Friday, February 4, 2011

Can Your Business Give Back and Do Social Good? Richard Branson Challenges Entrepreneurs

It's almost been two years here at Business That Cares that we've been featuring businesses and entrepreneurs that have taken on the challenge of blending philanthropy, giving back to community, and social responsibility with their business models.The purpose has been to use  these stories as inspiration to others who are planning to do the same.

Richard Branson, is not the head of a small business, by any means, but he is personally engaged in philanthropy and has embedded corporate giving throughout the culture of his conglomerate of companies, and especially through Virgin Unite, the foundation that works towards revolutionizing the way businesses and the social sector work together for social good.

At a charity event for Center for Living Peace in Irvine, CA, Branson challenged entreprenuers to think differently: "to change their way of thinking as to running their businesses, make them a force for good, not just a force to make money."

Branson, joined by another successful entrepreneur/philanthropist  Rob Dyrdek who said of Branson that " his principle and school of thought and his entrepreneurial spirit has inspired me."

And so, for more inspiration, check out this original video of the event by aol.smallbusiness.

(My apologies for the annoying commercials at the beginning of the video. But the video is worth watching not only to hear Richard Branson's message, but also for seeing his " pirate for peace " outfit.)

4 comments:

Elena Patrice said...

Now you're talkin'! SRB is the man of CSR and personally someone I've admired for years. Sir Richard has it right and the most appealing attribute he possesses is humility. He focuses on leaving the world a better place and challenges an entire generation of entrepreneurs to do so as well. His entrepreneurial model should be taught in all business schools (if it hasn't been implemented yet).

Oh, you have me all fired up - I just think there's no one better to bring the whole CSR message to the public.

Great post! Thank you!

Lalia Helmer said...

Thanks Elena,
Richard Branson is rich and famous and can bring a lot of visibility to creating good through entrepreneurial ventures.
But it is people like yourself and your company Websites Give Back that are working hard to make this vision a reality. Keep up the great work.

Elena Patrice said...

You are very kind, very inspiring and I think the EXACT same of you Lalia! With gratitude!

Aira Bongco @Noobpreneur.com said...

I love how he extends to just doing good. He encourages other businesses to do good as well.