Community is the Key to Success!

In studying and exploring the ancient healing practices of the Native American traditions, I have always appreciated the focus on one key aspect to an individual’s healing — community.  Many in the Native American traditions, as well as other ancient healing practices, believe that a person who feels a deep sense of connection to their family, friends and community has a much better chance of healing.  Conversely, isolation and working independently without the support of others is thought to be more harmful to our overall well being.

This concept of community may likely also be a key to success for small business start-ups too.  In a recent USA Today article titled “A Winning Formula:  When Small Businesses Give Back,” businesses across the country discuss how their personal value of “giving back” to the community was also beneficial to their business.  The businesses mentioned various approaches to giving back – whether raising dollars for a valued nonprofit organization, or having employees volunteer for a worthy cause or offering a sale to support a community effort.  The small business owner considered their personal values and then ensured that their business also reflected the same. For instance, one coffee shop in Virginia encouraged the building of community by supporting community-friendly events such as book launches, open mic night and offering a family reading room within their establishment.

Of course, it is possible to look at these actions by businesses to be purely for marketing purposes.  And that may well be true.  But wouldn’t we all prefer our local businesses to engage and be supportive of the community rather than only concerned with its financial success?  And further, instead of asking clients to contribute to a worthy cause, wouldn’t we prefer to know what the business is doing to make our community a better place?

Apparently this concept is important for the younger generation.  In a recent Forbes article, corporate culture or actually “corporate social responsibility” was a key factor in if the younger generation cared to work or buy from a business. This challenges all businesses to consider how they are supporting or improving the conditions in their local area.  Along with developing the mission, vision and values of the organization, it is important as well for businesses to consider how they will actually live the values that they have established.  What is the businesses’ approach to supporting the local community?  Businesses can no longer simply verbalize their commitment.  They must show how they are living their values.

Four Directions Wellness is located in Del Ray.  It is through the Del Ray Business Association (DRBA) that the community comes alive. The organization combines the art of supporting businesses with also holding monthly community and family-friendly events and activities.  The organization has created a “small-town, Main-Street” feel in the larger Washington metropolitan area.  It is not Del Ray but rather those individuals living and working in the area that have made it such a welcoming community.  Its success is dependent on individuals volunteering and engaging the local businesses to make it a “community.”  With community, there is health and prosperity.As the Native Americans so wisely state: