Easy ways to make a difference in the world

May 22, 2013

We all want to make our impact on the world but how can we do it?

There are numerous ways that you and your company can make a difference. I've compiled a list of the ones I believe are more realistic and suitable. Hopefully you will find one or two ideas that appeal to you, and by putting those ideas into place you'll be able to make your own special impact on the world.

Ways to make a difference to your community:

Mentor someone – there are lots of people out there who would appreciate your advice. For further information on becoming involved in a local mentor scheme contact your local Chamber of Commerce.
Work together with your staff or friends on a community project – whether it's painting the local bus shelters, cleaning up a park or helping out at a community fundraiser.
Do some form of volunteer work.
Have a customer or employee of the month award, to be given to the person who shows the most community spirit.
Sponsor or coach a local sports team.
Give food to the homeless – next time you're driving, roll down your window and give that person your lunch box, takeout food or the bag of chips your kids left in the car.
Encourage friends, employees or co-workers to take part in fun runs/walks that are raising money for charity.
Donate your product to school raffles – if you don't have a suitable product or service, maybe you could help the school by selling raffle tickets for them.
Get involved in local issues – take an interest in your local community. Is there anything you feel strongly about? Join action groups or start up one of your own.
Volunteer to talk about your business at a local school – inspire the students by sharing your stories of success.

Ways to make a difference to the world:

Sponsor a child – contact World Vision or any other organization to find out more
Donate a percentage of a certain day's profits to a cause.
Join organisations that support causes you believe in – each organisation has different means of fundraising or campaigning.

Ways to make a difference to the environment:

Print your business cards and newsletters on recycled paper – let your clients and friends know by printing '100 percent recycled' at the base of the item. It may encourage them to do the same.
Use eco-friendly products
Have a 'plant a tree' day in your community or company.
Don't print out emails.
Use locally made resources – it's a great way of supporting your local community and also developing support for your own company.
Contact your local power company for information on energy efficiency.
Reward your staff or kids for recycling.

Ways to make a difference to your employees, or consider bringing these ideas forward to your employer:

Have a family day at work
Don't be so rigid about titles – give your employees fun titles rather than the traditional ones. How about 'Receptionist Extraordinaire' or 'Customer Sales Whiz'?
Introduce a Wellness program at work that is fully covered by the company
Give employees the day off with full pay on their birthday
If something special is happening, such as the Stanley Cup, let your employees watch it on TV.
Be aware of different cultures in the workplace – ask employees to share their culture with others.
Pay for employee training – not just professional growth, but personal growth as well
Make employees' families part of the team – don't treat them like strangers when they visit the workplace.
Ask your employees to write down their top ten goals outside of work and see what you can do to encourage them
Introduce spontaneous surprises to thank your employees for all their hard work – how about a trip to the movies or a bunch of flowers?
Have an outside day – see if you can arrange for everyone to do their work outside for a day.

Ways to make the world a more cheerful place:

Have a lollipop day – give anyone who comes into work or in your community a lollipop.
Send cards to your employees' families on birthdays.
Don't ban on funny emails.
Acknowledge all holidays, not just the ones you celebrate.
Put smiley face stickers on your products and/or employee memos or your kids' lunch boxes
Use cheerful colours in your décor.
Have a picnic at least once a week. If the weather is crappy, throw a blanket in the middle of your living room or office and have it there.