Small businesses are seen as engines of economic growth and job creation, but they are also a force for good. Every small business has a unique lens into their community and are often the first to notice the most pressing needs. As the owner of a social impact consultancy, I support businesses who want to strategically engage their communities and manage their social impact. Throughout the past few years I have worked with a variety of small businesses, from wealth management to home ventilation, and music education. One thing continues to be true, business owners are passionate about making their communities better.
Supporting the places where we live and do business can be fulfilling and increasingly, businesses that lead with purpose have a competitive advantage in today’s marketplace. They foster loyal customers, are respected by community leaders, and attract a passionate team. More and more employees’ expectations go beyond a paycheck and perks. Last year, a study by McKinsey & Company revealed that 82% of employees feel an organization’s purpose is important. Increasingly people want to know that their work is meaningful and generates good in the world.
I’ve never met a business that doesn’t give back to their community in some way. However, very few consider it part of their larger business strategy. No matter the size of your organization, defining your purpose can help you integrate strategies that support both your team and your community. So, first explore the following questions:
Why does our business exist?
What can we contribute to our community?
What lasting difference do we want to make?
Vital to implementing purpose effectively is aligning your business objectives with your impact goals. Through alignment, you ensure the success of your business while amplifying the difference you hope to achieve.
One of the ways in which you can put your purpose into action is by integrating volunteerism into your business’ operations. This can be a powerful way to address the needs you see in your community, build stronger teams and cultivate a culture of purpose. It can improve employee engagement and morale, foster teamwork, and provide development opportunities. When others see your company in action helping the community, it also inspires your stakeholders and boosts your business’ reputation.
When you think of volunteering, you probably imagine cleaning up your local park or working in a food pantry. This type of hands-on volunteering is critical to fulfilling many nonprofit missions, but other forms of support can help organizations as well. Below are some ideas you might consider engaging your business in volunteer work:
Organize a Fundraising Event - Every community organization requires monetary resources to complete their mission. Hosting a fundraising event is a great way to bring your community together. One of the companies my husband worked for hosted a “No-Shave November” fundraiser where participants grew their beards (or women wore fake mustaches and beards) and their office voted on the best with their wallets. Proceeds went to organizations supporting men’s causes.
Host an Item Drive - Plan an item drive for a local organization. This could be school supplies for local districts, a food drive for a local food bank, or a clothing drive for families.
Partner with a Nonprofit - Develop a mutually beneficial partnership with someone who shares your values, goals, and understands how to measure what matters. For example, the Pittsburgh-based Welly Bottle leverages a partnership with Charity Water to meet its mission of providing access to clean water for all.
Skills-Based Volunteering - Donating one’s professional expertise is called skills-based volunteering. I know web designers, accountants, and more who dedicate time to providing pro-bono services to nonprofit organizations or photographers and videographers who donate their time to support golf outings and galas.
Promote Employee Volunteering - Empower your employees to choose where they want to volunteer their time - tutoring, mentorship, board service, etc. These opportunities provide a chance to develop new skills, broaden perspectives, and take on leadership roles in supportive environments.
Offer Opportunities to “Pay it Forward” - Building a program that enables your community to support others can be a simple way to invite others to join in. One local cafe invites their customers to buy a cup of coffee for someone who might be struggling. These opportunities remind us that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference in someone's life.
Looking for opportunities to give back? Utilize local resources - approach community foundations, chambers of commerce, or just ask a friend about their favorite organization. There is no single way to give back. Get creative and remember that enacting purpose in your business takes time and strategy. It is about building your purpose intentionally, understanding how that purpose translates into action, and engaging in a continuing conversation between you and your community.
Curio412 is a consultancy for businesses who want to strategically engage their communities and measure their social impact. We work with companies to put their purpose into action by helping them plan, organize, and implement impact with a measurable outcome in mind. We believe in creating lasting impact. Which is why we share knowledge and tell stories to keep nonprofits, business, social enterprises, and charitable organizations informed about current trends, ideas, and impact.
Comments