More and more customers want to see the more tender and compassionate side of business. It is no longer good enough to be good enough, you must be compassionate, and socially responsible as well.
Corporations and small business alike have a tendency to write out detailed business plans…and that is a good thing. However, many of them fail to write up a code of ethics and this may be a grave mistake.
A code of ethics acts a system of boundaries which helps a company make decisions that are in keeping with the beliefs of the company. It helps employees understand not only what they do, but why they do it. It is an attitude that touches each person in the corporation from the CEO to the person who edges the pathways.
Tim McDonald says, in The News and Tribune, A code of ethics sets the boundaries for defining acceptable and unacceptable behavior since shareholders, clients and employees prefer dealing with establishments that uphold high levels of ethical and moral standards of practice.
Not only are ethical business practices and codes of social responsibility good for the community, they are just good for business. And this carries over into the practice of giving corporate gifts.
Every year corporations spend billions of dollars on gifts for employees, clients, and in promotional give aways. The gifts often are stashed in a closet, left in a drawer or otherwise forgotten about. Sort of defeats the purpose doesn’t it?
According to Moneyweb some companies are choosing to buy items that are made form recycled objects, Fair Trade, or in some way give back to the community. There is an increased awareness among corporations of the need to be socially responsible. It is not only important from a social point of view; customers are increasingly concerned about a company’s policies on charity, social, and environmental issues.
Here are some ideas:
*Fair Trade coffees, teas, chocolates, and other items.
*Buying gifts from companies that specialize in items made from recycled materials.
*Pink Ribbon gifts are a great way to support the fight against breast cancer, a concern for many people. When you choose one of these items to give away in a marketing promotion, or as a gift 5% of the proceeds are donated to breast cancer research.
By giving items that give back to the community you will be building on the code of ethics that you have written. Your customers will see your company in a positive light, and everyone benefits.
Now that is corporate giving at its best.
Image:Morguefile
