Business Archives

The Pros and Cons of Solar Farms in the United States

What are the pros and cons of solar farms? How can developers address local apprehensions and advance larger energy objectives? Many rural US communities resist the development of solar farms, fearing their environmental impact, destabilization of local economies, and perceived inequitable returns. Solar supporters argue that the minimal risks from solar farms are outweighed by significant benefits. Here’s a look at both sides of the solar farm argument.

Patagonia’s 6 Environmentally Friendly Business Practices

Do you want your business to be environmentally friendly? What can businesses learn from Patagonia? Patagonia’s mission is to make the best product, to cause no unnecessary environmental harm, and to use business as a force for solving the environmental crisis. If you want your business to do the same, you can follow Patagonia’s business principles. Continue reading for six environmentally friendly business practices to build a sustainable company.

The 3 Characteristics of High-Quality Products in Business

What’s considered a high-quality product? What are three traits every good product must have? A crucial part of Patagonia’s mission is to make the best product possible. This means creating a product that’s functional, durable, and repairable. Dive deeper into the principles of a high-quality product, according to Patagonia’s founder Yvon Chouinard.

3 Authentic Business Tips to Earn Your Customers’ Trust

A small business owner smiling in her store

What makes a business authentic? What are ways to introduce people to your products? Authenticity in business goes a long way, especially if you want to keep new customers around. By being transparent, you’re building a relationship of trust with your customers. In his book Let My People Go Surfing, Yvon Chouinard discusses the importance of authenticity at Patagonia. Continue reading to learn how to be an authentic business that makes its mission clear.

Top 3 Employee Well-Being Initiatives for a Healthy Workplace

Do you want to prioritize the well-being of your employees? How can you create a more casual workplace? In his book Let My People Go Surfing, Yvon Chouinard says that a core tenet of Patagonia’s business philosophy is prioritizing the well-being of its employees. Your business depends on your employees, so ensuring their happiness and safety is a recipe for success. Discover three employee well-being initiatives that you should utilize as a manager.

Patagonia’s Environment-Friendly Actions to Save the Planet

How does Yvon Chouinard use his business to help the environment? Why is Patagonia one of the most environmentally friendly businesses out there? Patagonia strives to use its influence and resources to fight the environmental crisis. Chouinard argues that businesses (like Patagonia) that use natural resources must take responsibility for the effects they have on the environment. Check out Patagonia’s environment initiative to get a better sense of its eco-friendly mission.

History of Patagonia Clothing: Earliest Challenges & Crises

When was Patagonia founded? What challenges did Patagonia face after launching? Yvon Chouinard founded the outdoor apparel company Patagonia to expand upon Chouinard Equipment. Like with the climbing gear he manufactured, Chouinard wanted to produce clothing that was simple, practical, and durable. Discover more about the history of Patagonia clothing.

Who: Book Overview (Geoff Smart and Randy Street)

What’s Who by Geoff Smart and Randy Street about? What’s the ideal hiring plan? In Who, business executives Geoff Smart and Randy Street say that many companies struggle to succeed because they lack an effective hiring process. Smart and Street seek to solve this problem by sharing their own hiring process, which is designed to more accurately identify the best candidate. Read below for a brief Who book overview.

Patagonia: Innovation Saved the Outdoor Apparel Company

What are Patagonia’s best innovation practices? What makes Patagonia stand out from other outdoor apparel companies? After launching Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard quickly discovered that running an apparel business wasn’t the same as making climbing equipment. The company quickly had to pull together creative strategies that would help it succeed. Keep reading to learn more about Patagonia’s innovation strategies.

Interview Rubric for Hiring: Questions to Answer as an Interviewer

Two men shaking hands during a job interview.

What interview rubric for hiring should you follow? What types of questions should you answer as an interviewer? The first step in the hiring process is creating a hiring rubric when a role opens. This rubric lists the role’s important responsibilities, as well as abilities and traits that can help the employee complete those responsibilities. Here’s how to fill out your interview rubric.