Interesting Column on Small Businesses & Charitable Work

This column describes the efforts of several small businesses that seek to kill two birds with one stone: building their business while doing good works. These businesses incorporate a significant amount of charitable work into their marketing and public relations efforts.

As the column points out, businesses that involve themselves in charitable activities often reap a number of benefits from their good works, including increased name recognition and brand awareness and valuable networking opportunities.

Our view: charitable work is an excellent way to build goodwill by doing good works. However, it is important to examine your motives and make sure you are genuinely dedicated to the cause in which you choose to invest. If you do not believe in the cause and are involved for the sole purpose of building your business, those who do believe in the cause will see through you. If your choose to incorporate philanthropy into your business' PR program, be sure you are genuinely committed to the causes you support.