We feel that successful companies should share their success with customers, employees, and the communities in which they serve. Our desire to give back is a logical outgrowth from two of TLC’s Core Values: Grateful is Our Mindset, and Our Standard is Giving More Than is Expected. We believe that business and philanthropy can go hand-in-hand to making the world better and that companies can do good and do well.
Besides the feeling you get from helping others, philanthropy is good for business. I’m uncomfortable even mentioning it because you should do what’s right simply because it’s right, but business philanthropy helps you connect to the community, earn name recognition, and generate the goodwill that customers like to act upon. As Torry Holt writes in Entrepreneur, good people want to do business with good companies.
A business can profit from its philanthropy. Interestingly, Brian Jones, also writing for Entrepreneur, says that’s ok. If a business sponsors a big community project like building park benches just so that it looks good on the news, at least the park benches still got built. Jones writes, “It is okay–or better yet, smart–to give back in ways that drive business objectives.”
How can business and philanthropy work together?
The easy step is to donate to local community organizations. Share your profits for the good of others. TLC has partnered with several inspiring foundations over the years and continues to solicit other partnerships.
Another great way for business and philanthropy to work together is to give your employees opportunities to volunteer. Being in the community helps build a relationship between your company, your people, and the people you hope to attract to your business. By partnering with organizations that do a tangible good in your area, you send the message that business and philanthropy are both a part of your overall mission.
I’d like to encourage you to look for ways your business can serve the community that helps it survive. It’s good for a company’s bottom line, but it’s also good for your heart. With a little thought and effort, business and philanthropy can come together to ensure that your company is both doing good and doing well.
Jack Fallon
