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How can I intermingle business and politics to work in both areas?
I would like to own a business that could also leave a political impact.
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Samantha’s Answer
Hi Jacqueline,
One of the great things about business is how easily it can be combined with other industries. Every company has business related functions (such as accounting, finance, marketing, etc.) so there is a way to combine business with other passions. My advice would be to start with politics and come up with an idea of a problem you might want to solve with your business. You could then try to found a start up tackling this issue. The start up environment would allow you to work in business, while also still working on a political mission that’s important to you. Alternatively, if you are not interested in being an entrepreneur or think it’s too soon in your career to try to create a start up, you can look for business related roles at political campaigns or other consulting firms or companies that specialize in politics. This will allow you to work in business for a mission that’s important to you which can also be quite fulfilling. Best of luck!
One of the great things about business is how easily it can be combined with other industries. Every company has business related functions (such as accounting, finance, marketing, etc.) so there is a way to combine business with other passions. My advice would be to start with politics and come up with an idea of a problem you might want to solve with your business. You could then try to found a start up tackling this issue. The start up environment would allow you to work in business, while also still working on a political mission that’s important to you. Alternatively, if you are not interested in being an entrepreneur or think it’s too soon in your career to try to create a start up, you can look for business related roles at political campaigns or other consulting firms or companies that specialize in politics. This will allow you to work in business for a mission that’s important to you which can also be quite fulfilling. Best of luck!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Jacqueline
Updated
Jon’s Answer
There are many ways to make this combination work.
One could be to set up your business as a public benefit corporation (if that option is available in your state). This is not really "politics" but it does provide a way to operate a business for the public good.
Another is to operate your business in accordance with your ideals. Represent the world you want in the way you organize and run your business.
If you are interested in actual politics and not just having an impact in ways that are consistent with your beliefs (a big difference!), then you might think about the many businesses that are explicitly political or nearly so. Political communications, campaign management and logistics, polling, political intelligence and information services... There are a lot of options.
Just don't forget that charitable giving is not the same as political giving and that customers and employees have a right to know what they're supporting when they invest their money or labor in your enterprise.
One could be to set up your business as a public benefit corporation (if that option is available in your state). This is not really "politics" but it does provide a way to operate a business for the public good.
Another is to operate your business in accordance with your ideals. Represent the world you want in the way you organize and run your business.
If you are interested in actual politics and not just having an impact in ways that are consistent with your beliefs (a big difference!), then you might think about the many businesses that are explicitly political or nearly so. Political communications, campaign management and logistics, polling, political intelligence and information services... There are a lot of options.
Just don't forget that charitable giving is not the same as political giving and that customers and employees have a right to know what they're supporting when they invest their money or labor in your enterprise.
Updated
Elyssa’s Answer
Jacqueline,
One thing to consider - it is often times easier to leave an impact on a local level versus thinking about "politics" as a macro issue. So, if your business is to own a daycare, maybe you are donating some materials, profits, running a drive with your customers for donations to a local shelter for foster children. Another alternative or example can be owning a restaurant and donating a portion of your meals to a homeless shelter. These are ways to intertwine businesses and politics. I also would consider "community engagement" a better term for "politics" in this case. Not the only way to think about this, but a great option and alternative way to think about this!
One thing to consider - it is often times easier to leave an impact on a local level versus thinking about "politics" as a macro issue. So, if your business is to own a daycare, maybe you are donating some materials, profits, running a drive with your customers for donations to a local shelter for foster children. Another alternative or example can be owning a restaurant and donating a portion of your meals to a homeless shelter. These are ways to intertwine businesses and politics. I also would consider "community engagement" a better term for "politics" in this case. Not the only way to think about this, but a great option and alternative way to think about this!