As I was leaving Portland after WDS, I ran into a few of my “cousins” and asked them to take part in the Triigo Project by answering “What is The Change You Want to See in the World?”
This answer is much in line with my own philosophy – “More Small Businesses Truly Helping Others.”
All small businesses have the opportunity to help. Business owners can sit on boards, donate products or services or work to solve issues in their community. You may want to work towards a single cause or help in numerous areas.
Small businesses may lack the cash flow to donate momentarily to help others but that does not mean small businesses cannot help.
I have also met some amazing businesses with a mantra to help others. Locally, the Grilled Cheese Social Eatery has found a great way to give back and help others by offering a suspended coffee/sandwich program. Customers can buy sandwiches or coffee and suspend the purchase thereby prepaying for someone who needs a meal or hot drink and simply cannot afford it.
Another business, Kitt’s, donates a new pair of underwear to Women’s shelters upon the sale of her underwear product. We often don’t think about the need for personal items like underwear, feminine hygiene or even razors.
Each business, regardless of size, can take time to help someone else. Here are a few ideas of how you can help others in your community:
- Participate in local food drives by requesting donations from clients or by helping in the food bank or at a store
- Take part in the planning and organization of community fundraisers
- Donate product, where possible, to assist fundraisers
- Take part in a mentor program to mentor new businesses and youth
- be involved in your community to identify problems and work towards solutions
- Donate your time to local charities
- Hold a clothing drive
- Hire a student or older employee (two categories that tend to be harder to place according to local workplace stats)
These are all small steps to help others. Think about how your business could truly help others.