by Diana Adams
My goal as an entrepreneur is not to make a lot of money. Sure, money is nice, but my goal is to add value to the world. When I leave this earth, I want to know that I’ve made a difference in people’s lives. You probably feel the same way. As an entrepreneur, you have more superpowers than you realize. I’d like to explain how and why to use those powers for good.
I’m extremely blessed to have been able to make a very nice full-time income as an entrepreneur for many years. I strongly believe that part of my success comes from giving back. I’ve heard many entrepreneurs say they can’t afford to give back. My question is, can you really afford not to?
We expect our favorite brands to have a sense of social responsibility. This is important to almost everyone I know (especially moms and millennials). If we expect other brands and companies to care about making the world a better place, we should do our part also.
Your clients, customers, prospects, colleagues, vendors, friends and family will all take notice. Using your entrepreneurial superpowers for good is an excellent way to build new relationships, strengthen existing relationships and create goodwill. If you do it consistently and with a pure heart, you’ll also increase your bottom line in the process, which is always nice. Helping people is the key to success.
How can you use your entrepreneurial superpowers for good?
I recommend finding a way to give back that is related to your business. Find an organization that shares your same values. That way, it will be more than just a one-time thing. It will be ongoing, and it will be easier to get your employees and clients excited about joining you.
For example, I’m an IT consultant. My way of giving back is collecting the old computers, printers, etc. that my clients no longer want or need. I wipe the data off, fix them up so they work, and donate them to the computer lab in a homeless shelter in Atlanta.
Everyone in the process from my clients who donate the equipment to the people who benefit from it are affected in a positive way. It’s a win-win all the way around.
Don’t get trapped into thinking the only way to give back is with your money. As an entrepreneur, time and knowledge are our most valuable assets. If you can’t give money, give your time or knowledge. Choose to do something that makes you happy, and something you’re interested in.
For example, you can give your time to mentor a new entrepreneur. I can tell you from experience that there are few things in life more rewarding than helping and inspiring another person to reach for their dreams and then watching them make it happen. It will remind you of why you started your own business. It will keep you ‘hungry and foolish’ as Steve Jobs says. It’s also a great way to sharpen your leadership skills.
Entrepreneurs are always networking and meeting new people. No matter how you choose to give back, do it in a way that allows you to be around other people. ‘Widen your net’ so to speak. You never know whom you will meet, and what that meeting will lead to. Invite your clients to join you. It’s such a powerful way to strengthen the relationships with people you work with every day.
The easiest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want. ~ Deepak Chopra
There are countless ways you can use your entrepreneurial superpowers for good. Whether you choose to promote a non-profit on your website, take donations to start a college fund or plant a tree – they will all add value to the world around you.
The magical part of giving back as an entrepreneur is that it’s a selfless act that will swell your heart with gratitude, but at the same time, it is one of the most powerful ways to increase the influence, respect, and sales of your business.
If you’re still not convinced that using your entrepreneurial superpowers for good is important, maybe this article by Richard Branson will help. Just read Richard Branson on Why Volunteer Work Is Important for Business Leaders. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck in your entrepreneurial endeavors. Live long and prosper!
Diana Adams is the founder and CEO of Adams Consulting Group, Inc. in Atlanta. Established in 2001, her company is now an esteemed member of the Apple Consultants Network and is rated one of the top independent Apple consulting firms in the southeast.
She’s written 4,000+ blog posts about technology, social media and geeky innovations. She loves new technology, Java Chips with extra drizzle, and any form of creativity. She’s also one of the biggest Star Wars fans in the world and is a frequent user of the force.
Diana graduated from USC, and she spends most of her time on the east coast. She is a social media addict, and you can find her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook almost anytime of the day or night. Send her a tweet and say hello!
