At any time, in any season, there is opportunity to give back to the community that has, in many ways, contributed to your success. There is always some activity going on to benefit nonprofit organizations involved with social services, the arts, health care, children’s causes. You may hear from people asking you to contribute to any one among many organizations locally supporting homeless people, providing food for the hungry, gathering back-to-school supplies for struggling families, facilitating emergency housing, and focusing on health care or veterans.
Currently, one of the major fund drives of the year is underway: the United Way drive led by one of my fellow Rotarians and Bank of Texas president, Mark Nurdin.
If you hear from Mark or other leaders and board members, think about what you can do to help. And take a moment to consider why getting involved is good for the community AND good for your business. Think about these questions:
• Why should you contribute?
• What do you receive by doing so?
• Can I really make a difference with my contribution?
Such questions arise silently in each of us. In my mind, the answers are all positive ones. There is going to be an effective way to contribute. You will see a return on your investment. And you can always make a difference.
Recently, I was one among a delegation of 25 from Fort Worth who traveled on a goodwill trip to Africa organized by the Rotary Club of Fort Worth and Sister Cities International. Our task was to deliver a shipping container of 297 wheelchairs to give mobility to folks impaired by what we would think is an extinct disease – polio. Alas, this scourge still threatens too many in areas such as our African destination
Each of us contributed in many ways. We paid our own way for the 10-day trip. We spent our time going there to help. Many donated ideas and organizational assistance along the way. The investment will have numerous returns.
First, the joy, excitement and gratitude that each wheelchair recipient exhibited was priceless! As travelers and volunteers, we strengthened our relationships and had the opportunity to discuss issues that exist at home and abroad. We talked about our businesses, families and futures. We found and formed shared bonds.
In the Bible, the Gospel of Luke (12:48) reminds us that “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” This passage provides the foundational element of giving.
What you choose to give is variable. Many people believe that all that is ever wanted or needed is money. Certainly, cash helps many causes. Remember that the amount is less important than simply contributing. An individual who gives $1 is just as altruistic as one who gives $10,000. Both gave as they were able, from the resources they had.
We can also give our time, talent and presence. Individuals who can’t contribute money can volunteer for a service activity or provide pro bono, in-kind support. Back in the day, we even baked pies, some may recall.
Today, at our company, we provide pro bono services to assist the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center’s annual Business Plan Competition. Winners of the competition enhance and improve their award-winning business plans. We get to review three of the most fascinating business plans for operations that we may not have been familiar with otherwise. By simply sharing experience, insights and knowledge with new business owners, we can help the award winners progress in the world of commerce.
Doing so generates both tangible and intangible returns on our philanthropic investment:
• Our firm’s name gets community exposure.
• We meet new contacts, renew acquaintances and make connections with fellow donors.
• All participants learn about what we do and understand the value of our contributions. We are among business contributors who care, get involved and support new ventures.
• At the end of the day, we generate goodwill and feel great having donated some modicum of support that may propel a fellow enterprise toward business success.
Such outcomes are captured and detailed in one of the most popular business books of the last 10 years, Go-Giver. The premise of the book is simple – the more you give, the more you receive. Whether you can give advice, ideas or material, it isn’t what you give that matters, but the action of contributing.
Ask around. Many successful business leaders strongly embrace the idea that by helping and giving to others, they receive more in return than what was given. In fact, in many cases, what comes back to you may reflect an exponential return. But to achieve that gain, you must contribute.
So answer the call. Learn about the nonprofits in your community. Gauge the best way to get involved. Then give.
It will feel really good. Because, to paraphrase Arthur Ashe, “From what we get, we can make a living. But it’s what we give that makes a life.”
Joe Michels is a principal at Solomon Bruce Consulting LLC in Fort Worth. http://solomonbruce.com