By Manoj Gupta

Give more to Get more – The Power of Giving Back

Imagine: you're building a house.

Would you just slap some bricks together and call it a day? You'd consider things like the foundation, the materials, and the impact on the environment.

Isn’t the same need to go for building a business, which should consider the environment, sustainability, and the impact on the community as the foundation stones for long-term success?

Now, I'll be the first to admit that philanthropy can sometimes feel like a PR stunt. It is not uncommon to see celebrities throwing money at the problems they don't fully understand.

Conscious Capitalism: It's Not Just a Fancy Buzzword

I have already mentioned in one of my previous articles - Conscious Consumerismabout how we need to be more conscious about what we consume. The same goes for building a business, where we need to consider the community, sustainability, and the environment for long-term success.

I don’t always see price tags but the actual value that a product or service offers.

Inspiring Change: Be a Hero Like BeeHero

The Belgian honey firm BeeHero is dedicated to preserving the bee populations to make a difference to mother Earth. They simply collaborate with beekeepers all around the world to spread awareness of the value of these pollinators. Every jar of BeeHero honey purchased supports their work.

The Barefoot College: Lighting Up Lives with Solar Power

Have you heard of The Barefoot College (Social Work and Research Centre)

They are setting an excellent example of social entrepreneurship!

An initiative that empowers rural women by training them to become solar engineers. Not only do these women get to hone these skills, but also get empowered in the process by gaining financial independence. This process in turn helps them ‘light up’ their communities.

How to get started?

Big or small, no social investment or initiative ever goes to waste. First things first, you need to decide your passion. What are the societal issues that bother you beyond the profit margins and bottom lines? Is it education, sustainability, or something as simple as access to clean drinking water?

Over the years, many CXOs have asked me about the ROI of these initiatives. My answer is what I refer to as ROI Return on Impact. These social initiatives boost the morale and confidence of all stakeholders. Several studies have shown that there is a strong connection between strong social responsibility programs and hiring the best and brightest talent. But that's not all, these values also lead to loyal customers and a healthy bottom line for companies.

From Passion to Action: Win-Win Partnerships Giving Back, Getting More: Contributing to your community isn't just good for society, it's good for business! From donating profits to volunteering time, there are tons of ways to make a positive impact.

A Win-Win Innovation: Donating to a cause you care about shows your customers you're more than just a brand. It takes you on a progressive journey to become a worthy organization!

Partners in Progress: Team up with a non-profit! Offer discounted products or services and gain new customers who share your values.

Sharing Your Expertise: Got skills? Donate your time!  Volunteering your team's knowledge can make a real difference.

Be the Change: Use your platform to raise awareness about important issues.  Sharing stories and encouraging action can spark real progress.

Summing Up….

During my three decades of corporate journey, I've witnessed businesses doing well by doing good to a social cause.

Was it easy for them? Absolutely not!

The Consciouspreneur® movement is also a call for change. It's about integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary realities to run the business. Be part of this movement which is redefining success.

Let's build businesses together that are not only profitable but also leave a positive mark on the world.