Happy New Year and welcome to a fresh view on the future. Turning the page on another calendar year feels good, understanding that great progress, albeit in little steps, was accomplished in the last year.

Building on what we have learned together so far, this column also turns the corner and will focus on how your business can touch and improve lives in the coming year. It is our quest to strengthen the strong and introduce others to ideas on how their business can touch and improve lives.

We have learned to study other companies and stores, find outing what is working and drawing from their success.

Looking at the packaged goods company Procter & Gamble, we see an authentic, genuine approach to doing more than profiting from brand share dominance. For example, Pampers’ commitment to baby development is impacting not only the design of its products, but also providing vaccinations to save babies’ lives around the world.

At Disney, the company employs famous personalities such as the Jonas Brothers to encourage good nutrition and promote environmental practices that kids can implement.

In the academic world, Yale University’s focus on community service has reached eight out of every 10 undergraduate students, benefiting the world at large. Before starting in the fall, students are asked to work at community sites in New Haven, Conn., where the university is located. One department, The Forestry School, works with neighborhoods to help residents develop community gardens and plant trees. Yale takes this a step further than its current student body to involve alumni to keep them connected to the university and serve others at the same time.

Meshing together the goals of serving others and reinforcing your mission can be your twin objectives for 2011, too. Taking your commitment to the street can authentically translate your own values without having to say, “I’m a Christian and I’m going to show you my involvement in the community.” Your actions show who you are, what your mission is, and how you reflect Christ. Locally, Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette, Colo., adopted a community in Afghanistan, dug a well, employed women to sew Christmas ornaments and is building a new school.

Start your new year by asking, “What are the needs within my local community?” Then your company or store can start a food drive, help the elderly, insulate doors or windows to drive down heating costs, tutor students in need of your wisdom or lend your musical talents to teach a child how to play guitar, drums or flute.

Make 2011 a pivotal year to touch and improve lives.

Rick Tocquigny

CEO, Artbeat of America

Publisher, Gracefully Yours greeting cards

Host of “Life Lessons” radio show

Author of Life Lessons: Simple Words That Matter (www.simpletruths.com)

Tweet Rick at @lessonsradio.

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