Access Profiles, Inc.

#SmBiz #MakeaDifference

Each year, one Saturday in October is celebrated as “Make A Difference Day”.


It is a time to really think about what we can do both as individuals and as a country to make a positive change to the people and to the world around us.  And I believe that inspiration on what we can do can come from anywhere.


This year, I found it in Pope Francis‘ visit to the United States.


You would have to have been completely off the grid to be unaware of Pope Francis’ every move while he was in the U.S..  
Not only was his visit covered extensively in the media (updates on the Pope’s progress filled every channel) but it was a shared topic of conversation among many.  


The outpouring of positive support for the Pope and his message carried across people of mixed denominations, races, and classes.  
His words became a shining example of what it means to come together as a people.


Pope Francis shared his views on issues such as immigration, the environment, and religious freedom.  He encouraged both liberal and conservatives to find common ground and work for the good of all.


Pope Francis’ even challenged Congress to use their power to heal “open wounds” caused by hatred and greed.  This is indeed a lofty goal ~ but not impossible.  The key is willingness to move beyond self and to “remember the Golden Rule: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’.”


The Pope also spoke of the importance and role of businesses in promoting change.  He stressed a focus on carefully using our natural resources and our growing technology to keep the spirit of entrepreneurship alive.  


In his own words, Pope Francis believes in Business as “a noble vocation, directed to producing wealth and improving the world”. 


He also addressed the selling of weapons to those intent on terrorizing others, “Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money”.


Pope Francis calls for all of us, individuals and companies, to move beyond a focus on profit at any cost and think about what we are doing and the impact it will have on the world.

photo via Climate Caretakers

And even weeks later, his message has left me with a calling of my own to try and Make a Difference.


Especially when it comes to using my own Small Business!


The changes I make do not have to be on a global level.  Instead, I choose to focus on doing things that can make a difference in my own community, to my clients, and to my company.


In my community, I can make a pledge to “Shop Small” whenever possible.  I can volunteer my time and my company to help other small businesses and non-profits in my area.  And I can make sure that I run my business with integrity, making sure to give my very best to my clients.


I can vow to not fall into the trap of making decisions solely based on the bottom line.  While making a profit is of course necessary for any small business, it doesn’t have to be my ultimate goal.  


Instead, I can carefully choose what I do so that first and foremost, it will make a difference.  


I can treat others with respect.  

#SmBiz #MakeaDifference

And although this quote focuses on employees, I believe it can pertain to everyone we come in contact with.  Keeping it in mind, I can approach others with the faith that we are all worthy.  And that we are all capable of facilitating change. 


I can do what I can to use my Small Business to truly Make a Difference and Pay it Forward to those around me.  By helping other small business owners through my services and offering my support where needed, I am able to achieve this goal. 


I have found that the “greatest way to realize success myself is to help others achieve theirs”!


Read more about my thoughts on how you can use your Small Business to create a “Pay it Forward Cycle of Success”!



As Small Businesses, I believe we have the power to enact change. We can dedicate ourselves to it within our own company, and we can band together to promote change on a larger level.


Needless to say, while I believed in this concept before, Pope Francis’ visit really touched a nerve.  As individuals we may feel we can’t do enough to really promote change, but that is not true.


Even One Person can Make a Difference!  “Tweet This”


What it does take is many individuals doing the absolute best they can.  And as more of us take up this challenge, we can change our world.


I close with these words from Pope Francis;

“The challenges facing us today call for a renewal of that spirit of cooperation, which has accomplished so much good throughout the history of the United States. The complexity, the gravity and the urgency of these challenges demand that we pool our resources and talents, and resolve to support one another, with respect for our differences and our convictions of conscience”.  

In addition, “We must move forward together, as one, in a renewed spirit of fraternity and solidarity, cooperating generously for the common good.”


I believe We can Do it!  Are You Ready to Make a Difference?


Please Pay it Forward and Share!  Leave a comment too.  I would love to hear from you!


Authored by   

Contact Me to Get Started!

*Quotes Source:  abc.news