Importance of Community " Part II

Welcome to part two of our discussion on the importance of being civic minded. In researching people to interview on the topic, I virtually stumbled upon a website called Good Things Going Around. Owner Lisa Desatnik is a freelance public relations manager and runs her Ohio-based business with an emphasis on raising awareness and strengthening relationships for clients who have a heart for the community.

Desatniks cause-related PR campaigns have earned her numerous regional awards. She is currently working with the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, the Cincannati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired, and the Appalachian Festival, among others.

Why is it important to you to be connected to your community?

Being connected to my community and thinking about others is just a direction that my heart takes me. The type of gratification I receive from bringing smiles to others is just immeasurable. My parents have instilled in me an appreciation for all of the beauty that life brings us and I hope to share that with others because life is really special.

Why should other freelance professionals adopt the same mentality?

From a professional perspective, being connected and civic minded is good for many reasons. Obviously, it is a great way to network with businesses and individuals who share in your same beliefs. Its also a way of showcasing your skills to potential customers, so choosing a cause in which those constituents are also connected will help you build your brand. Additionally, giving back just feels good.

How did you come about your business mission/model? What made you steer your business in this direction?

It was just happenstance, and then I realized how much it meant to me. My first job out of college was for a nonprofit in Columbus, Ohio, where I won my first regional award for a communication campaign. When I moved back to Cincinnati, my first long-term client was a large social service agency where I created an event that won another regional award. And I just kept getting more nonprofit clients. I feel very lucky because working with nonprofits is very gratifying.

What is the Good Things Pledge and what does it mean?

The Good Things Pledge is simply a promisea personal vow that involves liking oneself and others, appreciating the little things that make life special, being kind, and being aware that every small act has the potential for a huge impact. Those behaviors are collectively called Good Things and most of us are already doing them. I created the pledge as a tactic for engaging more people in thinking about these things.

I truly believe everyone has within themselves the power to see the good and to make a positive contribution, even through difficult times. Life is one big classroom. It teaches us lessons of strength and courage and compassion. We just have to open our hearts to it. The Good Things Pledge is a reminder of that. And lets face it, we all need a reminder sometimes.

Taking the Pledge is simple. Just go to my blog and type in your name and contact information in the space below the Good Things Pledge. Everyone who makes the vow will receive a personal certificate to hang on the wall.

How does your blog correlate with your freelance career?

My professional career is all about inspiring positive change by helping organizations and companies who are making meaningful impacts to communicate their message. My Good Things Going Around blog, Facebook page, and e-newsletter are great compliments to that. Sometimes readers may learn more about the work of my clients (although my Good Things Going Around extends beyond what my personal clients are doing), but also, the project is a great way of connecting with people who share my passion for positive energy. These are the types of people who will support and appreciate worthwhile causes that are also important to me.