The Business of Giving

By: Guest Blogger King Kosher

Most of the products that we use are made in other countries and our nation’s economy is now dependent on customer service. The service industry is America’s life-blood, and if you are a savvy small business owner, you can make this work wonders for your business by…. Donating!

“But how does donating to charity increase my ROI?”

Most charities are 501 (c) 3 corporations, this means that they are tax-exempt AND people who give to them receive tax deductions. But everyone knows that. Here’s what you may not know:

• According to recent polls, 81% of shoppers say that price and quality being equal, they'd switch brands if the competing brand was associated with a good cause.
• Donating to a non-profit with a “house-hold” name is a great way to advertise your company and make your adverting dollars tax-deductible, up to 50%!
• Becoming a sponsor also gives you the chance to meet other sponsors and make new and possibly, priceless business contacts.
• Many companies donate a percentage of their profits to charities. In-kind, the charities will promote their product &/or service to boost sales, increase their revenue and thus making money for their organization.
• If you need a street team to promote your company just hire a non-profit! By donating money to a non-profit in exchange for the work of their members, you not only have a bunch of temporary employees but their services are tax deductible up to 50%, because paying them for whatever reason is the same is making a donation.

We all have passions, principles and beliefs. Serving other people not only makes us feel good, but it can also help sales. When people have more money they most often times feel more generous.

I guess the old saying is true; “It is better to give than to receive.”

To check out more from the author visit www.chickenfriedpoetry.com

The corner store

This is totally a true story!

Last night was rainy and dreary but I had to finish up my Christmas shopping and get some other things so I got out for a bit.

I needed a pick- me- up so I went to the gas station to get some coffee and maybe a snack (donut)

While I was mixing my cream and sugar, I heard a little boy's voice asking an adult voice if he had enough money to get a bag of candy. When that voice said no, he then proceeded to go down the isle and pick up each item to ask if he had enough.

I giggled inside and cracked a smile. Once I was done with my coffee I went to the register where I ran into the little boy.

Something inclined me to talk to him, so I asked if he needed another dollar?

His eyes got so big and he said "yes I do". I got out my wallet and gave him a dollar. While doing so I gave him the lecture of "you make sure you pay it forward someday."

He wasn't listening to what I was saying, he just wanted the green.

The cashier looked at me in awe and I said under my breath to her that "I have done my good dead for 2009" as a joke.

I think I made the kids day, because when got in my car I saw him run to his car and tell his mom "some lady in there just gave me some money!!"

Hopefully it's things like this that he will remember forever and return the favor someday :)

Pass the Turkey

Why do the holidays bring out the worst in people? 

This one was just the same as  any other. Same arguing with my fam, went out and have a good time , off on Monday.

Being sick is no bueno. it has consumed my entire energy and life. Hopefully it will get better, However it might be mono again. 

While out this weekend you will never guess who I saw??? MR. R... after 2 weeks of no talkin or texting he shows up randomly.  

And to no one's surprise acted like nothing had change and we were together. I told his friend after tonight this was not going to fly anymore, and he was to contact me next week if he really liked me. 

He agreed. Do you think that was too much for me to ask? I don't want a commitment and just want to play it cool, but is there not a fine line with that?

Getting a letter in the mail is key. I got a letter stating that I can be  teacher ! ( if I take 2 huge tests) But it is one more door that is open for me and I am totally excited! 

Went Black Friday shopping and spent $300... wow it was insane but I worked really hard and needed to do a little  spending. :) 

That's the holiday.  Now, for the Christmas countdown. 

Bite the hand that feeds you

Hated by the person that holds your fate in their hands...

That is the current situation in my professional life. I would be in what people call a rut.

Fresh out of college, full of ambition and the want to learn, with no where to go. Currently, I have a job that is as repetitious as the day is long. Boring as all get out, no challenges, no critical thinking ... Nothing!

You would think one would be happy to be able to surf the net whenever, email, shop online, etc. But I want more.

I want to be challenged on a daily basis and work with genuine people.

Yesterday, I was at the 2nd job and I was talking to a customer. I saw that she was on staff at my Alma Mater and told her I was a recent graduate.

She said that's great! Then she paused for a moment and asked me very frankly : " If you have a degree.. why are you working here?"

I was so furious. I don't have to defend myself to anyone! I told her I was going to buy a house and need some extra money in a tone in which a question would be asked.

She quickly rebuked her previous comment and said: "well good for you"

My 2nd job wasn't good enough in the beginning until I told her what my 1st job was.

Why are people so judgemental. It's none of anyone business where the money comes from. I am guilty of it too, but why?

You don't know me... so don't act like it.

Time for a change....

Well as all of you know Obama did it....

What a great victory. I am sure proud that there is finally color in the white house. Not overly excited like I am sure some of the southern states are; more like a "yay! that's great" excitement.

With his win, comes alot of fear. I know that we live in the United States and we stand for "Equal Rights" but it is still not 100% true. There are still white supremacist out there that think we don't deserve to breath the air they do.

I don't have a problem with white people or feeling like the world owes me something because of what has happen in the past. I have a college education, have the freedom to vote if I choose to, and can date whoever I want without being killed and for that I am grateful.

I recently saw some pictures from Africa ( I am a visual learner). These kiddos were crying because they just wanted something to eat... clothes.... a ball.

A great deal of sadness and feeling of selfishness ran through my brain when I went to the mall yesterday evening and looked at $100 shirts and $10 panties.

Making a difference will be a challenge but I am willing to try it. I know they will be grateful and overwhelmed with joy.

So to the people who made yesterday a day in history to remember.

Thank you!

Steak with a side of Drama...

Have you ever heard the saying: "Don't start no s***, won't be no s*** ??

Well that apparently is not the case in this situation we call life.
A person's money is the easiest way to piss them off. Especially when they don't have any extra money to spare.

I am a victim of "taking my money without permission."

I had a long and hard conversation with a foreigner from my old finance company this morning that resulted in her hanging up on me. I called her supervisor back to let him know the situation, and he informed me that I was to go through him for any additional needs I might have. He said there was just too much drama between us.

How do people have the right to talk to you any kinda way when you give them thousands of your hard earned dollars?

Customer service has really taken a nose dive this day and age. ( I am not even that old and I am saying that)


The best customer services Award goes to: (drumroll please)
Chick-fil-A ... trust me I go there like 3 times a week :)

Service with a smile is an understatement. They make it a point to say "Please" and in stead of "Thank you" they say "My pleasure" ( which I love BTW). Prompt service and very attentive. Way to Go!

Bills are inevitable, But taking my extra money without asking is outta the question!

Workin' 9 to 5

Dolly Parton hit the nail on the head with that hit song she came out with in the 70's or 80's ..?? what ever era it was. But it seems that the words to that song no longer apply to working people in the United States.

The economy... yea its no bueno right now. ( we are not going to get into that) but long story short, there is not enough money to satisfy the needs for the working class and it is just getting worse.

With that said, I too am part of that group that just cant make enough money to support myself. No credit card debt or crazy shopping addictions haunt me. Just not making enough money to live comfortably and pay $3+ a gallon for gas. ( working on getting one of those hybrids!!)

So I have taken on a second job, which starts an hour after my 8 to 4:30. Long hours, drama from high school teens, and lots of unwanted cussing fill up my evening.

College was my ticket into the professional world. Promises of more money , prestigious job titles and great vacation/benefit plans are things all recent grads could hope for straight out of school.

It didn't turn out that way, and now the reality is doubling up on the work load.

I don't get how single parents do this kind of stuff.......