At Percent Pledge, we believe that doing good is good for business, so we love reading about leaders who share (and practice) that same belief. Our latest favorites are all from Forbes, written by founders and entrepreneurs who have seen firsthand how workplace giving can accelerate business growth. We know you're busy but might want these important learnings, so we’ve shared our SparkNotes of each below. This way you can spend more time leveraging their suggestions to accelerate your corporate purpose, business, and culture!
How Your Small Business Can Make a Mighty Impact
Forbes, August 1, 2019
“No business is too small to do good,” begins this Brandvoice contribution that gives guidance on how to incorporate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into your business plan even if you don’t have money to spare. It recommends that companies build a program around their “superpower.” For example, instead of donating money, California-based Antis Roofing’s 90 employees gave their time and expertise, installing roofs on eight new Habitat for Humanity homes and performing more than 100 leak repairs, earning them a "Best Corporate Steward" award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and establishing the business as a community player.
Being a Good Corporate Citizen is Good for Your Bottom Line
Fobes, August 5, 2019
Grant Freeland observes that companies are evolving beyond doing good solely through charitable activities and contributions. “Employees, investors, regulators, and board members are demanding that companies do more—much more: that they conserve resources, eliminate carbon dioxide emissions, source responsibly, build resilient supply chains, provide safe and welcoming workplaces, and ensure access to their products and inclusion of those still on the outside looking in.” In short, companies are increasingly endeavoring to do good by being good, an approach that benefits us all.
Looking Beyond Profit Can Give Your Company Purpose - Here’s How
Forbes, August 6, 2019
Founder and CEO of O2E Brands, Brian Scudamore, emphasizes that authenticity is what matters most when it comes to choosing the right CSR path for an organization. Both Levi’s and Patagonia are examples he shares of brands that support causes that are integral to their company values, in their particular case, conservation. Aligning your efforts with your brand makes it easier for both your employees and the public at large to understand what matters to your company.
Take a Multifaceted Approach to Corporate Social Responsibility
Forbes, August 7, 2019
As the founder and principal analyst of ZK Research, Zeus Keravalla has deeper insights than most into what works and what doesn’t when it comes to CSR. He recommends an omnichannel approach that includes considering ways that your technology can be applied philanthropically, providing paid time off for employees to give back, considering CSR from an impact perspective rather than cost, eliminating any real or perceived ties between sales and CSR (it looks self-serving) and collaborating with other business leaders whenever possible to maximize your impact.
QuickNote:
If you want to create a culture of giving but need help developing a strategy, engaging your team, or executing workplace giving and or employee volunteering programs, meet with one of our social impact experts. We’ve made it possible–and easy–for businesses of any size to create engaging workplace giving & volunteering programs only previously reserved for large businesses!
