This past week, I stood on sacred ground- quite literally. The Austin Angels organization broke ground on the Foster Care Community Center, a first-of-its-kind space dedicated to serving youth and families in the foster care community. It will open in just nine months, and it was a deeply personal moment for me.

I’ve had the honor of serving on the board of Austin Angels since 2017. Through Greater Value Network, we’ve raised over $300,000 for the organization by hosting events like Food Fight for Youth in Foster Care™, which have become cornerstones of our mission-driven approach to business.

Why am I telling you this? Because this story isn’t about me, it’s about why your business needs a cause.

The Power of Mission-Driven Business

In my book, IMPACT: The Blueprint for Exceptional Leadership and Market Domination, I write about Mission-Driven Initiatives as one of the most powerful strategies for long-term success:

“When your business is aligned with a higher purpose, you naturally become a magnet for talented people who share your passion and vision.”

This isn’t just philosophy, it’s backed by real data.

• According to Deloitte, purpose-driven companies see higher market share gains and grow three times faster than their competitors.

• Nearly 77% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that support a social cause they believe in.

• A study from Cone Communications revealed that 79% of employees prefer to work for a socially responsible company.

And here's the key takeaway: In a crowded world, consumers will often choose YOU- not because of a cheaper product, but because of your CAUSE.

Why Word of Mouth Still Wins

In business and in life, the single greatest form of advertising has always been and still is - Word of Mouth. And what makes people talk? Purpose. Mission. Impact.

“Your voice has the power to move mountains for those who need it most.”

When your business becomes a platform for good, your customers become your advocates. Your partners become your champions. And your impact becomes contagious.

Real-World Proof: Greater Value Network x Austin Angels

At Greater Value Network, we don’t just network, we champion causes. That’s been our heart from day one. Supporting Austin Angels has transformed our organization by building a culture of generosity, inspiring leaders, and fostering authentic, value-driven relationships.

What started as a few like-minded business professionals has grown into a movement blending business excellence with social impact.

A Challenge for Your Business

If your company doesn’t yet have a philanthropic focus, now is the time. There are causes that are universally resonant - foster care, veterans, childhood hunger, education... causes that unite, not divide.

Aligning with a purpose won’t just make you feel good, it will make you stand out, help you attract talent, and earn the loyalty of your market.

As Proverbs 19:17 reminds us:

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

Let This Be Your Legacy

Don’t just build a business. Build a movement. Build a company that people are proud to work for, buy from, and talk about. The rewards, both tangible and eternal, are beyond anything profit alone can offer.

You can lead with impact. You can do business differently. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Let’s build something GREATER- together.

With Purpose and Impact,
Chris Stege
Founder | Greater Value Network
Advisor, Connector, Kingdom-Driven Creator