As women with our own business, it’s a constant juggling act, am I right?! With family and business, you work really hard to get everything done. Your hard work pays off and you come to a place where you feel great about your business. It feels good. Months, dollars and clients later, you realize something is still missing. You may even wonder…am I making a difference in the world?

I’ve been there, and I decided to do something about it. I took on a philanthropic project that changed my life and business forever. Today I am here to break down, why this is one plan you need in your business model.

Let’s start off with a quote from Richard Branson.

“We must learn that doing good is good for business. If we start to be a force for good, I genuinely think we could get on top of most of the problems of the world. And people will have a lot of fun. It is just such a satisfying way of doing things.” ~ Richard Branson

1. Satisfaction

There is no greater satisfaction than knowing you are making a difference in the world. It feels good to show your children what really matters isn’t the weekly paycheck, but leaving a legacy.

You and your business can be the change you wish to see and when you become that, your passion and joy increases like no other. In my interview with Danielle La Porte she simply stated, “It just feels GOOD.”

2. Visibility

Every entrepreneur especially those of use who work their bootie off wants to be seen. We want more traffic on our sites and we want to connect with business big shots.

What better way to be seen than to do good. Case in point, Tom’s Shoes gives one pair of shoes to a child in need with every purchase. I have been on their website one time and will never forget that.

In my case, when I took on End Sex Trafficking Day I invited such big shots as Seth Godin, Danielle La Porte and Carol Roth. They all said yes and now I forever have a connection with these entrepreneurs. Philanthropy was what connected us and because of that, they know my name.

3. Increased Loyalty

As entrepreneurs we shouldn’t worry about competition, you read that everywhere. But point blank, we do and it’s only natural. Philanthropy is one of the best ways to increase your customer loyalty making sure they never go to the other guy.

Why? Because your do good mission will make them feel good buying from you. They will feel as though they are a part of the change you are making, and who doesn’t want to be a part of that?

Fusing philanthropy into your business is something I believe in with my whole heart, because I know the change it caused in not just my business, but my life. It’s something we all need to take on as business owners not when we are rolling the dough, but from day one. Generosity isn’t something we can do to help change the world, but it can be part of our growth strategy- how’s that for a win-win.

Erin Giles took on a philanthropic project that changed her life & biz forever. Today she breaks down why this is one plan you need in your business model.