It’s hard to find a business that doesn’t give back to the community in some way. And that’s a really good thing. When businesses choose to use their resources to help people in need, they make a big impact in the world.
Whether great or small, every business can make a difference. Below are three things for you to consider about becoming a business that cares.
Don’t overthink it
Establishing a philanthropic mission for your business can go hand-in-hand with what your business is already doing. Evaluate the various byproducts of your business that could benefit the community or even benefit others globally, and go from there. For example, Panera Bread partners with Feeding America and other hunger relief organizations, by donating their unsold baked goods. It was a simple and effective concept; instead of letting fresh food go to waste, let’s donate it. Helping others doesn’t always need to be an extravagant gesture, sometimes even the simplest of actions can make a huge impact.
Share your vision
Once you have chosen the mission that your business is going to support, make it part of your business model. Defining a philanthropic vision is not only about giving back, it’s about redefining your business, so that when employees join your team and customers support your business, they are fully aware of the mission they are also supporting. For example, when people buy a pair of TOMS shoes, they know that their purchase donates a pair of shoes to a person in need. The advertising for their brand is focused on increasing awareness about the company’s mission to care and provide for the poor. That is what people think of when they see an advertisement for TOMS. It’s a powerful marketing strategy that is good for the business and the cause.
Be more than a business
If you desire to have a company filled with hard working, passionate people, you must give them a passionate cause to work for. The day to day monotony of working for a seemingly insignificant business is stifling to creativity and soul-crushing to someone longing to make a difference. Creative people who want to make a difference in the world are amazing employees to have, so your business should be the kind that attracts those people, not the kind that holds them back. Show your employees and your customers that you care about them and that you care about the world around them. By choosing to use your business as a vessel to make a positive impact in the world, you are also inspiring others to be part of the mission and giving them something bigger to be part of.
Manage and promote your mission virtually
An efficient way to run a growing outreach program is to set up a virtual office. Communications can be done anytime and anyplace that has internet access, and you can promote and track your cause on social media. You can also hire a virtual assistant to handle communications and donations between your business and the organization you choose to partner with. With a virtual office, you can successfully manage an outreach program and your business simultaneously. Contact YourOffice and ask about their virtual office packages. YourOffice offers a wide choice of office and workspace solutions: flexible office space, team office space, and virtual office packages. You’ll have access to a complete array of office support and concierge services as well as state-of-the-art business technology.
