Generous Hearts, Healthy Bottom Lines: Finding Balance Between Generosity and Sustainability
Myrna Miott
Helping leaders and founders attract and retain supporters and raving fans so they can increase their revenue and influence.
The other day, I held a clarity session with a friend who was wrestling with a tension in her business.
How do we balance the sacred call to serve with the practical need to sustain and grow a business?
In serving ministries, non-profits and even pastors directly, I am often asked if I can provide coaching or marketing/ fundraising services without a fee. It feels so good to be generous! Cheerful giving is a beautiful thing. Guilty giving feels terrible though.
My friend was struggling with a little guilt in this area and wanted some guidance on how best to handle requests for free or discounted services.
We talked through her needs and desired revenue outcomes. She walked away from the call with clear strategies on how to balance service fees and charitable gifts in a way that honored her commitment to helping others without sacrificing the sustainability of her own business.
My friend is growing in leadership and has learned how to stay true to her values while protecting her business by setting clear boundaries.
Here's the truth: We cannot give from an empty cup.
This is a win-win scenario:
?? You get to be profitable — taking care of yourself, your team, and your community.
?? You get to be impactful — expanding your reach and influence.
?? You get to be faithful — stewarding the resources God has given you to multiply your vision.
Profit + Purpose = Amplified Kingdom Impact
Establishing a company benevolence program with well-defined guidelines can help manage expectations while still allowing you to give with a cheerful heart.
How do you honor your personal value of generosity while also protecting your business when you're asked for free services or discounts?
Facilitator, Trainer, MC, and Consultant | Customer Experience | Customer Retention | Loyalty Rewards Programs | Business Development
1 个月Myrna Miott, well done! Our giving should be Spirit-led, not due to begging or pressure from people. Too many ministries beg from people when they should be exercising faith and asking God. Ask, and it shall be given to you.
Certified Professional Life and Leadership Coach helping Influencers live a life of Design, centered in Purpose
2 个月Well said Myrna. You can't give away what you don't have, and if you don't steward well, eventually you won't have anything to give away. So whether your 'cup' is spiritual, emotional, relational, time or treasure, we must steward the well, and recognizing that generosity can (and should) also be a win-win.
Content strategy writer for authors and coaches | ?? Your “content creation partner writer” creating impact content to help you inspire others through your message and build a community of *business friends* ??
2 个月Myrna Miott - your insightful article really spoke to me. This especially: "She...has learned how to stay true to her values while protecting her business by setting clear boundaries." I want to help as many people as I can and I struggle not to give it all away for free. Thank you for sharing these insights. ??
HR Consultant
2 个月Thanks for sharing