When  business owners in Dallas think of ways to improve their profits and increase their consumers base, researching and supporting community driven priorities, like homelessness or food insecurity, rarely comes to mind. In recent years however, philanthropy has become an important way for businesses to distinguish themselves from their competitors. Engaging in philanthropic activities can improve customer loyalty, increase employee satisfaction, and enhance public perception. A Harvard Business School study found that companies that engage in philanthropy are more likely to enjoy higher profits and market share, as well as improved relationships with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Its easy to see how Dallas businesses focusing on community impact can enhance a company's reputation among its customers and employees. When a company invests in social and environmental causes that align with its mission and values, it sends a message to stakeholders that it is committed to making a positive impact on society. This can lead to increased loyalty among customers who share those values and greater engagement and retention among employees who feel proud to work for a company that is making a difference.

One of the key reasons why businesses’ philanthropic efforts can confer a competitive advantage is that they help companies create a more positive image in the minds of consumers and other stakeholders. By engaging in philanthropic activities that align with their core values and mission, companies signal that they are committed to making a positive impact on the world, rather than solely focused on maximizing profits. This can help build trust and loyalty among customers, who are more likely to support socially responsible businesses.

Moreover, businesses prioritizing community outreach can also be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining talent. Many employees are looking for more than just a paycheck and want to work for companies that are making a positive difference in the world. By demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility, companies can attract top talent and retain their best employees.

Focus on community priorities can also help companies build relationships with other stakeholders, such as regulators and community leaders. By investing in local communities and working to solve social and environmental issues, companies can build goodwill and establish themselves as responsible and trustworthy partners. This can be especially important in industries that are highly regulated or have a significant impact on the environment or local communities.

Furthermore, community focused business models can create shared value for society and for the business. By addressing social and environmental issues, companies can create new market opportunities, reduce risks, and improve their reputation. For example, a company that invests in helping house and find employment for less fortunate neighbors, will create additional consumers in local products. By creating shared value, companies can build a more sustainable and profitable future for themselves and society.

Practicing community priority driven business strategies  can also help companies differentiate themselves from competitors, particularly in industries where products and services are relatively similar. This differentiation can lead to increased brand loyalty, customer retention, and positive public perception.

Finally, to ensure the effectiveness of business outreach models, it is important for businesses to align their giving with their core values and business strategies. This means selecting causes and initiatives that align with their brand, expertise, and areas of impact. It also requires clear goals, metrics, and accountability mechanisms to measure the impact of their giving and ensure that it is creating positive change. While some businesses are capable and equipped to research the most significantly impactful and far reaching organization, others question the cost of researching and monitoring such organizations. In Dallas, World Change Business Services, through its Shop2SaveTheWorld initiative, provides an impactful, easily accountable & pain free way to easily devote resources that businesses are already expending to immediate and direct community impact.  When done right, business philanthropy can not only benefit society but also provide significant competitive advantages to companies that invest in it. 

World Change Business Services is currently enrolling local businesses in the Dallas’ Hot 100. The Hot 100 is how we are promoting the first 100 local Dallas businesses to partner with the Shop2SaveTheWorld Initiative. We are inviting Dallas business to step up & lead in support of the simple idea of paying the same cost for the same payment processing services they currently use, with the only difference being that 50% of World Change Business Services’ revenue funds direct action.  These resources fund addressing food, housing and medication insecurity in their communities. Spread the word - join the Hot 100 and support our mission to save the world one person, one community, one planet at a time.