How Learning To Give Can Build A Strong Business
By: Sandi Krakowski
When we started our company it was important to me to bring the concept of giving into everything that we do, as it has always been a fundamental aspect of our lives as a family. With each new hire, we share how we give a percentage of company profits to charities close to our hearts. We even provide monthly updates to our staff, with pictures and tangible evidence of our company’s efforts.
Things that are very important to us are feeding orphans, providing for the homeless, rescuing slaves out of sex-trafficking, being a silent donor in funding adoptions and more. The way the pics in this article are of Justin Krakowski, our assistant manager of client care as he visited and served at a children's school in Honduras this summer! We are so proud of him and grateful for the opportunity to partner with him in this endeavor!
Giving has its own reward, of course. But we’ve found that involving our employees in our company’s charitable giving has helped us build a stronger culture and has improved our teamwork. When our team knows that others are benefiting from the money we make, it gives us a strong drive to do our best and serve with excellence!
If you’re thinking about implementing a giving program, consider the following three principles:
1. Make a commitment
Set aside a specific percentage of all profits the company earns to be given to a worthy cause. Whether it’s 1 or 10 percent, make a commitment to always give this portion to the chosen organization. As a company, we donate 10-35% percent each month to several groups that we chose early on to give to. We also are open to God's leading as needs present themselves to us along the way.
2. Get everyone involved
Give to organizations and causes your staff cares about. Does someone know a family in need? Become a “Secret Santa” during the holidays. We’ve adopted single mothers and struggling families as our target charities during the winter holidays. These efforts have been a great motivator and help us stay focused when we might have otherwise lost our drive due to holiday parties, gift shopping and family visits. Making a big impact in someone else’s life gives everyone a reason to work harder.
3. Get local
Don’t forget to get involved in something local. If you partner with a small, neighborhood organization, you and your staff can focus on something closer to home instead of a distant “charity we donate to.” We are grateful for the local causes and families in need we've had the honor to serve as well, right in our own backyard.
Giving motivates, inspires and encourages us to think beyond our personal challenges, obstacles and frustrations. Giving is a huge part of big company growth and healthy inner company relationships. Make a difference, give as a company and share the wealth and the wisdom with someone else.
With love,
Sandi Krakowski
