What does it mean to go beyond expectations and do things for the love of doing them? What things do you do in your life that are related to your business but aren’t about driving sales?
Those questions make most people pause. But I want you to consider what it would look like to use your gifts to go one step further. To make an additional effort to put something out in the world that either nurtures your spirit or is just fun.
A lot of companies have incredible corporate giving programs. The idea behind any such program is to serve. Giving is driven by the heart more than the head, so it’s important to consider what will resonate with people. And what is important to you.
Think about your work and when you started. What causes excitement?
For us, it was our decision to bring Women’s Entrepreneurship Day to Ohio. WED Ohio is a volunteer effort that we make no money on. We actively reinvest ticket sales to underwrite attendees who couldn’t afford to attend the event.
This event is special to us because gender parity has always been near and dear to my heart. I’ve seen gender parity firsthand in the workplace. I also have two daughters, which made me want to do my best to ensure the world they inherit is more equitable.
Think about what brings you joy outside of work. Maybe it’s volunteering. Or starting a local nonprofit event. What values are important to you? What impact do you want to make on the world?
At a time when busyness and stress are high, think about what going beyond looks like for you. It doesn’t have to be holding an event like WED. It could be standing up against the things you view as wrong in the world. It could be conversing with the barista at your local coffee shop to put a smile on their face. It could be picking up the phone to call a client and asking how they’re doing. Or it could be holding an employee appreciation day event.
There are many ways that each of us can go beyond our work for the people we serve, the people who work with us, the communities we live and work in, and the causes we believe in. We can bring that light, caring and compassion by going one step beyond.
I hope you’ll consider what it could look like to serve and not to sell. To give from your heart and not your head. Because I promise you the return on investment will far exceed anything you could achieve otherwise.
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