How To Start Up by FF&M

How to avoid greenwashing with Melissa Hobson


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In this episode we hear from Melissa Hobson, a self-employed specialist copywriter and PR consultant working with for-purpose organisations.  Driven by her passion for marine conservation, Melissa pursued self-employment in February 2021 to support organisations that are making a positive difference to the oceans, the planet and people’s lives. 

Melissa shares with us her advice for founders seeking to avoid greenwashing and authentically implement environmentally-friendly processes within their businesses. 

Melissa’s advice:

  • Putting your own needs first will often lead to the best results for your business and clients 
  • Never mislead or exaggerate
  • Think about sustainability from a consumer perspective; check the Green Claims Code to ensure none of your claims could be misinterpreted
  • Setting stringent standards will encourage potential clients to raise their own
  • Have a purpose/mission-led business to really enjoy your work
  • In the interests of work/life balance, create boundaries for yourself; for example I always have an ‘out of office’ on to limit the amount of time I spend on email and to filter out unnecessary communications
  • Connect with other sole traders when you need inspiration or advice
  • Charge a fee for people who would like to ‘pick your brains’ as your time is valuable
  • Utilise Zoom to manage your time and only attend face to face events that truly add value to your business
  • Immediately set tax aside when you receive an invoice to avoid hassle further down the line
  • Don’t be afraid to be honest about parts of your business you wish were more successful 
  • Keep a log of all the small green things you do that make a difference; you’d be surprised by how they add up

If you’d like to contact Melissa you can reach her on [email protected]
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.

FF&M enables you to own your own PR.

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2022 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.

FF&M recommends: 

  • LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
  • Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
  • Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
  • Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
  • For contracts check out Law Depot.

MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

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How To Start Up by FF&MBy Juliet Fallowfield

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