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Introduction Unit of One  Fast Co. Zines   Check out Fast Company co-founder Alan Webber's trailblazer page Read other interviews Ways to Give Back Edited by Anna Muoio Today business is about more than just making products - or money. It's about making a difference. So Fast Company invited 19 business leaders to share their insights on giving back to the community. Their stories reveal areas in which people are contributing today - education, technology, environment, health, community development - as well as shared beliefs about the new philanthropy: Giving time is more important than just giving money. Personal commitment matters more than corporate involvement. And action, as always, counts for more than mere words. Jay Backstrand President Impact Online Palo Alto, California jay@impactonline.org At age 49 I "retired" from business. Since then I've pursued a second career: trying to make long-term, concrete differences in people's lives. Our institute's biggest challenge is to leverage our actions using resources that might seem small when compared with those of other foundations. We don't donate money - we donate people and their expertise. Starting the institute was like starting any business endeavor, and I learned quite a bit. Unfocus your focus. Learn from people outside the corporate world. With no structured goal, my partner and I spent a year talking to more than 700 people. We thumbed through our Rolodexes and even scanned the phone book. On a typical day we would meet with a congressman, a nonprofit director, a clergyman, a company president, and a community services representative. We had nothing to sell - we just wanted advice. This "unfocus" helped us focus our strategy and mission. Support leaders, not programs. To make a difference, find people who already know how to make a difference. We work with people who know how to collaborate, cooperate, and leverage their own assets. We're not interested in taking control; we're interested in advising and providing contacts. Blend business and personal skills. Your business sense can help you determine whether a project is technically or financially feasible. But your personal involvement can help you judge whether the right person is behind the project. I've never been a fan of simple check-writing. Contributing your business skills, your perspective, and a little sweat is much more valuable and, yes, gratifying. Mario Morino cofounded Legent Corp., one of the largest software companies in the world. It was acquired by Computer Associates International in 1995 for .7 billion. Back to Unit of One Copyright © 1999 Fast Company. All Rights Reserved.     Decision Making Your Boss Your Career New Ideas Is Bigger Better?

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