This is a guest post by Jessica Sanders who is an avid small business writer touching on topics from social media to merchant services. She writes for an online resource that gives advice on topics including telemarketing services for lead generation resource, Resource Nation.
If you’ve already started down the entrepreneur road, it’s safe to say you’re passionate about paving your own way in this crazy world. If you’ve always been concerned about the welfare of others, or specific causes, maybe it’s time you put the two together; be a social entrepreneur. Social entrepreneurs are changing the way the world handles injustice; constructive, organized and driven – social entrepreneurs are making a difference.

What Is It?

The Skoll Foundation, invested in celebrating, supporting and connecting with social entrepreneurs, defines the term:

"Just as entrepreneurs change the face of business, social entrepreneurs are the change agents for society, seizing overlooked opportunities by improving systems, inventing new approaches and creating sustainable solutions to transform society for the better. Social entrepreneurs are constantly searching for superior ways to solve the problems that plague society."

Similar to cause marketing, a social entrepreneur focuses on specific causes and channels their passion for creating change and making a difference for that particular issue; in other words, using entrepreneurial tactics for good.

While social entrepreneurs are often found in the not-for-profit or volunteering sectors, it’s important to know that there are many social entrepreneurs in it for profit as well. However, those involved in social entrepreneurship are often moved more by the social or environmental change brought about by their actions than the financial profit that it brings.

How to Get Started?

Getting involved in social entrepreneurship is similar to starting your own business, website, service, or blog. However, in this case, it will take enthusiasm for your cause, as well as an unwavering drive.

What you need:

• Vision and determination – A strong desire to make a difference for the cause you are dedicated to.

• An Entrepreneurial mind – A determination to see your “business” through until the bitter end. 

• Resilience – In the case of a small startup, there are just as many lows as highs. With social entrepreneurs, it can be even more so, as working for a cause can put you up against non-believers and those who refuse to accept change. 

• Balance – The ability balance your passion with your inner entrepreneur – You need to take risks while remembering to measure your impact, changing and evolving. 

What you do:

Pluggd.in has broken down it down to three basic steps: problem, solution, and value.

• Problem: What is the cause that you hope to change? 

• Solution: This is your “business plan.” How can you make a change? Write up your plan for an effective and successful solution. 

• Value: Does it benefit the stakeholders? Stakeholders being you, the people whose lives will be impacted by your success, investors, etc. 

Once you have that figured out, it’s time to put your plan into action; be the entrepreneur you know how to be.

Famous Social Entrepreneurs

Not sure if you’re ready to take on your cause? Be inspired by these famous social entrepreneurs:

• Margaret Sanger: Founder of Planned Parenthood Federation of America

• John Muir: Founded the National Park Foundation and was involved in founding The Sierra Club

• Jamie Oliver: Pioneering the health food movement for children. He founded the restaurant Fifteen, which employed disadvantaged youth as chefs. 

• Jason Russel: Co-founder of the popular Invisible Children foundation, aimed at ending the use of child soldiers and violence in Uganda.