I was raised by parents who were and are incredibly generous to those in need. Two foster brothers and a foster sister came to live with us at various times, but we also reached out to others with our time and gifts of food, clothing and toys. We weren't rich, but it sure felt that way.

At the urging of my coach, I have started writing my life and business mission each and every day. It is a simple exercise. The words change according to my mood, but they're real. I mean them and they're in the language du jour. This makes them powerful.

I have discovered (duh) that giving back is one of the biggest reasons I want to succeed. It is vital I take care of myself financially so that I am able to help take care of those in need. This (duh) realization has led to greater clarity of purpose and reason for being. In other words, it makes me want to get out of bed and do my very best each day.

Those of you who have taken my "Shameless Self-Promotion" class know I encourage artists to team up with a nonprofit to help with promotions. When you give back to your community:

--You create goodwill and, hopefully, fill yourself with a sense of accomplishment.

--Your marketing efforts take on a community focus, which will help expose your art to more people and, ultimately, to the media, who pay attention to charitable causes (which they often sponsor themselves). You shouldn't be shy about getting publicity this way. Not only do you bring attention to your work, you are spotlighting a good cause.

--You will meet people that can help you with your career. Nonprofit organizations are overseen by boards of directors, which are usually comprised of the pillars of the community (people who buy art!).

--Nonprofits also often exist in multiple cities, which could provide you with contacts for those locations.

But the best reason to use your art and your business to give back is that it just makes you feel good and part of the "great scheme of things."

KNOW THIS----------~> Giving back is part of being human.

THINK ABOUT THIS---~> Giving back makes you feel good.

DO THIS------------~> Think of how you can give back to your community. Is it through a percentage of sales? Is it volunteering at a school? Staffing the desk at your local museum? Helping arrange the annual book sale at the local library? Mentoring a child?

What will your contribution be?

Portfolio reviews and website critiques are also available.

EBSQ is pleased to publish Alyson's work as a regular feature to the EBSQ Zine.