FEATURE
It is not surprising that news about community pantries have dominated the headlines for several weeks now . In this time of hardshiFilipinos would naturally talk about positive stories that give hope to the needy .
The bayanihan spirit of the first community pantry in Maginhawa Street in Quezon City was so infectious that it inspired hundreds to establish their own community pantries across the country . More than that , donations have poured in from thousands of sources , from the lowliest tindera to the most popular celebrities .
As an entrepreneur , what is the lesson that you can learn from community pantries , and how can you apply it to your business ?
One key takeaway is that the bayanihan spirit not only benefits the receiver but also the giver . This is true for businesses that engage in charitable donations .
When it comes to giving , you can start with your employees . Charity begins at home . It can be as simple as providing vehicles that will pick up the employees and take them home after work , or providing relief packs when your business has been temporarily closed due to the Enhance Community Quarantine . This will help you gain the trust and loyalty of your employees .
It is also a good idea to involve employees in charitable causes . A 2014 study found that modern-day employees , particularly milennials , have higher productivity and focus when their values are aligned with the company that they work for . Then a 2016 study by Deloitte concluded that employees are more likely to rate the corporate culture positively if there is an opportunity to volunteer for a cause they care about .
You should find a cause that is dear to your employees and then give them the opportunity to participate . In iRipple , for example , we give the employees the opportunity to collect donations for victims of calamities . Then they can form a team that will go to relief centers to drop the donations themselves .
Once the employees have been taken care of , you should look into how your business
What entrepreneurs can learn from COMMUNITY PANTRIES and the BAYANIHAN SPIRIT
Mark Ching , iRipple
can contribute to the community . This is specially true for small businesses that rely on their community ’ s patronage to stay afloat .
Perhaps your businesses can divert a percentage of the marketing budget as a donation to community pantries ? Or you can prepare food packs that can be distributed to the frontliners working tirelessly in a nearby hospital . How about volunteering your storefronts as drop-off points for donations ? What ’ s important is that the community will feel that your business is present and supportive .
Giving back to the community will improve your bottomline because members of the community that notice the business ’ s involvement are likely to become paying customers . In 2018 , Nielsen Global released a report stating that 55 % of customers were okay with spending more at businesses that share their social values . Then another report from Forbes states that majority of milennials are conscentious customers ; 70 % of them consider the store ’ s values before they make a purchase .
The pandemic has devastated many businesses , so it is understandable if many entrepreneurs are apprehensive about giving . But you should take note that giving has several benefits for your business , be it an increase in employee engagement and productivity , or an increase in customer loyalty . The satisfied feeling of being able to do a good deed is just a bonus .
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