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3 Replies Last post: Apr 17, 2008 10:13 AM by brinat0318

Helping others while turning a profit

Jan 9, 2008 11:43 AM

Click to view elsa401's profile Professional elsa401 13 posts since
Jan 2, 2008
I was wondering if anyone of you out there had an idea of how I could operate an electrical service company while helping others in need. I would obviously still need to net a profit to stay in business. Is there such a thing as helping needy families while still being profitable? Please send me any ideas..
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Click to view DomainDiva's profile Mogul DomainDiva 1,732 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
1. Re: Helping others while turning a profit Jan 9, 2008 11:50 AM
in response to: elsa401
You want to become an electricity re-seller? Are you going into one of the MLM such as Stream Energy or are you going to deal with the state utilities commission yourself? Do you have the money to even establish yourself as a reseller presence? It costs a lot of money to become a reseller. If you have that much money may I suggest starting some sort of a philanthropic fund and taking the profits and helping people.
Click to view LUCKIEST's profile SCORE LUCKIEST 7,935 posts since
Aug 6, 2007
2. Re: Helping others while turning a profit Jan 9, 2008 12:21 PM
in response to: elsa401
401, It sounds like a great idea and I would like to volunteer to help you.
How soon do you plan on starting, and speaking of plans have you developed a Business Plan.
Please contact me at " pdeig@juno.com " Hope to hear from you soon.
Good luck, LUCKIEST
Click to view elsa401's profile Professional elsa401 13 posts since
Jan 2, 2008
3. Re: Helping others while turning a profit Jan 9, 2008 1:35 PM
in response to: DomainDiva
Diva, I wish I had that type of capitol. I would definetly try to help as many families as possible. Again, I think my post was misunderstood. I must have a problem with putting what I think into text.
Anyway, I am a small electrical company that does residential construction and service work. I would be interested in starting a relationship with a entity that does business to help others in need , all the while turning a profit to survive myself. Could this relationship/entity exist?
Click to view intechspecial's profile Mogul intechspecial 1,457 posts since
Jan 6, 2008
4. Re: Helping others while turning a profit Jan 9, 2008 2:23 PM
in response to: elsa401
Sounds like a great idea, my heart goes out to you.

Let me know if I can help, I offer free services to some non-profits.

[http://www.intechspecial.com/images/master_logo4.jpg]

[http://www.intechspecial.com/images/design_logo.jpg]

Click to view Lighthouse24's profile Mogul Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
5. Re: Helping others while turning a profit Jan 9, 2008 4:24 PM
in response to: elsa401

Most communities have a number of ongoing construction projects that would love to have your services (Habitat for Humanity, local churches, homebuilder associations that pool their talents to build/auction homes for charity, etc.). I know a non-profit that's trying to build a shelter for abused children in my community right now, and they are begging for volunteers with construction skills. There are probably things like that in your town, too.

Do you have any charities that are close to your heart? They always need services like that, it seems. About a week ago, we had a cold spell and the electrical system in the local animal shelter blew out (meaning there was no heat). They didn't have money in the budget to make the necessary repairs, and were concerned that with a freeze forecasted for the area, the temperature inside the shelter could drop into the low fifties overnight. A local supplier and an electrician (both animal lovers) heard about the problem from a volunteer, teamed up to donate time and material, and rewired the building for free. A short news release was drafted and e-mailed while the work was in progress. Every TV channel sent a camera and reporter, and all the local newspapers sent photographers. So on the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. news (and in the morning papers), people saw the electrician, the business logo on his truck and shirt, a lot of cute puppies, and a large group of adoring and grateful volunteers. He couldn't have bought that much exposure and good publicity if he tried!

People don't seem to like stories about other people in need as much as they do puppies -- so your volunteer work might not generate that level of free publicity. But if you pick something you care about, it doesn't matter -- and if you send out a news release, you never know. In the volunteer activities I'm involved with, I'm always surprised by what the media shows up (or not) to cover -- just depends on the reporter and whether it's a busy news day or not, I think.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Click to view NXGNXG's profile Professional NXGNXG 18 posts since
Jan 9, 2008
6. Re: Helping others while turning a profit Jan 9, 2008 4:32 PM
in response to: Lighthouse24
You are very kind.

Check http://www.kiva.org

They help people around the world who are in need. Check the the needy option in the drop down. Browse the site you will know what i am talking about. Some of them even pay back your money. That is interesting?

I am not affiliated to that site in any way. Just came across in google.

Good luck.

  • Kat