Bryan Papé founded MiiR in 2010 with a dream to create more beauty and generosity in the world. Having inherited his grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit, it wasn’t until a life-or-death ski accident that Bryan fully realized his vision to build a legacy of using business as a tool to positively impact the world. As he set out to build MiiR, he recognized two important things: first, there was a gap in the marketplace for high quality, uniquely designed water bottles; and second, that business and philanthropy can be a powerful combination.
Today, MiiR has given over $1,000,000 toward clean water, a healthy environment, and stronger community initiatives.
Bryan joined us for a recent chat to talk about “How to Build a Purpose-Driven Brand,” tackling questions ranging from “where to start” to “how to engage your team” to “how to change the world.” Bryan is a take-action kind of person so, in that entrepreneurial spirit and to honor Bryan for spending time with us, here are five action steps you can take now toward building a more purpose-driven brand:
Invest at Home First. Philanthropy begins at home, within your own company, and with your own team, advised Bryan. Make sure you are taking care of your team first (benefits, salaries, caring for their well-being, and providing a strong culture) before you venture out to change the world. By doing so, you’ll attract enthusiastic belief in your vision, and magnify your energies toward build something much bigger, together.
Start small. Bryan said, “start small, invest 2% or 3%, invest enough to make you slightly uncomfortable.” You won’t get to a million dollars overnight but you will eventually contribute in significant ways. Unlock the analysis paralysis and just begin.
Begin in the broken places. Many of us don’t know exactly where to start, how to begin contributing to causes or to our community, the need is so great. In order to focus your energies and discover what matters to you and your team, ask the simple question, “What breaks your heart?” The answer to this will guide you to areas where you can focus.
Ally with vision-minded partners. Often, we’re surrounded by others who also have amazing give-back causes: our supplier partners, our marketing partners, and our clients. Connect with these partners on mission and vision so that you can magnify your impact.
Match product to mission (if you can). Not all of us can connect what we sell to how we give, like MiiR does by selling drinkware and providing clean water worldwide, or what Tom’s does by selling Tom’s shoes and giving a pair to those who need shoes. Bryan cited the example of Dave’s Killer Bread, who, as an ex-convict, employs ex-convicts to work for him and his organization. Giving back is not always a one-for-one program, sometimes, it can be simply giving a small, underserved community a second chance.
Thank you for joining us for our chat with Bryan Papé from MiiR and we hope you start your journey toward building a greater mission and a greater world!