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I will now be posting my blog from https://alexlhopkins.wordpress.com

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Water in a Box.

View now at: https://alexlhopkins.wordpress.com/2016/04/18/water-in-a-box/ 

Name an object that fits into a rectangular box?

Stereotypical answers include a television, a painting and Ikea’s D.I.Y shelves. But would you ever guess a 1,000 L water tank? A tall, round, cylindrical shaped water tank.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics just over 2.3 million Australian households use a rainwater tank. An alarming fact for a country plagued by drought.

Despite the majority of Australian’s knowing that water conservation is an essential part of our lives, only 10% of homes take action to save water. This negative relationship indicates there must be an underlying reason why people don't install water tanks. The most obvious - water tanks are hard work. They are big, heavy, expensive to buy and more expensive to install. However, Greenco Water have set out to change this stereotype.

GreenCo Water designed a 1000L PAK FLAT Water Tank. With features including:

•               Australian designed and owned

•               Transportable

•               Anyone can set it up (anywhere)

•               Easy to assemble

•               Collects water in 10 minutes

•               Food-safe and certified

•               No special tools or knowledge required

•               10-year warranty

•               100% recyclable

And most outstandingly, the product is purchased and delivered in a rectangular box.

Put simply, the Pak Flat is your perfect D.I.Y Water Tank.

 (Images: https://greencowater.com)

The Weekly Times reported that GreenCo Water CEO Simon McMahon “knew there had to be a easier way.” Being inspired by Ikea’s “efficient” Flat Packs, McMahon aspired to make the world’s first Flat Pack Water Tank. Despite it taking 43 different designs and a lot of patience, McMahon accomplished his goal. The product was launched in May 2015, in Bunning’s stores across Australia, for RRP$399.

In less then a year the privately owned GreenCo Water enterprise has expanded its board to comprise of four associates and operations are occurring in both Australia and Asia. Despite the company size being small, at around 1-10 employees, GreenCo Water doesn’t hold back on how many people it markets too. Currently, all Australians can benefit from the product, thus all Australians targeted.

When contacting GreenCo Waters PR agency iD Collective, I spoke to Mary Morton who facilitated a six-month start-up campaign with the company. Morton reiterated that despite the business being small, its customer demographic is directed to a “mass market.” GreenCo Water is a social enterprise however they deem “making money and profits” as one of their main reasons for operation. Furthermore, when asked personally how Morton viewed the business objectives, she regarded GreenCo Water’s main goal was “to be a company with a conscious.”

Consequently, GreenCo Water’s LinkedIn profile states they have set up as a conscious business with one goal - to promote water conservation through innovative, affordable water storage solutions. It is clear they are currently marketing themselves and successfully setting up their business in the way they consider to be important.

Furthermore to truly put their impact into perspective, an example stated on the company website highlights how remarkable and life changing the Pak flat is. The example outlines that trucks seen around country Australia, carry around five 20,000L water tanks (a total of 100,000L). With Pak Flats, you could fit 1000 tanks into the same area, giving a total of one million liters of water.

The Pak Flat Water Tank can be set up in as little as 2 minutes (world record) thus they are perfect during disaster relief. GreenCo Water being a social enterprise deems it important to give back to those in need. They contribute their product to many humanitarian aid campaigns, helping in the area of water storage. However, it is unclear whether they donate or give a discount on the products used.  The Land quoted board member Rob Gell, saying “given the growing impact of natural disasters… it’s essential to understand the need to use systems that help us adapt to a changing climate and protect our environment by conserving our water resources.” GreenCo Water’s social mission reflects this statement, outlined in their brochure below.

(Image Source: http://greencowater.com)

I believe GreenCo Water revolve around being a social enterprise that gives back to its community. Furthermore it also gives back on a worldwide scale. This is reflected in their three main business objectives:

1. Social Responsibility
2.  Environmental Sustainability
3. Community Contribution Practices

Personally, I would like to see GreenCo take the next step into having permanent links with humanitarian aid work. They currently focus on humanitarian disaster relief, however long-term connections with organisations such as World Vision, Water Aid and UNICEF could enhance their exposure as a business. Additionally it increases their social contribution to the wider community.  

GreenCo Water Pak Flat Water Tanks are the perfect addition to any home in Australia. The many benefits are outlined below.

(Image Source: http://greencowater.com)

 I challenge you to purchase one and attempt to beat the record time of assembling – exactly 2 minutes. You will not only be a GreenCo Water office legend for holding the record, but you will also be the legend who contributes to a business that gives back to the Australian and world-wide community.

Follow them on social media:

Facebook /greencowater

Instagram @greenco_water

Twitter @greencowater

LinkedIn /greenco-water-pty-ltd

YouTube /GreenCo Water

                  

Realising Potential

Never judge a book by its cover – it's easier said then done.

In 2016, our world is driven by appearance. We judge, we point, we critique and we discriminate based on what we see. Forbes, emphasizes how important appearance is. However, “dressing appropriately” is not always within reach. We neglect to think of those who can’t afford designer work clothes and we laugh at those who haven’t been educated on what “correct” work attire is. The majority of us are lucky to grow up with parents with full time jobs; we intuitively learn what it means to be part of the “business world.” We know how to look the part.

How about those who haven’t had that opportunity?  Those who are trying to be the first in their family to get an office job? Or whose parents cant afford proper “business world” attire? Do they have a chance to make it?

Well like I said, appearance is everything in 2016.  Would you hire someone who turned up to a job interview wearing inappropriate clothes? No. And this is not a crime, nor is it uncommon. Standards exist for a reason. A first impression is important; it generally indicates whether a person has promise. All assessed based on how they act and look in one job interview. But what about those who want to do well, and will be dedicated, but just don't have the means or experience to demonstrate that in the way they dress?

Wear For Success.

Wear For Success (WFS) is a not-for-profit social enterprise. It understands and endeavors to show others, that “everyone has potential.” Furthermore, they help everyone find his or her potential. Their mission statement states: “if we can engender confidence in people by helping them look and feel the part on their journey towards employment, then we’ve done our job.”

So how do you instill confidence and self- belief in people who are struggling to enter the business world?  Wear for Success’s focus seems three-fold:

Firstly, they make people feel valued, important and empowered. Simply throwing people some decent clothes and telling them what to wear, does not establish confidence. The issue is much deeper then that. According to Forbes many people don't get jobs or don't progress in the work place due to low self-esteem. If you don't believe in yourself, how do you expect others to believe in you? Wear for Success seeks to instill confidence beyond nice clothes, as seen in the video below.

Wear For Success Facebook Video 

“We all know how important it is to dress appropriate for job interviews, but it is more important for them to feel confidence within themselves”

Secondly, WFC educate clients by giving tips and teaching them appropriate work place behavior.

Solely volunteers run the enterprise. Thus, different organizations fund programs. Accenture fund a Career Support Training program. Where professional corporate trainers deliver résumé writing, interview preparation, computer basics and many more programs to clients. This helps clients not be constantly overlooked for job interviews. They gain basic skills, necessary to get them up and running.

 

Finally, as Wear for Success implies they help clients dress to impress. Once they feel confidant, have been educated on what to do, the last step (the highlight for many) is receiving clothing. As the public donates all items, WFS rely heavily on the generosity of others.  In a one-hour fitting, you truly witness a transformation. Not only in they way the client looks, but the increase in confidence when they see themselves. They are inspired and motivated to achieve because they finally feel they can.

Work For Success is a social enterprise driven to kick start the lives of those less fortunate. Established in 2011, run by a dedicated group of volunteers and management team, including a volunteer board, it is hard to fault this amazing business. They have the capacity and demand to expand, and I would recommend they did. Being a registered charity, they have many people dedicating their time free of charge.   It exhibits a positive work environment and a very organized workplace system.

Who supports them?

What they have achieved so far?

How can you help?

Work for Success receives no federal or state government funding. They rely solely on donations of: 

Money

Clothes

Time

Volunteers 

Follow them on:

• Facebook

•  Twitter

•  LinkedIn

• Instagram

Visit them at:

All Images Source

Wear for Success is a not-for profit social enterprise making a big difference in the lives of others. Getting a job is a fundamental part of life. A job allows people to feel important, valued and gives them the ability to provide for themselves, so they can lead the life they want. Everyone deserves the chance to be successful, if you are hard working, dedicated and driven, small details like the clothes you wear and whether you know how to prepare a resume shouldn't stand in the way.

If you can dress for success, then help Wear for Success give others that chance too.