You don’t have to look far to see the success of this model from emerging companies like TOMS shoes and now glasses to brand giants like Pepsi with their refresh campaign.  In October, I challenge you to make it through a retailer without finding one or more products that  display a pink ribbon logo on it supporting Susan G. Komen Foundation or the American Cancer Society.  People like what they like and there is brand loyalty because of good products, but if all things are equal then the company that has a strong community outreach wins almost every time.  Of course some consumers start trying new products because of the support of a cause.    What could be better than companies garnering economic success, that create a better quality of life in our neighborhoods, which then fosters more economic success.

Times are challenging! But, the “new normal” can no longer stand in the way of shaping the positive outcomes we desire to achieve. Each and everyday we need to create ways to be inspired and renew our spirit so that our mindset is directed to improving the immediate future. Creating that focal point will result in long term sustainable success. Your Muse may be daily inspirational messages, exercising, walking your operation to connect with your team, visiting with your customer, volunteering, or personal development…whatever it is, do it and redo it. Once you have achieved a consistent constructive mindset you will see your team, family, and community respond with new perspectives and increased productivity.

Assess the tools you use to market your business or cause.   Measure every touch point to make sure it is speaking to your audience and building relationship.   Find meaningful ways through social media to create interaction, conversation and networking.  Don’t sell all the time -  Engage!

9.       The rush of finding a great bargain

8.       No crowds to fight

7.       Better for the environment, leave the car in its parking spot

6.       Fun with friends and colleagues

5.       Shop online in your own time 24 hours a day

4.      Have time to do other fun holiday events or relax

3.      Help the economy and take advantage of lower prices

2.       Discover unique gifts with great selections

1.       Help others while shopping for what you need!

  How to get great deals and donate without any extra out of your pocket:

            1. December 1 – December 6:  Take advantage of Island One Foundation Macy’s Friends and Family Special Discount provided for IOF’s support of Macy’s Shopping for a Cause event this past October. 

This discount includes an extra 10% or 25% off on regular, sale, and clearance items (includes designer names you love, electronics, furniture, mattresses and floor coverings).  Shop Macy’s online through our online mall at  http://www.charityrewardsplus.com/malls/listing/islandone and use the special discount code: MACYSFF at the Macy’s checkout.  Shopping our mall allows YOU to earn cash rewards and creates a donation to Island One Foundation every time you purchase from any store on this site (more stores are being added every week).  For details on Macy’s special offer or if you would prefer to shop in the Macy’s store closest to you just let me know and I will send you the special discount store coupon.

         2.  December 8^th   and 9^th:  Island One Foundation Benefit Marketplace (2 days – 2 locations) will be open with 12+ vendors.

•  December 8^th - Liki Tiki Village Resort, 17777 Bali Blvd, Winter Garden, shopping open from 11:00am – 5:00pm
•  December 9^th - Island One Resorts Headquarters, 8680 Commodity Circle, Orlando, shopping open from 11:30am – 4:30pm. 

 Vendors will include:  Tupperware, spa and fragrance items, gift and team gear, jewelry and accessories, designer style purses, bake sale and food, and a gold and silver exchange (bring your broken unwanted gold and silver to earn extra cash) and more.

 Please share these special opportunities with your friends and family so Island One Foundation can continue to make a difference in the lives of women, children and families that need a helping hand during crisis.

 Well wrong.  Two can pull three times the weight of one.  If you work with those trying to reach the same goals how much more effective can you be 3x, 6x, 12x?  The more people bond together to accomplish a goal or mission the greater the success!

 “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

Well maybe you can’t get inspired by a sneeze, but the blessing thats a different story.

Blessing someone when they sneeze is rooted in superstition, an archaic belief that in the act of sneezing the soul is released from the body, and a blessing is needed for spiritual protection.  Today most of us say it out of habit.

But habit or true blessing, the act can have a profound effect.  It connects us to one another.  If passed on from one person to another at the right moment it can touch a person deeply.   A passing “ Bless You” to a person feeling alone and lost after the loss of a loved one or a job can make all the difference.  That simple act of human compassion can change their day, make them feel connected. 

There are many acts of simple compassion we can perform each day.  Holding a door, letting someone who visibly in a hurry cut before you in a check out line, clean out your closets and donate items to families in need, etc..

How many blessings can you pass on today?

For more information on building an online consumer philanthropy plan contact Myron Thaden at thaden@me.com

To see consumer philanthropy in action check out Island One Foundations Shop-Share-Give program at islandonefoundation.org