Small Business Social Responsibility

It’s hard to imagine that another factor, Social Responsibility, has to be added to the long list of “to do’s” that a small business owner has to contend with.

Let’s start with a definition. Social Responsibility means that a business must aim not only to do no harm to the environment, people, or communities, but also to show commitment to building a better society.

There are countless ways to better society.

There are countless ways to build a better society. As a small business owner you may see a lot of needs in your community. You can’t solve all the problems, but you can select a cause that you are passionate about and concentrate on changing, for the better, that single identified cause.

I know you don’t have any excess funds or time to devote to helping others. Part of growing a successful small business requires that you participate in some way. Here are several ways that I have seen small business owners implement this function:

• The first step is to identify a need that is close to your heart. The size or name of the organization (as long as it is legal) does not matter.
• Your business involvement can be in either time or donated funds:
  • You may volunteer 2 to 3 hours a week working on behalf of your “cause”. This is not a time to hand out business cards or talk about your business. This is a time to earn the respect of others by your sincere, unconditional efforts to help.
  • You may donate a small percentage of each product or service that is purchased to your “cause”.
  • You may encourage your clients and friends to participate in some fashion
  • You can help with publicity for your cause in some of your marketing material.
  • You can include information on your cause in a blog or in your newsletter.

I am sure that with a little thought you can add other options to my list. The important thing is to take action and to get involved.

By giving of your time and treasure, without expecting any return, you will yield tremendous benefits, not only in community appreciation, and admiration by others but also the joy you will receive knowing that you are an effective member of your community. Yes, I promise you will be noticed.

Tips and advice by Nick Petra – CFP, Mentor, and founder of Strategic Duck and BizQuack.