As a client when you’re researching companies to buy from, what do you typically look for?
As a candidate when you’re embarking on a job search, what do you look for in the companies you’re interested in?
Today, where technology is at our finger tips, we have more options and ways to research companies which offers us more decision-making power than ever before. We may do some fact finding through research, ask for referrals, read reviews, navigate through websites, etc. all in an effort to help reach a decision.
What if part of your clients decision-making process was considering organizations that give back?
People want to do business with companies that give back. This is an easy way to humanize your brand and set the tone for what you stand for by making philanthropy the core of your business.
Having a corporate philanthropic philosophy in your business and giving back can have several benefits to your organization not to mention, add a competitive edge to your company when recruiting talent and allow you to stand out. Prospective candidates who may be involved in their communities and do volunteer work, will be attracted to your company for sharing the same values.
Other benefits include:
- Increased company morale
- Employee loyalty and commitment to both their jobs and employers
- Development of leadership or other skills employees may not get on the job
- Positive company image
Marketing your business, products, service offerings, ‘customer experiences’ are all great and necessary to your business, and aligning yourself as an organization that is committed to giving back is even better.
The no. 1 company on Fortune’s Best Workplaces list integrates its giving philosophy into business goals at the highest level. Salesforce was highlighted for its commitment to giving 1% of the organization’s time, 1% of its product, and 1% of its equity to the communities where it does business: “Salesforce (CRM, +0.07%) backs this up by giving employees seven days off per year specifically for volunteer activities, in addition to regular PTO and holidays, and provides generous grant matching/Champion Grant programs for employee donations to charities.”
Giving back can be in the form of charitable donations, grants or financial support, pro-bono work or simply time and the benefits go full circle. The local organization you may be supporting will benefit, your company who’s giving back benefits and your employees who may be participating will also benefit. Everyone wins!
Size does not determine your ability as an organization to be philanthropic. You don’t have to be a large corporation and rely on financial donations to give back and the fastest and easiest way to start is often in our local communities. Time in itself is just as valuable and doesn’t break the bank.
Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur/solopreneur, etc. giving back has such a profound impact on the community you do business in and has benefits for everyone. Most people want to make an impact whether its in the work they do, or in the communities they serve. Giving back is in our DNA and is backed by science to make us feel good as humans. It’s the ‘feel good’ vibes we get when we’re charitable.
Take a look at your organization, are you giving back and if so, how? Is there an opportunity to do more? Do you offer opportunities for your employees to give back? For volunteer work or other?
While I would encourage you to make this part of your business philosophy at it’s core, as we approach the holidays, this time of year inspires the spirit of giving and is a great time to be demonstrating your philanthropic efforts and to give back.
With all my appreciation ♥
Lisa