Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

One of things that has always made me passionate about entrepreneurship is the ability to have a positive impact on the world. By definition as entrepreneurs we see an opportunity to solve a problem and create value in return. The value we create comes in the form of wealth for us as entrepreneurs, return on investment for our investors and jobs for our employees.

It is this passion for solving problems and creating value which I believe inevitably draws entrepreneurs to charitable endeavors. Look to Ben & Jerry`s, Stony Fields Yogurt on up to Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. All of these entrepreneurial stories have made giving back a major chapter in the story of success. I would argue that it is their commitment to giving back that has kept them motivated to carry on far after they struck it rich. How many times have you heard someone say that if they have Bill Gates wealth they would be sitting on a beach or some other such thing?

I recently launched a promotion at my firm, Course Pilot Financial, where we will commit in 25% or our management fee for all new account in perpetuity to the National MS Society. I did so in support of my aunt who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis last year. To me this is a classic case of doing well while doing good. Sure, I will make a reasonable profit but I will be helping a cause that I believe in completely. The clients that respond to the promotion will get access to professional financial management while also supporting the search for a cure. It is a win-win. The profit potential makes it possible for us to make such a generous commitment.

I am interested the community`s thoughts on this approach. What other examples of doing well while doing good do you have to share?

Hi! To every one in that forum.

I am doing well when I motivate other at the same time while doing good to other.The best honnor that a inventor can have is the feeling of determination.

Accomplisement of creating work for other familly. To have a better life with you while you are doing good to your self.

Doing the best I can to put my invention on the market while I am doing good to my familly as well they support my dream .

New machine to wash windows exterior automaticaly just by pressing a switch on/off  with out the need of a crew in scaffolding. Make me fell that I am a part of the community of people that risk there life every day by finding a solution.

Making a effort to get friend,making a effort to listen ,making a effort to be better.

Love my familly as mutch I can. Make me doing great think.Play with my kid or watching a movie with them make me feel good.

To be abble communicate a probleme to fix it .

Pushing my self to admit my error in stand to make feel guilty other.

Generous with my hart to share the respect of a entrepreneur.

cordialy : Stephane INVENTOR.

Michael -

Great post!

Although I am not necessarily donating profits to a worthy cause currently, one of the major premises behind my business is making a difference in the world.  It was my biggest annoyance about working in cublicle land - I felt as though if I stopped doing my work, no one would really notice.

At least now I can make a difference in someone`s life every day...and if all goes well, I hope to make a larger difference in the long run with my newlywed financial planning services.  From priests to parents, I have a grand following of those who love that the motivation behind the service isn`t just to make money or teach people to manage their fiances, but also to learn how to communicate, to compromise and how, in general, to not let finances be the force that destroys your marriage...

As for the wedding side, it is also such a rush to help someone out.  Just yesterday, I was calling people to see if they had any questions about my services and I came across a poor bride who`s reception site had fallen through.  Her wedding is in October.  After making a phone call, I was able to present her with a solution that fit her budget (as well as one that was only $400 over it) and her needs.  In addition, I was able to give her some direction on ways she could maybe squeeze out a little more $$ and yet not be stuck paying off her wedding for the next few years.  The feeling of knowing that I came in and "saved *the* day" is so rewarding...I actually have to watch myself or I`ll end up giving all my services away for free just because it feels so good.

At any rate, I totally agree with you that in some way, every entrepreneur can make a difference in our world and still reap the benefits.  I look forward to hearing others` perspectives on this as well....

It took me a long time to sum the courage to use what I know to make an impact.  Admitting that I loved cheerleading and dance and that I was really good at teaching it to young people was a challenge.  My corporate companions certainly chuckled at the thought.  But every day my company positively impacts the lives of young people in our community. 

That beats the corporate pay check every day!

Ross, I think you made a very powerful point. Throughout my career which included successfully working in 54 countries, I personally saw and experienced the pros/cons of "LOVE of money" independent of what the local currency was called. It invariably created issues/problems regardless of the country/culture.

Having returned to the "area of my birth" (SE Michigan), I am helping individuals and SMBs to develop and expand in MY world, the Global Marketplace. When I meet a potential Client, immediately I am asked "How much?" My answer is simple, "Not if but when we are successful, then you can pay me!" I have had "No, Thanks" yet!

They key and what I learned working in virtually every culture in the world is that MONEY should not be the Counter but rather SUCCESS should be the Counter and MONEY invariably finds SUCCESS.

Since returning from a 6 year Consultant contract in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I have been invited as a Guest Speaker (only paid twice) and I have CEOs of companies calling and asking for ideas to expand. I just recently helped a small business owner sign 3 contracts after re-branding her company. I have access to contacts throughout the global marketplace and many times just requires a telephone call to "get the ball rolling".

I feel as I am making a difference in the community and I am having a BLAST!!! I wish everyone in the SUN Forum has the opportunity to give back and when you do, you will see the results: SUCCESS followed by MONEY!

Have a great weekend and Hao Yun Qi!.

Very very good Joe

Ross and fellow members of the SUN Community Forum who I have not met at specific events....I have been waiting for this question....LOL

YES, my name is really Joe Cool (actually born Joseph Paul and last name spelled Cool). I am sure you can imagine what I put up with throughout my upbringing in the City of Pontiac, MI....LOL

I must say that Charles Schultz certainly did my PR work for me before I entered the global marketplace. The name has been a "door opener" for me throughout the world. Even a Customs Officer in Lagos, Nigeria in the middle 1980s asked me if that was really my name! As you can imagine, I have stories from throughout my lifetime and throughout the global marketplace.

One particularly interesting story: During my University days at Oakland University in Rochester, MI in the late 1960s, I actually sat in the Grill in sunglasses and played cards during the day. This is exactly what Charles Schultz was having Snoopy do in his early comic strips. Well, my classmates (fellow nerdy Engineers) and I decided to write Charles Schultz a letter and ask him where he came up with his ideas for the Snoopy character as I was doing many things similar to his cartoon character. Well, the letter was sent and I never received an answer. We all laughed in the Grille and thought he was worried about a lawsuit....LOL

I haven`t told that story to many but now it is out!!!! Joe Cool is here and wants to help all in developing and expanding in the global marketplace.

Ross, thanks for asking....Have a great weekend.

Every one of you have fun in here