You are an ‘entrepreneur’ and you find yourself feeling like you should be giving back to the community in some way. You need to be clear on what you have to offer. Then you can be most effective in giving back in some form of social entrepreneurship.
First, what are you? Michael Gerber in “E-Myth Revisited” makes a distinction between an entrepreneur and a person who owns their job. So, are you an entrepreneur or someone who owns their job?
An entrepreneur usually has more resources but may not be as an effective a change agent as someone who works for them-self.
C. J. Heyden breaks down the different roles a social entrepreneur can fill. http://www.socialentrepreneurcoach.com/
She distinguishes between:
Social Business: A business having a social agenda. An opportunity for entrepreneurs.
Earned Income Nonprofit: A nonprofit selling products and services to fund its self. An opportunity for both entrepreneurs and self-employed.
Pro Bono Practice: Professionals offering services at a discount or for fee. An opportunity for the professional that owns their job.
Professional Activist/Educator: An individual. An opportunity for both.
Leader/Advocate: An individual. An opportunity for both.
Look at each of these categories. Can you offer something in each one? Are some of the ones in which you can offer something, more fun and energizing?
Does this spark some ideas on what to do and where to do it? If not, consider the nonprofits with which you already have a connection. Can you offer something in a category in which you have fun?
Did you draw a blank there? Ask your friends for suggestions. Contact a local resource such as MAP for Nonprofits or Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.
Also, you can contact me to explore this further.
Michael Cavitt
michael.cavitt@yayteamblog.com
On Twitter: Michael_Cavitt
2 Comments
Michael, thanks for the mention. There’s been a lot of focus on corporate social responsibility, but I find that small business social responsibility is just as prevalent, if not more. Many small business owners want to go beyond being just socially responsible, and create an enterprise with a social mission at its core. Every day, I see more entrepreneurs who are operating social businesses or philanthropic ventures. Social entrepreneurship is an idea whose time has come.
Hey C.J and Michael. I am just doing some reseach on social business. Do you what the diference between social business and social entrepeneurship is? This is what the wiki says http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_business
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_entrepreneurship
Thanx for your opinion!