Doing Good Is Good for Business

Want to grow your franchise? Invest heavily in your community.

- SCOTT GREENBERG

The most successful franchisees do not obsess over profit. That might sound counterintuitive, but it shouldn't be. These successful, wealthy people focus on bigger things. Their goals are loftier, and their vision is wider.

They're on a mission to make an impact-and it turns out that making an impact can also make you more money.

Often, franchisees think of charity as "giving back" to their community. But that implies you received something in the first place. Community service shouldn't be a quid pro quo, and having a social impact shouldn't be about returning a favor or paying a debt. Give first. Donate first. Serve first.

In turn, your local community will appreciate you-and understand you as a local person operating a local business, even if it's a franchise of a national or international brand. When they see your commitment to the community, they feel a commitment to you too.