It is easier to withdraw rather than engage with our community during these trying times. But, especially for small enterprises, this is far from ideal. Business owners have a duty to the communities in which they operate. Giving back and being involved is crucial for local charities to promote goodwill. You will also turn your customers into brand ambassadors. In this series of interviews, we look at both sides of the debate and ask entrepreneurs for their opinions.
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Ryan Bullock
Title: Co-owner
Company: www.buyingproperty215.com
As business owners, we should be more invested in giving back to our communities. There are 1 out of 7 children struggling with hunger in America. If business owners organized a local food drive or worked with other established organizations to help give food to the children of their local community. It could seriously put a dent in the number of children starving in America. Buying Property 215 is going to work with Philabundance this summer to make sure we can take our part in helping stopping child hunger.
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Sean O’Neal
Title: President
Company: https://onclusive.com/
“Many people value and prefer the trustworthy option. So, yes, companies should be involved in their communities. Community involvement helps you take a step forward from your competition. This is because involvement promotes awareness and familiarity. Aside from that, your company develops a positive reputation, drawing in more customers and even job seekers.”
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Jeremy Scott Foster
Title: CEO/Founder
Company: https://TravelFreak.com
Looking to engage with your community is an important factor for any business, even if you are based online, having support from the local community is a great starting point for any business and a positive way to share the ethos you hold as a business owner. A great way to do this for businesses is to reach out to local charities and community team who are doing things to benefit the community, even if your team is small or time is an issue, you could either get involved with helping out locally, and sharing through your socials to highlight community issues, or you could even just offer to share local community and charity events that are happening, which will help local audiences find out about more community focussed initiatives.
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Leslie Radka
Title: Fonuder and Hiring manager
Company: greatpeoplesearch.com
The decision to support a charity or non-profit organization can be difficult for a business owner. Not in the sense that it is difficult to choose to help those in need. Rather, you must overcome the fear that giving back will have a negative impact on your bottom line. This is not true. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that giving will benefit your company far more than it will harm it. Giving improves employee morale and helps to attract more talent. Even in small businesses, it can be difficult to interact with each and every employee. Involve your employees in your company’s charitable giving. Encourage them to volunteer at local charities. Employee relationships can be strengthened as a result of this. People come together when they give back to their communities. It makes us happy. A company that does not give back will turn off a lot of top talent. It’s an excellent motivator for employee giving. Not to mention the fact that it effectively doubles the impact of donations. This type of program fosters a strong culture, which is more appealing to employees. Allow employees to choose which organizations will receive donations from your company. Provide opportunities for employees to volunteer during working hours. Encourage your employees to participate in community service projects.
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Bob Scott
Title: Founder
Company: https://www.sellland.com/
As a business owner, I sincerely believe that the primary goal of starting a business should be making a positive change for the community. While earning profits is part of the business, it should not be its only priority. Giving back to the community is part of our social responsibility as business owners and help us reinforce our mission when we founded the business. Moreover, helping communities boosts morale, and engagement within the company and also establishes a positive branding or image. Lastly. giving back also helps you attract talent and customers who support the same cause and improve brand loyalty.
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Josephine Pepa
Title: CEO & Founder | Dr. & PharmD
Company: www.overyourcounter.com
My name is Josephine Pepa and I am the CEO & Founder of a digital health startup called Over Your Counter (OYC): A self-care companion & management platform for employees. The easy answer is yes, always give back. But business owners are part of the community as well, and I believe it’s unfair to have the expectation that others should always give back. I struggled with this exact concept when I started my company. I had graduated with my Doctor of Pharmacy degree right before I founded OYC, and my healthcare side tried so hard to make an impact by selling directly to individuals & forcing proper care onto them. I already wasn’t making money, so becoming a non-profit was a tough thought. As a healthtech startup I eventually found out how to have the best of both worlds. I now sell to corporate businesses as an employee self-care platform. Still increasing individual’s access to care, while reducing employer healthcare costs.
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Sam Browne
Title: Chief Execute Officer
Company: www.haroseo.co
Hi there, Mike! I’m Sam Browne, the CEO of HARO SEO—a boutique SEO agency, and I have the expertise to answer your query. Here’s why businesses should be more involved in giving back to the community. 1. It’s an investment When giving back to the community, you get to establish first-hand connections for your business. It will serve as an opportunity to build a positive and eye-catching reputation for your brand while being able to provide a helping hand. It catches the attention of prospects that turn into customers or partners by perceiving your brand identity as an enterprise that knows how to reciprocate purposeful efforts—which, in turn, equates to a massive investment. 2. It’s a marketing strategy Lest business owners forget, you will be credited for the effort you carried out in giving back to the community. High chances are, you will be cited by the communities helped through publications, electronic word-of-mouth, and other platforms such as their websites and social media accounts. This translates to voluntary marketing strategies. Not only are they able to see the services you offer upon checking the brand that gave back to the community, but you will also be perceived as an enterprise that actively participates in providing a helping hand to those in need. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email. I hope this has been valuable. Have an amazing day!
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Dawn Bova
Title: HeARTworkByDawn CEO
Company: http://etsy.me/35wMhZb
As a small business owner it’s often difficult to think of giving back, but the rewards I’ve experienced are limitless including increased joy resulting in increased productivity, genuine connections to people in the community, and a sense of loyalty from those served. I am a mother who has lost a child to the opioid epidemic. Giving back and helping those who have been impacted has been instrumental in my healing journey. Art heals. The majority of my sales are due to connections created by serving my community through the non profit organization OhioCAN (Change Addiction Now). The ripple effect from helping just one person has limitless effects on both personal and business growth.
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Kira Capozzolo
Title: Owner- Twin Waves Wellness
Company: https://twinwaveswellness.com/
I think it is really important for businesses to give back to the community. The community is the people who provide us income, they support our businesses so it is only right that we do the same for them by contributing to our local schools, parks, and other community projects and services. We need each other!
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Alex Coffey
Title: CEO
Company: https://goliathhomes.com
Based on my experience, businesses should pay attention in giving back to their communities regardless of the current occasion. Connecting to people through community engagement and offering basic assistance will help your brand increase its identity and credibility. The more you volunteer and help other charities or even the local people in your town, they will think that your company possess great values. Organizations will gradually earn people’s trust and they will end up spreading positive words about them. People’s word of mouth will make the brand famous and gain more publicity. However, sponsoring non-profit organizations (NPO) will be expensive especially if you will not be asking for someone else’s contribution. One of the problems I had making me doubt to give back to my community was the uncertainty whether I would gain back what I have invested. Considering that I have very limited financial resources, it made me hesitant. That’s why I provided the help that my business can only afford. My Personal Experience: Few years ago, I worked with real estate investing groups where I started my journey learning house flipping strategies. In that group I had worked with, they launched a fundraising for an orphanage based in St. Louis, Missouri. I was just starting to establish my brand at that time so I had multiple loans, expenses and I was just still learning how to make a reasonable revenue. I thought that I wouldn’t be able to donate some money but I made a way. I sold some of my unwanted branded shoes at home including some unused appliances. With that, I was able to donate a thousand dollars. Then I went to the orphanage’s actual place where our group took photos with the children, social workers and directors. I remember that I was wearing a T-shirt with my company’s brand name “Goliath Homes”. The orphanage administrators got really excited during that time and they went posting the pictures and videos on online platforms. Since I was there in the picture, I used that to create valuable content on my own website that will capture people’s attention and emotion. From there, my company website and social media platforms gain likes, comments, shares and even leads. We’re able to generate more sales and deals while strengthening my brand’s reputation.
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Eric Ridenour
Title: Men’s health Researcher
Company: https://www.getmyphoenix.com/
I tend to try to only involve myself in projects that give back to the community. It makes it a lot easier to wake up in the morning and get to my desk to work knowing the work I do helps people and improves lives. While it is also important to support the community through donating to your local church or other organization you support, it is important that the work you do benefits the community as well. It is nice knowing after I finish my day, I have helped make the world a better place for my children.
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Evelyn Ott
Title: Professional tattoo artist
Company: https://www.soulcanvasink.com/
I’d say Yes, Absolutely. But it’s easier said than done. I think everyone wants to be a giver (well, maybe not everyone), but the problem typically arises at ‘where do I give?’, Which organization can I trust? You will find that many business owners are skeptical about giving because of this very problem. I myself am very skeptical about every other organization that comes my way because I’ve seen people get conned, and non-profits embezzle donation money. We live in a mad world and everything that’s happening today confirms that much. There is a lot of dishonesty, and basically, many people are living with the mindset of ‘every man for himself’. This makes it hard for people to be kind. And when they want to be kind and give back to their communities, they don’t even know where to start or who to trust. There are con artists at every corner. I think it’s advisable that businesses give back to their communities. There should probably be a guide in every community to point out the honest charities that go out of their way to support the vulnerable. More so, those that need the most help. As a business owner who serves the community, these are your people. Your profits are all thanks to them. Then why should you have a little money left over and not help them?
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Kathy Bennett
Title: CEO/ Founder
Company: bpkc.com
The Success and the brand image of a business are clearly associated with how much the business is giving back to the community. “Never forget where you came from” is the quote that comes to my mind while explaining the importance of giving back to the community. The nature of the business also matters in how you can give back to the community. For instance, In our case, a lot of plastic is being used since we’re in the packaging industry. So we regularly recycle our Plastic and try our best to minimize any wastage. We also aim to plant trees regularly, so just repairing back the nature. When we announced this initiative to our investors, and customers, The revenue and growth since then have been massive. Therefore, I’ll conclude that People tend to ride with a company that’s regularly giving back to the community. A purpose-driven business tends to succeed, and giving back to the community is equally important to us.
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Scot Chrisman
Title: CEO
Company: https://themediahouse.co
Definitely Yes. Community is the source of market population, idea, and profit of a business. Regardless of the industry an entity belongs to, the community is playing a huge part in the success of its operation. Considering this fact, giving back and engaging more with the community allows the business to be on good terms with the majority, creating a beneficial situation and relationship for both of them.
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Renee Rosales
Title: CEO/Founder
Company: https://theara.com/
I am absolutely an advocate of giving back to the community. Increasing connection, communication and collaboration has so many potential benefits. This is especially helpful if you are aiming to promote diversity and increase inclusion. Being present in your community and giving something back will help raise awareness around who you are and what you are aiming to achieve, as well as gathering support. It may feel like an overwhelming prospect so my advice would be to start small, think of your organization’s ethos and how you can best share this with the wider community. For instance, my passion for education and inclusion has inspired us to provide free resources and information on neurodivergence. This enables anyone who is interested to access and learn more. Visibility is vital. This is especially relevant for my work as a member of the neurodiverse collective. One of our main aims as a company is to challenge stigma and stereotyping around neurodivergence and showing up as a positive presence in the community is a great way to do this. It also provides an opportunity to inspire, engage and connect with those who share our passion for education, inclusion, and diversity. When a community can see you contributing generously, with finances, resources, or time, they are more likely to recognize and repay your efforts with their continued support.
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Ariel Tilayoff
Title: Digital Marketing Director
Company: youraccidentattorneys.com
Demesmin and Dover law firm was built on the principle of We Care More. They sponsor and support numerous initiatives to help in the community and areas they live in. Whether it’s a walk for breast cancer, supporting a local schools fundraiser, donating money to charities such as Carl’s Village and The Boys and Girls club or handing out full turkey dinners at local shelters, you will see our team out there. Victor Demesmin Jr. and Jeremy Dover, founding partners and personal injury attorneys at Demesmin and Dover law firm, both built this company with the idea of giving back to the community that built them to be what they are. “It is important to never forget where you came from and the people who built you to be what you are today,” said Jeremy Dover. “The community plays a huge role in everything that you do. Giving back is just a small way to show our appreciation” said Victor Demesmin. They both said ‘every business should be mindful of how much the community does for you and therefore supporting it should be a priority. Whether it’s a non-profit or not, the idea behind the sponsorship should be to show that you genuinely care about the people who support you.’
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Eric Elggren
Title: Co-Founder
Company: https://andar.com
Consumers like to see businesses giving back to the community, and might even choose one business over its competitors due to certain initiatives. For example, one local boutique gives a portion of their proceeds to a women’s health organization, and it’s likely no coincidence that they’re also one of the premier women’s clothing boutiques in their city. People want to put their money where their mouth is, and taking actions like donating to charitable causes could make you more desirable to consumers.
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Chad Price
Title: CEO
Company: https://lifegrowsgreen.com/
Yes! Business should consider giving it back to the community because It’s the community that raise us and help us reach greater heights. I believe tremendously in customer satisfaction, and by giving it back to my customers, my audience will ultimately increase their loyalty. However, Many new businesses may struggle to sponsor or start an NPO. However, Giving it back to the community isn’t restricted to only monetary charity. As I stated in my response, even a small gesture like Paying school fees for your Labor’s kids or exclusive discounts for low-income level people may help keep your bank balance and heart happy.
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Alex Mastin
Title: CEO
Company: https://www.homegrounds.co/
In a friendly tone: Businesses should be more involved in giving back to the community and sponsor or start non-profits. I believe that businesses should be more involved in giving back to their community. We live in a world where it is becoming more and more important for us to do things for our environment, our neighbors, and each other. There are many ways in which a business can do this. Here are a few ways: 1) Starting or sponsoring non-profit organizations 2) Setting aside a portion of profits to donate to charity 3) Giving back through employees (i.e. running races, volunteering at hospitals/food banks, etc.) Businesses that are able to give back will not only help benefit the causes that they support but also build brand value by being able to show consumers what they stand for and what causes they support. This will create loyal customers because people like to purchase from brands/companies that have similar values as them.
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Jorge Vivar
Title: Director
Company: https://yourmode.co/
As our business’ success is a direct result of our customers, of course we strive to give back to our local community. Because we are a small, family-run business, we take pride in Miami, the city that raised us. Although we do not have the resources to consider starting a non-profit, we do our part to host local events that focus on bettering the community. When people think of Miami, they think of perfect beaches, so we have organized beach cleanups as a way to protect the natural environment from pollution.
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Chad Price
Title: CEO
Company: https://chadprice.com/
Should businesses be more involved in giving back to the community? Yes, in my opinion. I think it’s important to give back to the community wherever possible. In my extensive experience as an entrepreneur and athlete, I have learned the importance of working as part of a team. And what is a community if not a team? A collective, made of people with different skills, talents, and ideas, who, if connected, have the potential to contribute to the world in so many ways. Giving back to the community can help build connections and increase opportunities for learning and collaborating. You never know who you may encounter and how they may inspire you. The more we build positive links with the wider world, the more likely we are to meet people who can help us create positive change in the world. This can help you to create a network and forge connections which are helpful for your business. Connecting with the community through giving back can also provide you with the possibility to learn how others perceive your company, a chance to check in and ensure that the image and identity you are promoting is a good fit with your organization. Having community involvement can keep you accountable and ensure that you are sending out the right message to those you wish to engage with.
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Beth Sparrow
Title: Founder of The VIP Roll, an online magazine
Company: https://theviproll.com/
I am a part of many NGOs and believe in giving more than receiving. There are many perks as you will communicate with different people, you’ll create different contacts that can help you. Engaging with generous associations you’ll show worry for your local area’s prosperity. Moreover, you’ll show that you are focused on having a positive social effect. While conversely, your rivals might be centered around expanding benefits. Partnering your organization with social causes will assist shoppers with seeing your image in a more certain light. Customers need to be familiar with your generous giving. It helps them have an improved outlook on working with you. It’s something they will fill their loved ones in about.
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Mila Garcia
Title: Co-founder
Company: https://ipaydayloans.com/
Given the increasing societal demand for ethical behaviour by organizations, taking part in or organizing community-driven initiatives allows you to not only drive positive public perception but it also builds a stronger sense of corporate loyalty among employees. And with social media acting as an open platform for the sharing of feedback and opinions, this allows you to get your company on the good side of the “share” button. Furthermore, it can also be a great way to help you increase corporate trust with the public, as through such initiatives , you will also be able to share your original story with earned media and PR outlets, thereby allowing you to maximize your press coverage efforts. And this in turn can significantly bump up your reputation and brand reach among customers and even potential investors.
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Monica Eaton-Cardone
Title: Co-Founder and COO
Company: https://chargebacks911.com/
In short: Yes, I believe that businesses have a responsibility to give back and do their part through outreach programs, charity donations, or even by starting their own non-profit. At Chargebacks911, we implemented a weekly donation to organizations handpicked by our own employees. I’ve seen firsthand how their passion for a cause can ignite the whole team and provide everyone the feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves.
When your business is committed to giving back, it has a positive impact not only on the people receiving the support, but also on your company’s morale and overall culture.
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