Personal fulfillment is the number one reason why high-net-worth individuals prioritize philanthropy. Although everyone has a different reason for making charitable contributions, making a positive impact on someone else’s life makes us happier overall. Here are 5 reasons why prioritizing philanthropy makes you successful in business (and personally):
1. Psychology studies have shown that establishing connections and roots with your community makes you a more grounded, complete individual.
2. Philanthropy offers an effective avenue to meet people with whom you share common interests. This is also the reason why those who give often become wealthier.
3. Giving back can position your business for success by networking and meeting people.
4. Donations are important, but philanthropy is more than that. Giving your time to worthy causes creates and boosts confidence. Those who give are more likely to embrace the realities and problems of the world.
5. Giving back can also help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are important and valuable in business.
You are who surround yourself with. Doing good offers an opportunity and avenue to meet people with whom you share common interests. Philanthropy provides the best platform to engage with current and potential customers. It also shows that your business is concerned with more than just selling, and people are more likely to hold you in high esteem. Goodness acts as positive PR.
Michael O’Brien, executive business coach and founder of Peloton Coaching and Consulting recently experienced the goodness of giving after attending a healthcare conference.
“Whether you’re donating money or time, giving promotes happiness, draws us closer to others, and strengthens empathy,” said O’Brien. “These are vital for a wealthy life, which starts from the inside. After a certain point, more income doesn’t increase well-being — but empathetically giving to others does. That’s why I contribute to causes that will change one life somewhere, so we can change lives everywhere, which is a legacy we can all create when we give.”