Tammy Allen founded Do Good Get Rewards in 2010 after she had decided to find a way to give back to volunteers because, as she said in her song (Yes, she's a musician, too!), "everyday people do good every day."
Here, Allen gives us insight into her business model, share her thoughts on conscious capitalism and digs into her creative rituals and inspiration sources.
Four Questions with Tammy Allen
1. How did the idea for the business model come about?
I have been a professional musician all of my adult life. I wrote a song, "Everyday People Do Good Everyday," and we all know that is the case. It turns out over 60 million people volunteer every year. That just warmed my heart and I wanted to find a way to give back to them. In these days of rewards programs everywhere, why not for volunteering?
I knew I had to come up with the rewards for the volunteers and I was in PR & Marketing at the time. I knew that the biggest challenge for a business is getting customers to come through the door. So a business offers a low-cost rewards and now how the opportunity to acquire them as a customer.
2. How did you decide to join this sector?
I have always made my living as a musician. You can hear some of my music at www.tammyallen.com. I moved to Atlanta and opened a Recording Studio for Voice Training and Artist development. I fell in love the the Jazz scene in Atlanta and started The Future of Jazz in partnership with Atlanta's Office of Cultural Affairs. That led me to Terri Harof and I helped her produce a Summer Jazz Series. We formed TD Entertainment and she trained me in PR & Marketing. I loved it. It turns out, I really enjoy business. It is creative and logical at the same time.
In regards to Do Good Get Rewards being a social business, it was part of the inspiration. I knew I wanted to create real value for non profits, volunteers and the businesses. My husband has lovingly kidded me about being a do-gooder for a long time. I did run across conscious capitalism at the very beginning of the idea in 2009. I liked that idea. I knew that I had a non profit idea, but I wanted to prove that you can make money and do good at the same time. Capitalism is not bad, it is what makes our country thrive.
3. How do you get your inspiration?
I love physics and spirituality. Every morning I spend an hour appreciating, journaling, and until I am in a very happy state of being. From that state of being I know how to
receive and recognize ideas of inspiration. Do Good Get Rewards was completely inspired. I was on fire with the idea. I had to find a way. It has been quite and adventure and yet I know that I am still at the beginning of the real adventure.
4. How do you reset yourself to be creative? Do you have any rituals?
Maintaining my center is my number one priority. Anytime I feel knocked off by challenges or people, I stop, take a nap, take a walk, listen to something that distracts me and makes me happy. I never take action or make a decision until I have realigned.
Tammy Allen, Founder/CEO of Do Good Get Rewards (INTERVIEW)
Platform to Encourage Volunteers
Trend Themes
1. Rewards Programs for Volunteers - The trend of implementing rewards programs for volunteers provides an opportunity for businesses to attract customers and build loyalty while supporting a social cause.
2. Conscious Capitalism - The concept of conscious capitalism presents an opportunity for businesses to create real value for non-profits, volunteers, and themselves by making money and doing good at the same time.
3. Balancing Creativity and Logic in Business - The trend of finding a balance between creativity and logic in business allows entrepreneurs to tap into their creative side while still applying logical strategies for success.
Industry Implications
1. Non-profit Management - The non-profit management industry can leverage rewards programs for volunteers to increase engagement, attract new volunteers, and build long-term relationships with supporters.
2. Marketing and PR - The marketing and PR industry can embrace conscious capitalism to help businesses create positive impact, build a strong brand reputation, and connect with consumers who value socially responsible companies.
3. Music and Entertainment - The music and entertainment industry can explore the concept of balancing creativity and logic in business, allowing musicians and artists to find innovative ways to monetize their talents and create sustainable careers.