The slogan of Hollywood film Wall Street suggested that ‘Greed is good’. Well, my message is that giving is good for you.
Now I’m not a hippy or a Buddhist but I have seen first-hand that being generous with the things you have in abundance brings great rewards.
Naturally, I don’t think anyone should give away things they’re short of.
But I do truly recommend donating some of your money, time or energy to charity or the local community – if you can spare it.
I recently sat down with the chief operating officer of a very profitable and dynamic video game company. We chatted about his business becoming more involved with one of the charities I chair, Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, and I spelled out three great benefits of supporting us:
1. The community, other businesses and your peers will feel more positive about your organisation
2. Supporting local charities and the community will make your staff feel great about where they work
3. Giving is intrinsically good and worth doing for its own sake!
I know that each of the Foundation’s 43 patrons has gained hugely by giving, not least because they’ve met a broader section of the community and understand it much, much better. That can only be good news for everyone!
So my advice to you is clear: start giving because it’s good for you and your business.