Ep. 15 From Problem to Solution: Practical Tips for Social Entrepreneurs

DO GOOD X Podcast

In today's episode, Kimberly and Stephen have a candid conversation and share practical tools to effectively address a community problem or challenge through your business. Whether you see it as a need or a desire in the community, understanding this issue should be at the core of your business strategy, shaping your products, services, and overall offerings. For social entrepreneurs, it is crucial to focus on what the community genuinely needs and niching down to meet those needs. In this brief episode, we'll outline three essential steps to help you clarify the problem. Let's dive in and explore these steps together, starting with understanding the true nature of the problem and who is affected by it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:23] Kimberly discusses three tips for aligning your business strategies with community needs to effectively address problems or fulfill demands
• [2:48] What is the problem? Who cares about it? and do you even care?
• [4:15] The importance of research for yourself and investors and discussion of who is willing to pay for the solution
• [6:33] Discussion of the environment, communities, social system, economic system and political systems
• [9:31] Finding your niche, partnering with other entrepreneurs, and determining the cost of the challenge if it goes unmet
• [13:17] Check out the self-paced course offered at DOGOODX.org to determine if you are a candidate to become an entrepreneur

TAKEAWAYS:

• To have a sustainable business, you need to ask yourself what problem you want to solve, who your customers are, whether they care about this problem, and whether you care.
• The importance of research before starting a business or attacking a problem cannot be overstated. It helps you and makes a difference to investors.
• A problem is an opportunity in disguise.

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X Built For This Course

DO GOOD X Startup Accelerator

DO GOOD X - Linkedin

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Instagram

Kimberly Daniel - LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis - LinkedIn

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Kimberly R. Daniel catalyzes entrepreneurs and organizations to do good. She is co-founder and project director of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive Change.

Kimberly also helps purpose-driven organizations clarify and design compelling brand and communication strategies. With over 15 years of experience developing and leading communications efforts, she is committed to producing effective processes and creating authentic, “sticky” brands that are community-centered.

In addition, Kimberly co-authored A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).

Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive change. He is an organizational change strategist, and a leadership development specialist focused on inspiring the next generation of faith-inspired leaders and entrepreneurs to live and work purposefully.
Stephen co-authored Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).