, as well as appetizing!  There are endless benefits of home grown food, so if it fits with your business (eg. a vegan restaurant), why not participate in teaching people how to grow their own gardens, and educating them about the advantages of local food? 

4.  Support Community Events

Get your employees involved in community events.  Local activities or special attractions are overlooked regularly; try to get your staff involved with farmers markets or street fairs that are happening in your community.  This can get your business name out there as well as help you to tune in to your customers’ needs.

5.  Get Active with the Local College

Colleges are great vessels for activity; they have constant art shows, student- and community-project-based contests, so if there’s a way for you to support/get involved with your local college, tap that resource.  This is a good way to find potential employees too.  Universities have a plethora of young bright minds eager to join the work force and change the world; this could be exactly what your business needs.  Keep an eye and ear out for special productions that are occurring at your local college campuses and see how you can get involved. 

6.  Get Politically Involved

Local city governments sometimes give the impression of being impervious and unreceptive.  However, attending local government meetings will help you gain familiarity with local political news, and show that you are interested in your community as a whole. Getting involved in general elections and showing up at city council meetings can have a great impact on your businesses relationship with the community.

7.  Support City Cleanups

City cleanups are not only important to the environment and our welfare, they are a great way to demonstrate that you are willing to roll up your sleeves and work for the benefit of the community. So sign up for the clean up and get your employees involved if you can (be sure to offer some kind of incentive) - it’s also a great team-building experience! 

8.  Recipe of the Week

Advertising a special vegan recipe of the week could be a good way to connect with your community, especially if your business is food oriented. Give the recipe out to interested customers – you may even entice a few non-vegans in to take a peek at your business if you make it appealing enough!

9.  School Fundraisers

Elementary and middle schools are infamous for throwing bake sales.  Why not volunteer your business to raise money for a local school with a vegan bake sale?  You’ll raise awareness about veganism, and with the current school budget, local education systems can use all the money they can get.  Try raising money for new books or new computers for classrooms.  Every little bit will help.

10.  Advocate for Ecovillages

Ecovillages are communities that aspire, as a whole, to become more sustainable.  This is a perfect fit for any vegan business.  Even if you aren’t a part of a specified ecovillage, you can always encourage community members and locals to become more socially, economically and ecologically sustainable.  Spreading the news of fossil fuels and factory farming can help locals become more aware of the environment and how they can protect it.

How you get involved in your community will depend on what is happening in your community. Get out there, talk to people, keep your ear to the ground and your finger on the pulse of the community. Once in a while hold a brainstorming session with employees and/or friends for unique and innovative ideas about how you can engage the community with your business. Keep it small and keep it friendly. It will benefit not only the community, but your business as well!

Summer Vegan-Friendly Business Promotions

Whew, it’s hot! I don’t know about your customers, but mine (kids and their parents) are chillin’ poolside, going on vacation, and planning for autumn. As an author/publisher, what are the business promotions I use to reach them?

1. Go where they are.
   

   Lisa at a Book Fair

   While I didn’t have a booth at any vegan, vegetarian, or other fairs this summer, I have in the past. What I did do this summer is offer my books at special rates to various homeschooling gatherings (since my main characters are homeschoolers). I reached out to the coordinators well in advance, asked them to spread the word, collected one bulk order, and shipped the discounted books directly to the coordinator (or to the conference itself). This worked out nicely for all! At the fairs and conferences I do attend, I’m always sure to give out vegan goodies. A current popular one is organic lollipops.

2. Give them things that will help them in their lives.
   

   Flat Aidan from Wright on Time books

   Parents love for their kids to have activities while traveling on vacation. I have a handful of fun printable coloring pages on my site, including a “Flat Aidan and Flat Nadia”–these are much like the popular Flat Stanleys. Kids print them, color them, and then take them on their summer vacations. I’m starting a business promotion with the release of my third book, Wright on Time: Wyoming, where the first kid from each of the U.S. states to send in a photograph of themselves in a state will receive a coupon for 50% off their next order. I’m very excited about this!

3. Appeal to their desire to “go green”.

Also with the release of my third book, I’m having trees planted. Each book purchased through my website in the months of June, July, and August is resulting in a new tree!

1. 4. Offer your services in new and unique ways.

Teagan with the book she made at my Creative Writing Camps

This past summer, I saw that many kids were wanting something extra to do. So, I offered Summer Creative Writing Camps. With these camps, I reached new readers, discovered a new editor for my independent publishing company, and, most of all, had a really fun time! Never discount fun, it’s what inspires everything! I’ve been shocked at all the new ideas these camps have given me!

5. Get personal! Over the summer, I’ve had a variety of interviews (including a news report). In each, I’ve opened up more and more and have told people about my life. I’ve discovered that my customers, and future authors, really love this. Whenever I read about a business owner and how they got started, it makes me feel more connected to that business. Open up. Put a bio on your company’s website.

Reach out to your customers. Get to know them. Find out where they are, what they are doing, and what their desires are. Once you reach them through a few successful business promotions, they’ll be happy to become fans of your company!

What can you do today to further your company, fuel your passion for your business and vegan outreach, and have fun? Pick ONE thing and DO IT! Nothing is too small. You never know who you are affecting by what you say, do, and wear.

The Quiet Influence of Living by Example: Ten Tips

Activism in Vegan Business May Deter New Customers

Opening a business based on vegan principles is challenging, and an owner’s dedication to the vegan business may be largely due to their beliefs and dedication to the cause of animal rights. However, not every potential customer will be interested in activism; certainly this will be true if a business and its products/services are reaching the mainstream. It is understandable that a vegan business owner may want to share their motivation, but pushing too much unsought-after information on customers has the potential to close, not open, doors. Tempering vegan activism can actually increase the likelihood of reaching a broader audience.

When making the decision about how to handle activism in your own vegan business, consider carefully who you are targeting with information about animal causes. It is likely not people who are already vegan - we are with you! The focus of most activism information is on those who may not understand the reasoning behind the vegan lifestyle. However, most people don’t want to be approached in an aggressive manner and be told that their dietary choices are wrong. There is no easier way to stop a conversation than by telling people that what they consume daily is incorrect. After hearing this, they will likely mentally close off everything that you have to say (and you can be sure they won’t come into your place of business again).

A gentler approach to new customers would be something less direct, such as, “Would you like to hear why I became vegan?” or “Do you know why we have these particular products?” If the customer would like to hear more about it, they will let you know. Lead by a peaceful example, not a militant one.

Does vegan business have an obligation to activism?

Thanks to http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1197499

Vegans are the type of people who like to fix things: when we see a problem, we try to do something to better it. So, when vegans set themselves up in business, does it become their responsibility to use these businesses as a means of spreading the vegan message? Should vegans in business take an extra step and use the popularity of their business to further the causes illustrated in activism for animal rights? 

When contemplating this question, I started by looking at the basics. In my opinion, activism in the sense of protests, letter writing and organized boycotts is an obligation for no vegan. If we are consistent in our principles and explain them when prompted, we are doing the minimum to support veganism as a lifestyle choice. 

Many vegans feel that it is an obligation to support single-issue campaigns like those against the circus and promoting more space in cages for KFC chickens, especially new vegans. Understandably, it is almost a rite of passage for those new to the animal rights movement to attend a PETA protest, or join in one of their letter-writing campaigns. 

The use of animals as circus performers is an illustration of the human assumption that non-humans are ours to “take care of,” and in most cases use for our own means (eg. food, experiments, entertainment, clothing). Protesting these cruelties seems like the right thing to do; after all, while you can’t save every animal, you should start somewhere. But it’s possible that single-issue campaigns like these don’t promote the ultimate goal of veganism and only work to confuse omnivores as to what it means to be vegan. 

The argument that anything is better than nothing (eg. that humane meat is better than meat from a conventional slaughterhouse) when it comes to many forms of welfarist actions, can be disputed if the increase in animal product consumption during the last decades is considered. When we take into account that more people are eating more meat, we have to wonder whether what we’re doing is really working. 

There are many people who hold the opinion that if vegans do any campaigning, it should be purely vegan – otherwise it can do more harm than good. For instance, in a circus protest, organizers should ensure that the message is that of abolition, and emphasize that using animals in the circus is only one example of how humans view non-human animals. Since circus protests, as we know them, are demonstrations using PETA and Vegan Outreach materials, two organizations that promote vegetarianism as acceptable, the results are immeasurable. When you place that work next to increased animal product consumption in the world, it starts to look like these actions aren’t doing anything but creating a false image of vegans. 

So, when you take a look at a truly vegan business, meaning a company that uses nothing tested on animals, nothing with any animal ingredients, and one that advertises itself as vegan, it is almost impossible to deny that they are helping the cause of animal rights, without doing anything other than existing. 

Every time someone drives by a steakhouse, there is an implied connection made between the demand for steak and the acceptance of steak. By the same token, when someone drives by a vegan business, it promotes the idea that there is a demand, which promotes veganism in its own way. 

As to whether a truly vegan company bears an obligation to promote animal rights on any other level, such as donating food to a vegan event, having vegan pamphlets available at their front desk or somehow raising support for a single-issue campaign, my feeling is that it is absolutely not an obligation. Simply being vegan is activism. 

The implication that a vegan business “isn’t doing enough” can be compared to the idea that wealthy people have an obligation to donate a portion of their money to charities, which they do not. Every vegan should be proud of their choices: they are morally superior and better for animals. Going above and beyond is simply extra credit. 

TALK TO US: Do you think vegans and their businesses should be “actively” vegan?

Food Not Bombs: Community Outreach

Photo from http://www.foodnotbombs.net/

I am a person who, all too often when cooking, will buy a farmer’s market worth of produce  and then proceed to cook as if I’m expecting an army of forty, just because I get excited about making a recipe. (And never really learned the concept of rationing). Luckily, there is an organization with which I fit in quite nicely – this is somewhere I can be part of a community designed to feed the masses. The Food Not Bombs movement was created to not only feed the hungry, but also to promote the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle as a means of peaceful socializing and community outreach.  

The movement’s website states, “Food Not Bombs shares free vegan and vegetarian meals with the hungry in over 1,000 cities around the world to protest war, poverty and the destruction of the environment. With over a billion people going hungry each day how can we spend another dollar on war?”

It’s not a charity, though it is entirely volunteer-based, and it’s quickly gaining traction all over the world. It’s not new to this generation either. For nearly 30 years the movement has worked to end hunger…”among other feats of activism for global economic causes. Food Not Bombs is often the first to provide food and supplies to the survivors of disasters” and has been doing so since the first meet-up in San Francisco in 1989 after a massive earthquake.  Food Not Bombs was also the first to serve hot meals to survivors of the 9/11 devastation.

Without getting into the politics of it all, as there are certain agencies in opposition to the movement, Food Not Bombs is a way to meet other people in your community who have the same eating (and cooking) habits. For me, it provides a way to network in a new city. Most often, a group of people will meet at a local farmer’s market or co-op to pick-up supplies, and then a local community building will serve as a sort of “mess hall” for cooking and dining en masse. Food Not Bombs has been known to work in correlation with other green and animal-friendly organizations such as Earth First! and In Defense of Animals. Food Not Bombs volunteers are looking to celebrate their 30th year of “cooking for peace”, so it’s never been a better time to get involved. If nothing else, it will keep you from doing a lot of dishes at your own house. The website contains all the information you need to start your own chapter, follow a Food Not Bombs menu, read the handbook, or get more information on the United States Good Samaritan Law” which was signed in 1996 by President Clinton to encourage donations of food/grocery products and spur acts of community for non-profits.

The Food Not Bombs Number One Step is as follows:

“All our food is vegan or vegetarian, that is, no meat, dairy, or eggs. This is for many reasons, but for now, two will do. First, the potential for problems with food spoilage are greatly reduced when dealing strictly with vegetables. With the process we use, we rarely hold the food we collect for more then a couple of hours. Second, teaching people about the economic and health benefits of a vegan or vegetarian diet is directly connected to a healthy attitude about ourselves, each other, and the planet as a whole. It is also a direct challenge to the injustice of the military/industrial economic system. This is not to suggest that it is our policy that everyone should be vegetarian or that eating meat is wrong. We encourage awareness of vegetarianism for political, spiritual, and economic reasons. We only prepare food which is strictly from vegetable sources so people will always know and trust Food Not Bombs food has this standard whenever they come to our table. At times, we take already prepared dairy and meat products which might have been donated to us and take it to soup kitchens that aren’t vegetarian because we believe eating is more important than being politically correct; however, we never cook with animal products ourselves.”

Businesses, local, vegan or vegetarian, can get involved by donating space, time, volunteers or even food to Food Not Bombs meet-ups. For your local branch, check social networks like Facebook or Twitter to help spread the word about community outreach in the name of the vegan and non-violent movements in your area.

TALK TO US
Have you joined your Food Not Bombs chapter or a similar vegan movement? How did it help you network in your community?

Top Trends in Vegan Business

When starting your vegan business, you may long for that fast track to success. Which road do you take to get there, and who can you trust along the way? One road and one person would make things easy (and boring!) Fortunately, there are different streets to drive on and various ways to show off your personal style. Below are some top trends in the vegan business industry. Take note of them, follow them, and take advantage of them by molding them into your own business strategy if you can!

Engage in Good Old Fashioned Hard Work

Opening a new vegan business definitely requires start-up money. However, you can’t expect just to throw money at it – it’s also going to take a lot of hard work. It’s time to create your own luck, which means jumping at every promotional and marketing opportunity. This might not seem very trendy, but it’s essential to the equation of success, and the best of the best employ it.

Promote Strong Selling Points

In the vegan world, it’s common to sell products or services on one or more of the following principles: compassion, health, and the environment. Believe it or not, the word “vegan” is still misunderstood and negatively viewed by some. Although you might think focusing on the fact that your product or service is vegan, it’s sometimes best to market an alternative angle such as the fact that it’s healthier for people, it’s the more compassionate choice, or it’s better for the environment. Still not sure? Try both ways, and see what works best for you in your location.

Present a Green Image

Since protecting the environment is becoming more of a priority, especially with the recent high-profile British Petroleum (BP) oil spill, it’s worthwhile to enhance your company’s image by becoming certified as a green business. If your business is in the San Francisco Bay area, the Bay Area Green Business Program is somewhere to start. Or search online for green business programs local to your area. When customers know that you’re making a conscious effort to reduce your footprint, you provide more reasons for them to buy from you.

Enlist a Celebrity Spokesperson

Remember the buzz that Millions of Milkshakes received when Pamela Anderson came in to make the first vegan milkshake? This is the media coverage that every business hopes for, and you can make it happen by enlisting a celebrity spokesperson. All you have to do is find a potential candidate…and ask!

Ride the Social Media Train

Twitter and Facebook have become staple marketing tools for many vegan businesses, and this type of social networking is a smart way to go. Many first time – and even veteran – vegans enjoy coming together as a community. Social media outlets enable you to create a vegan community and social collaboration right online. Letting your potential customers know what they can expect next from your company, as well as what specials, events and offers are going on, is a trendy way to increase the profile of your vegan business.