<p>We all know the economy is hurting. We also know the impact it is having on our businesses. Old marketing strategies will no longer get the job done. It is time for change. It is time to take action in a new direction.</p> <p>If you think the economy is rough on businesses, then think about how it must be impacting charities and nonprofits. When people can not afford the things they need, they certainly are not going to give them away. The people who depend on food and clothing banks, shelters and job programs are helpless as they watch services dry up and doors close. Unless...</p> <p>Small businesses come to the rescue. As small business owners we are in a position to dramatically increase our cash flow and help charities and nonprofits at the same time. We have the flexibility and the agility to adapt our delivery methods to fit these times. How you ask? Here's how.</p> <p>By offering your services as a fund-raising opportunity, you can piggy-back on their marketing (i.e. donor lists, media contacts, etc.) to fill seats at events. Depending on the arrangements, you may receive a set fee or a percentage of the proceeds with the rest going to the nonprofit.</p> <p>But, that's only the beginning...</p> <p>The big money at any event is always in the back of the room. The opportunity to offer additional services, obtain contact information and develop relationships is the real benefit to your business. The ongoing income stream from services or goods can be impressive. Increased awareness and publicity is the added bonus for the nonprofit (which incidentally you will also receive.) It is a win-win-win situation. And there may be tax advantages as well. Who doesn't like that?</p> <p>So, the community wins through the service you provide. The organization wins through funds and publicity. You win through increased cash flow, publicity and business relationships. People who rely on the charity of others for food, clothing and shelter - the basic necessities we take for granted - win through your generosity.</p> <p>Oh, there is one other bonus - the warm feeling you get from knowing that you made a difference in peoples' lives beyond just making a dollar. If you are earning more money but feeling less satisfied or if you need to earn more money but want to feel good about it, this is your chance.</p> <p>Large companies and corporations have to answer to stockholders and the bottom line. These days many business icons are in fact holding out their hands for government help. They can't continue to provide the same level of support to nonprofits and charities as they have in the past. As small business owners we can make that support a fundamental part of the way we do business.</p> <p>With the economy slumping, now is the time for each of us to join the cause and support the community. What better way to do it than by providing much needed services that payoff in multiple ways. The battle call has been given - Yes we can! The course is clear - Each of us must contribute. The time is - now.</p> <p><em>Editor's Note: Interested in exploring this topic further? Richard Baum and Amanda Nokes will be hosting a Biznik workshop in Seattle on Thursday, Feb. 5, titled </em><a href="../../../events/cause-marketing-build-your-business-and-support-nonprofits-at-the-same-time"><em>Cause Marketing: Build Your Business and Support Nonprofits at the Same Time</em></a><em>.</em></p> 2009-02-03T04:47:28Z 2009-02-03T05:49:26Z -11.8418 720 3031 true 15 16480 cause-marketing-how-to-do-well-by-doing-good 12 2009-02-03T05:49:15Z 2009-02-03T05:49:15Z

Are you making more money but enjoying it less? Do you want to make more money but want to feel good about it? Read on to find out how "cause marketing" could be the answer.

0 2009-02-24T09:49:03Z