Being Intentional with Your Business: Growing with Purpose and Community in Mind

Being intentional matters. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for businesses to get caught up in the cycle of chasing numbers and short-term wins. But, truly impactful businesses know that long-term success comes from being intentional, such as grounding every decision in purpose, value, and community connections. 

At Hayes Consulting and Coaching, we believe that running a business is more than just delivering a product or service. It’s about creating positive ripple effects by supporting your neighbors, protecting the environment, building relationships that strengthen your community, and having fun. Our mission is to help you build a brighter future and being intentional is one of our core philosophies. 

Here are a few ways to grow your business with both intention AND impact. 

Build Your Business With Your Community, Not Just In It

Every business operates within a broader ecosystem of customers, employees, partners and community stakeholders. By intentionally engaging with YOUR network you can create a foundation for long-term support and success.

• Host Listening Sessions & Feedback Circles

• Invite customers, partners, and community members to share ideas, needs, and priorities.

• Collaborate with Local Organizations 

• Partner with nonprofits, schools, and neighborhood groups to co-create solutions and events.

• Hire Locally 

• Strengthen your workforce by recruiting from within your own community. This not only supports local employment but builds loyalty and pride in your brand.  Personally, I hired my team through indeed and referrals. 

Here are some local resources in Oregon and Washington for finding a team member who aligns with your vision and mission:

Choose Resources That Protect the Environment

Sustainability is more than a trend - it’s a strategic responsibility for modern businesses. Decisions around sourcing, production, and daily operations carry long-term implications for both the environment and the communities you serve. Your sourcing decision can have a lasting impact on the planet. 

• Opt for Recycled or Low-Waste Materials 

• Every swap matters, whether it’s office supplies, packaging, or product components. You have the option to choose recycled or low-waste materials. 

• Work with Green-Certified Vendors 

• Partner with suppliers who share your environmental values and have certifications like LEED, Green Seal, or B Corp. If you’re looking for certain types of vendors, filter by industry and certification type:

• B Corp Directory – Lists businesses that meet high social and environmental performance standards. Filter by Oregon/Washington.
  https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/

• Green Seal Certified Products & Services – Covers cleaning products, paints, hotels, and more. https://certified.greenseal.org/directory

• USGBC LEED Directory – Great for construction, design, and building materials.
  https://www.usgbc.org

• Reduce Energy Consumption 

• Simple changes like switching to LED lighting, using energy-efficient appliances, and leveraging renewable energy sources can significantly lower your carbon footprint. Reduce your cost by limiting the number of meetings you attend, travel expenses, and overall use of company resources. Use only what you need. 

Support Local Businesses in Your Supply Chain

Each purchasing decision represents an opportunity to strengthen your local economy. By prioritizing local suppliers and service providers, businesses can build stronger regional partnerships and a commitment to community prosperity. 

• Source Locally First 

• Before placing an order with a large national supplier, see if a local vendor can provide what you need. 

• Mercatus is a great resource for finding locally owned BIPOC businesses within the Portland Metro area. https://www.mercatuspdx.com/directory

• Highlight Local Partnerships in Your Marketing 

• Celebrate the small businesses you work with - it helps uplift their businesses, and builds awareness. 

• Join Buy Local Campaigns 

• Many cities host initiatives and directories to help you connect with like-minded companies in your community/ 

Make Your Values Visible

Intentional business practices should be visible and clearly communicated. When organizations integrate their values into their brand story, it not only inspires customer loyalty but builds credibility and trust among stakeholders. 

• Share Your Efforts Publicly

• Use your website, social media, and newsletters to show how you’re supporting the community and environment.

• Invite Your Customers to Participate 

• Engage with your audience through volunteer opportunities, donation drives or community challenges, let your customers be part of the good you’re doing.

Remember: Intentionality is Ongoing

Being intentional is not a one-time initiative, but an ongoing commitment. It requires consistent reflection and disciplined decision-making, ensuring that every action aligns with core values, supports community well-being, and advances long-term sustainability. It means asking essential questions before making key decisions, such as:

• Does this choice reflect our organization's values?

• Will it strengthen our community and stakeholder relationships?

• Does it contribute to sustainable growth for the future?

When you build your business on purpose and connection, growth naturally follows. Even more importantly, your success becomes shared success - lifting up not only your team, but also the people and places that make your business possible.