giving back

Brand awareness is essential for strong economic growth in the long-term. It is the extent to which consumers are familiar with the distinctive qualities or image of a particular brand of goods or services. Association with another product of a highly distinctive nature or demand is one way to achieve this. Time and time again, partnership with another entity (business or otherwise) has become the way of the future for successful business models.

After working with and acquiring both Marvel Entertainment and Lucasfilm Limited, the Walt Disney Company cemented itself as the premier entertainment powerhouse across multiple technological platforms and global markets. So simply pick up your phone and call the Walt Disney Company. It’s really just that simple (FYI Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Limited appears to always be on the hunt for a new partner to work with as well) … But as sarcasm doesn’t translate into print, we’ll offer you a less challenging but hopefully equally rewarding option!

The other way to increase brand awareness is also the more altruistic method: through association with and support for a popular cause and burgeoning charity.

Here are three ways you can add to your company’s brand awareness while helping those around you.

1.) Networking within Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce events are for the most part seemingly only business-related networking events, and this is mostly true. However, it is also a casual way to meet professionals from every walk of life, including but not limited to not-for-profits, NGOs, area charities, and provincial service providers. You may discover something that speaks to your heart, and from that point on you simply need to introduce yourself, your business and ask how you can be of assistance.

2.) Connect with those organizations already on the frontlines assisting those in need. Service clubs such as the Rotary, Kiwanis, Kinsmen, and the Lions and Lioness Clubs of Canada are great places to start. These organizations were originally founded by community business professionals with the purpose of supporting important causes in their communities. They are also excellent networking opportunities for employers in general.

As well, events in conjunction with hospitals, community centres, and sports associations associated with youth and persons with disabilities are a very popular way to promote the health and well-being of your community while simultaneously having the greater public take notice of your business – and there’s nothing wrong with that!

3.) Support Toronto and area Youth Programs by connecting with the fastest growing Employment Ontario Service Provider in Ontario! Connect with The Career Foundation! We have been a non-profit registered charity (reg. # 12265 9048RR 0001) since 1988. We gratefully accept donations from individuals or organizations. If you would like to help us help others, please call the Development Officer at 416-642-2406 or contact us at donations@careerfoundation.org.

If you’re an employer looking to be charitable we can certainly help you; though there is still much more that we can offer your business. The Career Foundation has been connecting job seekers and employers since 1988. As a Service Excellence Organization with close to 30 years of experience, we are able to deliver the best fit for your vacancies, at no cost to you. Over 2,000 businesses ranging in size and industry utilize our programs and services to fulfil their HR needs. Our Recruitment and Training Assistance program, which we tailor to the specific needs of each hiring organization, can include the following:

• Having our experienced staff identify candidates with the right fit for your vacancies
• Connecting you with job seekers of diverse backgrounds and skills, including youth, professionals and tradespeople
• Utilizing our offices for on-site interviews and hiring events
• Accessing financial incentives, including the Canada-Ontario Job Grant program, which provides up to $10,000 in government support per employee towards short-term training to your existing and new employees
• Receiving assistance with coaching new employees and best practices to ensure retention

Give us a call and let us show you how we can help your business. We are the best at what we do, and what we do is imperative to the engines of our economy and your employees: We develop human potential.

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Jason Douglas Smith is a Training Application Coordinator with The Career Foundation, and has successfully directed clients in not only developing personalized job search strategy plans, but in circumnavigating the rigorous demands of applications for provincially-funded retraining. When not working, this self-professed Futurist can often be found reading, writing and barbecuing in his native Burlington.