January 13, 2011
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Any small business owner can write a check to charity, but where is the creativity in that?
Here are 7 innovative ways for companies to give back to the community:
Create an affinity group
“If your company consists of largely Hispanic workers; create a Hispanic community affinity group within your organization,” said Katerina Taylor, president of Smart Kidz Money Matters LLC, a financial literacy company based in Atlanta. “Choose a few people in your organization to volunteer with Hispanic charities at least once a month. Also, encourage a member of the group to join the board of a larger Hispanic organization in your community.”
Donate for ‘likes’
“Give $1 for every ‘like’ your company gets on Facebook,” suggested Kayvan Mott, vice president, marketing and advertising for Infinite Communications Inc., a marketing and public relations firm based in Sherman Oaks, CA. “Make sure your fan page has a call to action or you have a customized tab for the donation project. These types of campaigns can have a viral effect.”
Use your talent
“Every business and business owner has valuable resources that a non-profit can use,” said Denise Winston, founder of Money Start Here, a financial education company in Bakersfield, CA. “For example, if you are a video company, create a short clip for a charity to build awareness. If you are a women’s boutique shop owner, offer makeovers to homeless women. If you are a lawn care service, offer to spruce up the lawn of an elderly or sick individual.”
Want more tips on giving back? Check these out:
Publish and donate
“Create an e-book that highlights your thought leadership -- this can be done cheaply and easily,” suggested Melissa Giovagnoli-Wilson, founder and CEO of Networlding, a social media consulting and coaching firm based in Chicago. “For example, if you own a cupcake company, publish a book about ways to make creative cupcakes. Then donate 50 percent of the proceeds from the book to charity.”
Work as a team
“Gather your company together at the beginning of the year and discuss what everyone is passionate about, then agree on a project for the year,” Winston said. “Once a quarter or once a month, allow your employees to donate their time or raise money for an event or cause.
“By asking for participation and ideas from employees, they will feel empowered. Participating in a project as a team is a great team building exercise.”
Partner with a charity
“Join efforts with a non-profit in your community and form a long-term partnership,” advised Taylor. “Spearhead efforts in your community. Make sure a few members of your team are on the non-profit’s advisory board and volunteer your time, not just your money.”
Offer free webinars
“Create a webinar and charge for-profit organizations, but offer the webinar to non-profits for free,” Wilson advised. “The webinar can be on anything from using LinkedIn to hosting a speech given by a famous local personality. Prepare questions for the audience. Remember: you can do well by doing good.”
Katie Morell is Chicago-based writer and frequent OPEN Forum contributor. She also regularly contributes business, feature and travel articles to national and regional publications.
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