Friends that do Good
Do you ever want to help but are not sure how? Do you wonder how doing good can connect back to your business (not primary reason but still good to know). If so read on.
One of the best ways to get involved in doing good is to find people who are actively doing their part. Let me tell you a story with a couple of examples.
TEDx Ottawa
Last spring, I attended #140conf … a great conference put on by Jeff Pulver about The State of Now (next one is in NYC April 20/21 … highly recommended). I met incredible change makers including Leigh Ferreira from TED. When I went back to a #140conf meetup to present a special project , a follow up meeting with Leigh convinced me to apply for a TEDx license. I knew I would get the support of the community and I was right. A small core group of volunteers … a bunch of do gooders … jumped in immediately. Not only was the conference life changing for many …. but we raised over $2,000 for low income entrepreneurs throughout the world through our Kiva TEDxOttawa team and that number continues to grow.
One small meeting that led to so many good things by connecting with the right people and the community. The relationships we made through this event are leading to crucial deals and relationships for FaveQuest.
Ottawa Tonite and the House Concert
When my friend and musician, Lindsay Ferguson, sent me a note asking me if I knew of any potential gigs for her, I knew instantly what to do. I called Cheryl Gain, the founder of Ottawa Tonite, knowing she would help. She is super active in the arts community and is actually putting together a compilation CD to raise money for Haiti. We decided to put together a house concert at my house which is happening Friday April 9th, 2010 at 7pm. Tickets are $20 and you can bring your own drinks and snacks so it will be pretty cost effective + all money goes to the musicians. Kids get in for free.
Not surprisingly, Susan Murphy jumped in to help and also suggested we support 12for12k,This month’s charity is Boundless. Adrian Meissner from Boundless will be on hand to talk to the audience about the great work they do, and Susan will be there too to share the message about 12for12k. Bring some $ to donate if you wish.
Note that Susan was the co-organizer of TEDx Ottawa and Cheryl was a volunteer handling the main video camera at the event. One thing leads to another.
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about coming the concert, I hope this helps you decide that you should join us. You’ll have a great time, discover two amazing musicians you’ll fall in love with, meet some fantastic people that are changing the world and possibly even change your world.
Doing good doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. Connect with the right people and it can be a fun, worthy and ultimately life changing experience for you and the world wide community around you.