Sure, we all agree that business = time + money.  But can another part of the equation be relative to your community, and your participation in the global village?

A recent study of Indian corporations seems to make that connection, and perhaps it’s worth thinking twice about.

The story “Doing Well Because They Do Good” outlines several leading Indian corporations who routinely hand over up to 65% of their yearly revenue to charitable organizations.

Think about that: 65%.  Over half.  Over half of what you take in, you immediately give back.  In an American culture, that kind of thinking is simply unfathomable.

But is it so far-fetched?

The CEOs and leading executives of the businesses interviewed for the piece EACH described their business model in terms of a social mission.  Money?  Of course they wanted to make money.  Business is business, whether in America or around the world.  But what they planned to do with their investments, and how they intend to give back was what separated them from our local train of thought.  They believed, firmly and unwaiveringly, in taking care of their own backyards.

So this raises the ultimate question: can your business do this?  And how do you start?

Most communities offer tons of ways to give back.  Monetarily, most cities have a Goodwill or a Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization that is always in need.  For volunteer efforts, your local Red Cross or United Way can find a way for your employees to donate their time for a great cause.  And in a world where education is always starving, schools are more than thrilled to receive electronics, supplies, books, and even furniture.  The fabulous site Donors Choose lets your business find a cause that’s personal to your employees and help out; it does not get more amazing than seeing the faces of those that you help.

But does this effect your bottom-line?  Yes, and in more than just one way.  Getting your name out there in a charitable light is a great thing, yes, but just imagine: you’re helping people get to a better place in their lives.  People who, once they are in a better situation, will become consumers.  Those consumers will remember your business, no questions asked.  It also aids in employee retention, with employees seeing their work benefit the greater good and empowering them in their own community.

The ultimate question then becomes not “can your business do this?”, but instead, “when will your business start doing this?”.