Giving Back as a Small Business

Running a small business in 2011 is quite different than operating one in 2000. As the owner of a small cosmetic business and part owner of a construction company, I have seen the social changes in business, especially over the last decade. Besides the obvious economic turmoil that "officially" began in 2008, the sense of business has changed. Consumers, clients want to do business with those who do "good." If your company is perceived as selfish, not matter how small, you will pay for it.

So what's a good-hearted yet cash-strapped business to do? Giving back as a small business has to have a different attitude. When you don't have tons of cash in the charitable giving column of your business, you will need to get creative.

Giving Back Time

Our local food bank distributes food to the needy everyday without any fanfare. A few times a year, they involve local businesses in the collection, stocking and operating of their warehouse. My husband and I have walked the aisles of that warehouse more times than I can remember. Some years, we were able to bring in boxes of collected food, others, especially in 2008, our services extended to sweeping floors. Don't devalue your charitable time. Even if handing over the giant check is not a possibility, give back by showing up.

Giving Back to Employees

A faithful employee is worth their weight in gold. Your faithful few have been right there beside you through the tumultuous times, determined with you to outlive the down turn. Give back to those employees. We often ask our people to make sacrifices. You know, "take one for the team?" When the team makes the touchdown, remember the ones who helped get you there. Cash bonuses, gifts of swag, even gift certificates are nice ways to give back to your small business employees.

Giving Back with Partnership

Giving back with your small business is good but what if there were two? Two heads are better than one. Build partnerships that do good together. One may have an idea, the other some capital. Two or three businesses working together in a community can bring down crime with a friendly outreach. Build your community through partnerships with other small businesses.

Giving Back Cash

If your business is running in healthy margins give back cash. It's a tax break and it gives charities what they really need. Poll your customers or your employees. Offer a few choices and let them vote on who gets your donation. Or send various employees to different charities and ask them to give a report of who has the greater need.

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