We’ve proven that doing good literally helps brands do good business - Lauren Scott-Harris, EARNT

Lauren Scott-Harris is a do-er, who believes that “if you don’t like how the world works, you roll up your sleeves and do something about it — not just rant about it online. The world’s changing fast, and we need new systems to match it.”

She founded EARNT - an UK-based startup that uses people’s energy and love for different brands to support causes in need. Think of receiving jumping the queue for a new product you love because you helped clean an area or renovate a school.

Lauren brings over a decade of experience in PR. She also founded her agency, Scott Ideas, a boutique transatlantic communications company and her working with brands and influencers played a great role in launching EARNT. She saw how much energy and passion people had for their favourite brands and started thinking about better ways of putting that energy to work, but she only launched the startup in 2021:

“I think it could’ve worked pre-Covid, but post-Covid the cracks really started to show. Brands were showering influencers with gifts while nurses and teachers were visiting food banks — the contrast was just depressing. 

It was also a time when many people wanted to volunteer but didn’t know how to get involved. So 2021 felt right — for the world and for me. You need huge reserves of energy, belief, patience and resilience to start something like this, and that was my moment.”

‍

The moment proved right and the idea was well-received: 

“We were lucky — the public got behind us straight away, for all sorts of reasons. Some wanted the brand experiences, some loved the bite-sized volunteering, some came to meet people, get their kids off screens, or support causes they cared about. There’s something for everyone.”

‍

Lauren says that her background helped her understand what brands need: ”commercial value, measurable exposure, and loyal customers.

To get brands on board, this had to be a venture that worked for them, not just a “nice-to-have” CSR project. When people volunteer and earn their ETYs (earned thank-yous), they become natural brand ambassadors — connecting positive experiences with the products they love and spreading that energy.”

‍

Since they launched EARNT, the startup and the number and size of events they’re putting together have grown. One restaurant in London partnered with them for the 5th time, giving away complementary drinks to those who joined the EARNT community litter-pick along the Thames.

“Many of our event lists now have waiting lists in the hundreds — which says everything about how much people are craving real-life connection, purpose, and a bit of VIP treatment from brands they love.

“We’re entering a really exciting phase — designing, building and launching our app (we’re currently fundraising for it). 

After years of proof of concept, we’ve shown it’s a triple win: people get joy and rewards, causes gain new volunteers, and brands build deeper, more positive relationships with their communities. We’ve proven that doing good literally helps brands do good business.”

‍

But this hasn’t happened overnight. It took time to convince people and brands that such a business would work, so it’s very important to trust the vision and work with the right people:

“Trust your gut when others don’t see it yet. And surround yourself with the right people — those who lift you, challenge you, teach you, and are brutally honest when needed.

My business partner, Lavina Liyanage, has all the skills I lack, and our advisory board brings the wisdom and perspective that keep us on track.”

‍

EARNT currently is selecting the causes to support together with the brands they collaborate with, as they might want to focus on certain areas. Lauren adds:

“But overall, we’re apolitical and want to give people the freedom to back what matters to them.

Some people sign up because of the cause, others because of the brand — we don’t mind why they come, we’re just glad they do. Philosophically, I’m with John Stuart Mill: outcome trumps intention. If someone picks litter just to get into the River Café — the litter still gets picked.

‍

Finally, we asked Lauren what she thinks impact-startups need in order to grow:

“I can only speak from experience, but my biggest advice: avoid being seen as “nice.” 

Have a plan that’s smart, dynamic, and sustainable. Impact-startups can easily be dismissed as well-meaning but naive — and being two female founders doesn’t exactly help that stereotype.

Don’t make it nice; make it work. Let the results speak. You’ll always have critics — the success of the business is the only metric that matters.”

‍

Thank you, Lauren Scott-Harris!