We talk a lot about being #othersfocused. In theory, this would be easy to implement across every sphere of our lives. But finding successful methods of giving back to the world through business can be tough with the pressure to generate profits and get work done on a daily basis. Every profession is different, and there are creative ways to still have impact within society while not forsaking the overarching company goals. In case you need further evidence, people are more likely to do business with companies that find ways to focus on the environment, support the needy, or contribute to the overall welfare of others. If you want to lead a company that stands out from the rest, you’re going to have to think past internal benchmarks and infuse your company with a culture that encourages social impact.
Impactful business takes many forms. Before you start planning a corporate outreach day, let’s take a look at a few unconventional options.
- Integrate solutions into your daily business.
While hosting a food drive or fundraiser are great ways to give back to the community, they lack the aspect of integrated social focus into your business model. You may be able to raise awareness or a decent amount of funding through these one-time events, but they rarely solve problems long-term. What is one way you can work the solution into how you do business everyday? For example: Toms shoes offers one free pair of shoes to a child in a 3rd world country for every pair of shoes purchased. Every transaction makes an impact, even in the simple way of providing shoes. There are contractors who will build a free home for victims of natural disaster for every new home they build here in the U.S. It doesn’t have to be something as massive as providing shoes to third world countries or building houses for every person impacted by a disaster, but we can all play our part in simple ways.
- Use your resources to create something new.
With the growing technology industry, there are more ways than ever to expand our reach. Take AdvanceNet labs, for example, who recently developed an App called “Safe Night.” This app provides a pre-paid hotel room per donors to victims of domestic violence in times of urgent need when shelters run out of space. You don’t have to re-invent the wheel to find creative ways of expanding your positive influence on your community. What do you have in your hands already? Maybe you run a tech company with access to advanced software that could be developed into programs that make waves in the healthcare industry. Or you own a restaurant chain with tons of weekly leftover food that can be distributed to food banks in your area. Think outside the box, look at what you already have, and don’t be afraid to do something no one else is doing.
- Give back to social causes that pertain to your industry.
Your time is limited and building a new software or process may be beyond your capacity, we get it. Don’t let that stop you from making your business model #othersfocused. One obvious, but highly underrated method is through financial contributions. Most nonprofits have the research done and processes in place, but limited funds to get work done. We think it’s time to break down the wall diving the for-profit and non-profit sector, don’t you? Find a cause that pertains to your specific industry, or go beyond that and pick something that correlates closely with the values of your team. We can name a hundred organizations right now that would be great to partner with financially. The purpose in all of this is to set your company apart through a generosity-centric profile that real humans can relate to. You will find rich fulfillment in making an impact on the world around you, and likely increase your own business by attracting people who believe in your mission.
Impactful business takes many shapes and forms. It may look different for your company than for the guy next door, but the important thing is that we make it a central part of our corporate models. If you’re not doing it already, find ways to integrate your profession with influential practices that far outreach making a profit. By doing this, you will set your company apart as ambassadors in your industry for causes that will attract people and make a difference in the community. If you’ve found a creative way to make your business #otherfocused, share it with us!