SHAKERS & MOVERS n CHARITABLE GIVING

By Dr. Kennedy Waningu, Th. D

1. THINK OF TRANSFORMING LIVES: More and more brands are placing an emphasis on corporate social responsibility. Some of these brands are thinking outside of simply making charitable donations and are implementing initiatives that engage travelers and target aid to specific communities around the world.

2. THINK OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: A huge percentage of guests are responding to these efforts! According to a 2015 study conducted by Tourism Cares, about 55 % of travelers surveyed donated time, money, or supplies while traveling over the past two years. Additionally, 64 % of those surveyed felt that giving back greatly contributed to their trip satisfaction. When you look at that research and you look at the state of the world, we’ re living in a time in which societal problems are massive! Whether you want to talk about air pollution, water pollution, wildlife conservation, just overall community support, animal welfare, or anything, really, there are plenty of people and organizations that need assistance. Some corporations have built their entire brand around travelers with charities that they feel connected to, who book hotels to receive an exclusive rate and donate right to a local or global charity of their choice. And this has become a better way of corporations participating in social responsibility.

3. THINK OF INJECTING HAPPINESS: Because charitable giving is highly personal, find a cause that you are deeply passionate about. We know that when you connect passion with purpose and serving the greater good, it creates the highest hope for personal happiness. Ultimately, you want to inject happiness and purposefulness into the trip experience of your customer.

4. THINK OF A KEY CHARITY PARTNERSHIP: We encourage corporations to partner with many charities. Other brands focus on one particular avenue of giving. Business owners in the hospitality industry can partner with charitable organizations to which they can provide free or deeply discounted hotel stays, or other services, for those who would like to give back to the less privileged in the society.

5. THINK OF YOUR COMPANY’ S ECONOMIC STANDING: How do you become unique in this age of competition and technology disruptions? Creating a connection and engaging travelers in charitable giving is a smart business strategy that lends itself to enhanced corporate social responsibility. By creating an active partnership with one or more charities, hotel brands and their guests have the power to be a tremendous force for good that also improves a company’ s economic standing in times of turbulence. Plus, you maintain loyal customers. The quality of a travel experience is connected to the quality of the environment. Connecting a traveler to the local community is really what hospitality is all about. As a business owner you have an opportunity to champion great causes and improve the guest experience simultaneously.

6. THINK OF DEVELOPING STRONG BRAND PRESENCE: Every business should look for a way to give back. Building strong community relationships through philanthropic engagement and partnership also allows brands to develop a strong presence within the hospitality industry in the community and build a relationship with guests who value brands with a strong sense of corporate responsibility.

7. CREATING ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BRAND: The opportunities in hospitality are nearly endless.“ Consider that travel is a $ 7 trillion industry.” If just a small part of travel profit went back to supporting the causes that are important to you— a clean water supply, healthy communities, environmental sustainability— we would all be better able to thrive.

Dr. Kennedy Waningu is an international conference speaker, trainer, and author of My Gift to the President book. He has extensively traveled and spoken in many conferences, seminars around the world. His approach of wisdom and etiquette has brought about great and positive transformation of leadership, growth, and success.

He has seven books on his title including, The Kingdom Driven CEO’ s, Invent Your Future through Mentorship. He‘ s the Founding President of One Million Mentors Mandate, where he conducts mentorship programs throughout the world. Currently a speaker on USA CEO’ s Entrepreneurs Cruise. He has several patents including the TopCEO TV Show. During his study at City Vision University, Bachelor of Science, he founded Kennedy Foundation Charity Organization, where he gives back to the community, a cause he’ s inviting others to join hands and reach the less privileged in the community in Africa.

info @ kennfoundation. org • www. kennfoundationorg + 25.472.950.8950 • + 25.420.334.9111

COURTESY OF DR. KENNDY WANINGU

32 IBA Success Magazine n VOL 4, Issue 5