The Shocking Truth: How Being 'Woke' Can Actually Make Your Business Boom

For a long time, the phrase 'go woke, go broke' has been a popular catchcry among detractors of social justice movements. The idea behind it is that businesses that prioritize being 'woke' - that is, being socially conscious and taking progressive positions on issues like diversity and inclusion - will ultimately suffer financially. However, as the concept of 'wokeness' becomes more mainstream, some experts are suggesting that the opposite may be true.

In New Zealand, for example, there's evidence to suggest that being 'woke' may actually be beneficial for businesses. According to recent research, consumers are more likely to support businesses that prioritize social and environmental responsibility. In fact, a recent survey found that over 70% of New Zealanders would be more likely to buy a product or service from a company that shares their values.

But what exactly does it mean to be 'woke' in a business context? In essence, it means being aware of and actively addressing social and environmental issues. For businesses, this can mean a wide range of things, from implementing sustainable practices and reducing waste, to increasing diversity and inclusion and promoting social justice.

One New Zealand business that's seen benefits from being 'woke' is ice cream brand, Little Island. The company made headlines recently for its decision to remove all palm oil from its ice cream products, due to concerns over its impact on the environment and indigenous communities.

Little Island's decision to remove palm oil was met with widespread praise from customers and environmentalists, and the company has reported a significant increase in sales as a result. According to the company's founder, the decision was a 'no-brainer', given the impact that palm oil has on the environment.

'We've always prioritized being a sustainable and socially responsible business,' he said. 'When we learned about the impact of palm oil, we knew we had to act. We're thrilled that our customers have responded so positively to our decision.'

Another New Zealand business that's seen benefits from being 'woke' is skincare brand, Emma Lewisham. The company has long prioritized sustainability and social responsibility, and has recently launched a new product line made from natural, locally-sourced ingredients.

Emma Lewisham has reported a significant increase in sales since the launch of its new product line, and has attributed this success to its commitment to being 'woke'. According to the company's founder, being socially responsible and sustainable is not just good for the environment, but also good for business.

'We believe that being 'woke' is not just a moral imperative, but also a business imperative,' she said. 'Our customers are increasingly demanding that businesses prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. We're proud to be leading the way in this area.'

Of course, not every business will benefit from being 'woke'. In some cases, prioritizing social justice and sustainability can be expensive and time-consuming, and may not always lead to increased sales or profits. However, as the concept of 'wokeness' becomes more mainstream, it's clear that being socially conscious and responsible is increasingly important to consumers.

As one expert noted, 'The days of simply producing a product and selling it are over. Today, businesses need to take a much more holistic approach, and consider the impact of their actions on the environment and society.'

So, is there any truth to the phrase 'go woke, go broke'? It seems that, at least in some cases, the opposite may be true. Being 'woke' may not only be good for the environment and society, but also good for business.