Is it possible to better the world -- and make a living?

Jeff Klein says yes. The author of "Working for Good: Making a Difference While Making a Living" believes that social entrepreneurship -- starting a company that serves the greater good, or working for one -- is the future of business.

"There is a shift happening in our society, in our culture, and in business, where team members and employees look for more from their job than just a paycheck," says Klein, who's CEO of Cause Marketing Alliance, a consultancy in the San Francisco Bay Area that helps businesses create socially conscious marketing programs, events, and campaigns.

More and more workers -- especially Millennials -- are adopting the "my job needs to do more" mindset, Klein explains. Not only do they want a job that jibes with their values, they want to work for organizations that strive to make a difference in the world. What's more, socially conscious consumers are demanding as much from the products and services they purchase too, he says.

All well and good, but if you're currently looking for a new job, how does this having any bearing on you?

"Employee engagement is one of the most significant themes of business right now," Klein says. "It gives companies a business edge."

For that reason, Klein says, for-profit companies looking to be better global citizens want to hire individuals who come across as passionate, energetic, creative, and deeply committed to the company's MO. (Note to job seekers: That starts with your resume, cover letter, and application and should come through loud and clear in any informational interviews and job interviews you do.)

As for those looking to start their own socially conscious business venture, Klein offers these tips:

Define your purpose. When it comes to creating your corporate mission, merely focusing on your return on investment is not enough, Klein says. You need to determine what social benefit your organization will bring to the people who engage with your business.

Create value for all stakeholders. It's not just your shareholders and customers you need to win over, Klein says. You also want your employees, your vendors, and the community you work and live in to support your cause.

Be a conscious leader. If there's anything last year's financial meltdown has shown us, it's that doing business just for the sake of self-aggrandizement and ROI won't win much public support. Instead, you want your vendors and customers to think, "I share this purpose and I want to engage with this company beyond just buying their products," Klein says.

Want to hear more? You're in luck. Klein will be in town to give a 90-minute talk at East West Bookshop in Seattle at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 17. Admission is free and open to the public.

Freelance writer Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide." E-mail her at ninetothrive@nwjobs.com.