He backs up the book with his own not for profit foundation called Virgin Unite with a clear mission: “We unite people and entrepreneurial ideas to reinvent how we live and work in the world to help make people’s lives better.”
Now that’s a great mission statement or USP (Unique Selling Proposition) – does your business have one and what are you doing differently this year to connect with your community?
In Branson’s book he talks about businesses around the world that are already making a difference. The Big Issue is one – a street magazine, written by professional journalists and sold by the homeless.
Started in 1991 it is now the world’s most circulated street newspaper, more than 4,000 people have sold the magazine since 1996 and eight million magazines have been purchased, generating $16.2 million in income for its homeless vendors.
Inspiring to say the least but as local business people how can we really make a difference?
On Sunday March 24 the Hills Shire Mayor’s Charity Fund begins with an event to aid the flood victims of Bundaberg, Queensland.
Thousands were evacuated as the city faced its worst flood disaster on January 29 this year in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Oswald.
The disaster was so widespread that Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield took a picture of the floodwater on the Burnett River running out to sea - from space!
The business community is joining together for a benefit dinner at Mother India restaurant, Dural and tickets are just $75 a head.
The event will start at midday with up to 50 stalls in the grounds of the restaurant set-up to create a ‘market town’ feel and a buffet lunch will be available throughout the afternoon for $30 per head.
As a business why not consider taking a stall – just $120 per stall plus a donation – or booking a table of 10 for the dinner event?
This is just the start of how you and your business could make a real difference this year.
The Salvation Army like many charities is doing it hard and in need of our support – there’s a business fundraising lunch coming up May 2 at the Rydges Hotel, Rose Hill and then the annual Relay for Life takes shape at Wrights Road Reserve, Kellyville on May 4 – early bird registrations are just $15 per person before March 5, 2013.
Marianne Williamson – a spiritual teacher, author and lecturer in the US quotes: ‘In every community there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it.’
We as business leaders need to be more community focused and environmentally sensitive than ever before. Support whatever you can this year and get involved – it’s so much more that just giving a donation.
Our next event at The Sydney Hills Business Chamber is a business breakfast at the Castle Hill RSL on Wednesday, March 13 2013 around the subject of building wealth.
Hear specifically prepared information for business owners in regards to the protection of assets plus exit planning, succession planning and risk assessments. Would your business survive if you can no longer work?
Find the answers you need at this special business networking event. As a reader of WSBA you can attend the event as a guest at our special member’s rate of $38.50. To register email info@sydneyhillsbusiness.com.au
Tony Eades is chairman of The Sydney Hills Business Chamber
