The Benevolent Business Person Phenomenon

by Coachcubas

May 19, 2011

Today’s chaotic world produced a phenomenon—the benevolent business person. The wealthiest people on the planet like Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett are giving away their fortunes through their foundations.

On a smaller scale, you may be considering offering your time and expertise to an organization as community service.

From my involvement in corporate giving, a few items come to mind for you to consider:
1. It is important to know the nature of the charity’s work. How do your values align with the work?
2. What is the global symbol or face of the organization? Each executive must decide how that fits with their own mission, vision and values.
3. What is the “wish list” of the organization? A comprehensive outline is helpful to people to contribute tangibles, not just money. It is easier for the donating company to “sell” the idea to their audiences that way.
4. Each company decides how realistic they find the goals and how they align with the company image. Is this information likely to be posted to your website?
5. What checks and balances are in place to assure funds reach the targets? A complete listing of where the monies are held and a contact person are helpful to prospective donors. People are skeptical when the cause appears too huge to manage.
6. What is your “feel good” payoff? Younger leaders today have a different perspective on causes. It is not just about a tax deduction for them. They are eager to participate when they see the sense of the big picture and how the parts work together. Is this present for you to devote time and attention.
7. For those of you considering to a start a non-profit or be involved with a new organization, I advise writing a comprehensive plan, like a marketing map, that demonstrates the outreach goals and intended efforts. It is easier to align your values with the mission when you can see it on paper. This will support you to obtain sponsors and in your fund-raising efforts.

Hard times can bring out the best in people. Follow the CNN Heroes and other wonderful efforts around the world. Get involved on some level. Your soul will thank you.

Best of luck. And welcome to a positive idea that emerges from the chaos.

Links
http://www.bcccc.net/
Gates Foundation
CNN Heroes http://bit.ly/cdxruh

http://feeds2.feedburner.com/blogspot/qDYb
c7e4232e6ad5e385652b43c83aeae033-1331863127

Coachcubas

As a credentialed business coach and analyst, one of my primary functions is to work with individuals and company managers to clarify where they are presently, where they would like to advance, and what tools they have and need to achieve their desired outcome.

I use a variety of tools to assess perceptions including Platinum Rule instruments, my experience and training in assessing behavior. My preferred tool is the EQ-i®, emotional intelligence inventory. I have specialized training on the EQ-i® and DISC Inventories and access to multiple other sources including a company culture index. I prefer the EQ-i® because it is the least judgmental instrument I have found. It focuses on strengths and areas of development related to the goals set by the individual. For example, people are more likely to apply the EQ-i®’s information rather than label themselves by the Myers-Briggs categories.

Uncategorized