Many entrepreneurs are now beginning to see the goldmine in building a socially-responsible business. Unlike in the not-so-distant past, today’s businesses have dipped their toes right where they are needed—philanthropy. Giving back has become a culture in many companies as they struggle to find a defining balance between making profits and showing compassion to those in need. While many companies have successfully, there are still others grappling in the dark on what possible courses of action to be done so they can positively integrate the virtue of giving back into their company culture.
To some businesses wherein “giving back” is virtually new territory, there are some ways to make such a regular habit and integrate it successfully into the company’s DNA. Here are ways how:
1. Share your company’s expertise or creative genius. Are you involved in technology and can make a usable app for people with autism, Down Syndrome, epilepsy, and so on? Can you offer financial review or accounting work for a charitable organization? Can you handle digital promotion or marketing campaign for a charitable event? Your business can offer any of these services pro bono and build connection with the community.
2. Of course, the easiest route is to give money to a philanthropic cause. Donation can create a huge impact to the operational capabilities of charitable organizations. When choosing to donate money, however, it is highly recommended to do so within the bounds of the local community. Note carefully the organizations, their causes, and their credibility before you simply sign and mail a check. These community-based organizations may be smaller and less popular than other established ones, but doing so will help you connect directly to the community where your business thrives.
3. Offer products or by-products or perhaps, services. Factories, food shops, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and other consumable-based businesses may offer what they produce to a particular charitable organization which needs such assistance. Some doughnut companies like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts, for instance, have franchises which donate food items to local charitable organizations on a regular basis. Other service-oriented companies are also keen on offering part of their service packages to these charitable organizations for free. In some cases, these people raise funds by offering part of a new product’s sales proceeds to a cause.
4. Consider volunteerism. Company workers who volunteer together always find it more fulfilling and liberating to interact with one another. It was also proven that employees who do volunteer work together become more cohesive in their actions at work. Volunteering together in an act that constitutes compassion to others tend to forge a closer connection among them. This somehow create a trusting, compassionate, and longer-lasting cooperation in the workplace.
5. Some small businesses also thrive in developing the giving back culture through inspiration. These companies usually do annual activities to raise funds for a charitable organization or a cause they support. Christmas and other holiday luncheons or dinner parties are designed as fundraisers. Personal pre-loved items collected and sold in a garage sale where everyone participates and the proceeds donated to a cause.
Before picking a giving back strategy, consider rallying everyone’s opinion. Seek out suggestions and recommendations. Allowing your employees to freely say their take will not only make the efforts more fulfilling for them, it will also forge mutual respect leading to more cooperation. When done accordingly, you will be surprised at how a seemingly simple act of kindness can make your business mindset more worthwhile.