On May 28, over 20 Heart of Gwinnett volunteers – myself included – rolled up their sleeves, learned how to work some serious power tools and got to work building an affordable Habitat for Humanity home for a lovely couple in Gwinnett. I enjoyed the company of my husband Mike right there alongside me, hard at work and tools in hand.

We painted. We hammered. We put up beautiful front railings. We built a back deck. Together – with a whole lot of heart, laughter and encouragement from the ever-so-patient building experts – we transformed six hours of hard work into results that will forever impact the couple who will soon be moving into their new home.

As an active member on the board of Heart of Gwinnett, a free, open business networking community, I understand the immeasurable value of giving back to the community. Taking an initiative, stepping into a leadership role and giving back to the community is at the core of our organization. It’s also a value that underpins my own business, Celeste Giordano Coaching.

Every business owner and entrepreneur should have a charity of their choice that they get behind wholeheartedly. Whatever product or service you offer, your success is something you have the opportunity – and responsibility – to share with those less fortunate.

Your heartstrings may be tied to a local community food bank or Habitat for Humanity chapter, or they may be tugged by organizations reaching far across the globe. Whatever organization whose cause you relate to, I encourage you to make time to really rally behind it.

Now, as a fellow business owner I understand that each and every one of you have busy, demanding schedules. But trust me when I say that the commitment to your organization of choice will be well worth your investment. And remember, that investment can come in many forms, whether it’s getting together with your team or friends to host a fundraiser, writing a quarterly check or giving your time once or twice a month.

Giving back builds character and is personally fulfilling. Entrepreneurs have to be laser focused on growing their businesses. Making time to focus your heart and your energy outward can provide some relief from the ultra-fast business track and be surprisingly energizing. It can also be fantastic for business. When you personally volunteer or host a fundraiser, you inevitably build quality relationships with the other volunteers on board. These individuals likely share many of your core values and stand to open doors and share opportunities you would never otherwise come across.

The Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity Work Day that I participated in was a success for the community, but it also generated a lot of new business opportunity for those involved. Thankfully this success was one of many that Heart of Gwinnett has the pleasure of being a part of. On April 22, we personally delivered a check for $6,000 to Habitat Humanity following another fundraiser we held.

On August 31, golf lovers will come out to Heart of Gwinnett’s 2nd annual Par for the Cause Golf Tournament at Summit Case Country Club to benefit Habitat for Humanity once again. In addition to participating as a sponsor of the event, I’ll be playing in the tournament as part of a team of four. Interested in joining my team? Please email me at celeste@celestegiordano.com.

If you love golf and live in the area, we’d love for you to come out in join us for some fun on the course for a worthy cause, so come out swinging!

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur ready to come out swinging in business this summer, visit Celeste Giordano Coaching. We’ll teach you the skills and help you develop the sustainable action plan necessary to “Double Plus” your income this year, and build the kind of Legacy Business that can do tremendous things for the community in which it’s situated.