Giving Back
Lots of discussion these days on government cutbacks, both federal and local, in social services. The nonprofit world is buzzing with reports of the hardships being faced by local providers. As government cuts back on services, those in need must turn to the nonprofit community to take up the slack. And of course, with corporate and individual giving down, as well as revenues from endowments down significantly, local nonprofit providers are suffering their own trials. Ripples from the down-turn are still visible on the pond. Being involved in the management of a nonprofit, I see and feel all this directly and regularly.
At the B2B Luncheon last Wednesday we touched on this subject. Toward the end of lunch we have those attending stand and identify themselves. No elevator speeches, 10-30-or 60 second speils, just and introduction so that everyone knows who is in the room. As part of the introduction, we ask everyone to give us some personal information about themselves such as the last movie they saw or the book they are currnetly reading (or the last one they read.) Keeping with the spirit of the season last week, I asked everyone to tell us what they do to “give back” to their community. I can say that I was truly impressed and proud to be a part of this group based on the responses I heard. Seems our community of small business owners and sales people are really socially responsible, heavily involved in a broad spectrum of charitable and service work.
I spoke briefly about the importance of a strong small business community to the strength of the economy in general, as well as to the strength of the local community. How connected are you to the place you live and work? Are you in business just to “become fabulously wealthy, beyond your wildest dreams”? Or are you in business to serve your family and to contribute to the welfare of others (as well as become fabulously wealthy beyond your wildest dreams)? The answers to these questions can help you as you build a business rather than just have a job.
