Welcome 2024 with trust and integrity
By Shelley Polansky, President/CEO
Wow, it’s hard to believe 2023 is drawing to a close. This year has been a whirlwind for BBB Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming. As we look back on the year, we want to thank everyone who helped us celebrate 40 years of advancing workplace trust in our communities.
When we set out to celebrate our 40th anniversary, there was one key message we wanted to deliver: Trust still matters. A lot has changed since 1983; in fact, a lot has changed since this time last year. But some things have – and should always – remain constant. Customers want to do business with organizations that do the right things for the right reasons. People value companies that honor promises, tell the truth, and act professionally. And BBB Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming is steadfastly committed to fostering trust in the marketplace by helping customers make smarter decisions, resolving disputes, educating the public on scams and ethical issues, and supporting our business partners as they work to do business better.
Because the world will continue to change, but our values will not.
A year of outreach, celebration, and partnership
Over the last 12 months, the BBB team has focused heavily on strengthening our partnerships with local business leaders, nonprofits, and customers. Some highlights include:
Bringing more than 600 people together to celebrate trust, strong company cultures, and values during the 25th annual Torch Awards for Ethics in April
Recognizing the ongoing commitment to honesty, integrity, and excellence exhibited by the 26 charter members who are still proudly a part of the BBB community today
Fostering trust through educational events, speaking engagements and sponsored community events we reached more than 8,500 people
Hosted more than 30 events on topics including scams, fraud prevention and BBB services to help companies do business better
Traveling throughout the 38 Wyoming and Colorado counties we serve to meet with and thank our Accredited Businesses – in person because face-to-face communication can never be replaced
Listening and learning
Businesses and nonprofits that believe in doing the right things for the right reasons know they can turn
to BBB for ethics-based assessments, training, and recognition. Equally important are the lessons that the BBB has learned from our business and nonprofit members.
Throughout our outreach this year, we came away with several takeaways that serve as good reminders for how we should all approach business today and in the coming year:
Remain true to who you are. Every year is filled with opportunities and challenges; some we’ve seen before, and others will be new. By living and breathing your mission and values, you gain an ethical foundation that will help guide you through uncertainty, weather economic challenges, and position you for success.
Embrace change. Technology will continue to evolve, bringing with it endless possibilities and new concerns. Don’t be afraid to adopt these new and changing technologies, but remember to make sure that you use them wisely and adhere to ethical business practices.
Showcase your values. Just as customers want to work with businesses they can trust, employees want to work for organizations that empower them, unite them around a purpose, and help them grow.
Strengthen your relationships. Take the time to meet with people face to face. Say “thank you” through handwritten notes and casual drop-in visits. And always remember to follow up and keep your promises.
Operate with transparency. Authentic interactions with customers, employees, and partners go a long way to building trust. Own up to missteps and correct actions to prevent them from happening again. Foster open communication. Explain what you’re doing and the reasons why.
Be purpose driven. An authentic and meaningful purpose builds trust and loyalty. Make sure your purpose is true to what your business can deliver and stand behind. Then use that purpose to guide everything you do – from decision-making, to fostering your company culture, to supporting marketing and sales efforts.
As BBB Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming embarks on our next 40 years, we look forward to continuing to foster ethical standards, instill lasting customer confidence, and build and nurture a strong community of trustworthy businesses. Whatever trends and changes 2024 may hold in store, remember that staying true to your values and operating with ethical standards in mind will never go out of style.
Shelley Polansky is president/CEO of BBB Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming.