How Leaders Give Back
Giving back.
TOMS Shoes donates a pair to a child in need for every pair sold.
Warby Parker donates a pair of glasses for every pair sold to someone in need.
Love Your Melon donates 50% of its profits to the Love Your Melon Fund and provides hats for children battling cancer.
These are just a few of the companies that come to mind when I think about giving back. I was recently inspired by the young leaders at the SAP Academy organizing a run to raise money for pediatric cancer (see details below).
No matter what type of business we have or how much revenue we make, there is always an opportunity to give back. For me, Dress for Success is close to my heart and I will be donating my book proceeds from my live launch party on May 1st (details to come) to the organization.
I have seen first hand the impact this organization makes on women and I’m proud to be a supporter and to raise awareness.
It’s not just monetary help, volunteering your time is also a huge way to give back. Best Buddies comes to mind. You can volunteer as a buddy or sign up to work an event. The options are endless.
We have the opportunity to give, in so many different ways, embrace this gift. As leaders, the younger generation is looking to us for mentorship. If we have a spirit of giving in place, the trend will continue. And I’m always amazed at the young leaders of today and what they are already doing.
We veteran leaders have a lot to learn from their tenacity, initiative and passion, as well.
Find charities or organizations that speak to you personally or fit into your brand. When I saw the SAP Purple Run and the support of pediatric cancer, it spoke to my heart as a mother. You can donate to organizations over the long-term, such as providing a percentage of your revenue, or donate when and how you can.
Giving is not always about money, if you own a hair salon, can you provide a day of free services to those at a local nursing home?
If you are a CEO or executive, can you get your staff together and clean up the highway?
You can even use technology to support you. Set up a Go Fund Me to help someone in your community or create an online class or course you can send to the library or other business center.
Spring is officially here in a few days. It’s a time for new beginnings. If you have felt the pull to do more and give back, now is the perfect time.