--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If a brand genuinely wants to make a…" description: "\"If a brand genuinely wants to make a social contribution, it should start with who they are, not what they do. For only when a brand has defined itself..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c4d/simon-mainwaring-3578_alignment_if-a-brand-genuinely-wants-to-make-a-soc_901009.png" --- # If a brand genuinely wants to make a social contribution… ![“If a brand genuinely wants to make a social contribution, it should start with who they are, not what they do. For only when a brand has defined itself and its core values can it identify causes or social responsibility initiatives that are in alignment with its authentic brand story.” quote by Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c4d/simon-mainwaring-3578_alignment_if-a-brand-genuinely-wants-to-make-a-soc_901009.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c4d/simon-mainwaring-3578_alignment_if-a-brand-genuinely-wants-to-make-a-soc_901009.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c4d/simon-mainwaring-3578_alignment_if-a-brand-genuinely-wants-to-make-a-soc_901009.png) > “If a brand genuinely wants to make a social contribution, it should start with who they are, not what they do. For only when a brand has defined itself and its core values can it identify causes or social responsibility initiatives that are in alignment with its authentic brand story.” [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A brand must first understand its own identity and values before choosing social causes, ensuring genuine alignment and credibility. **In simple terms:** Know yourself before you help others. Key Takeaway Define core values first. Themes authenticity brand strategy social responsibility Mood thoughtful inspirational Type strategic advisory When to use this quote - product launch - corporate philanthropy - employee engagement - community partnerships Key Concepts identity values alignment purpose-driven marketing Questions to Reflect On - What are your brand’s non‑negotiable values? - How can you test authenticity of a cause? A Different Perspective If values are vague, alignment may feel forced. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Alignment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/alignment/) [Brand Genuinely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brand-genuinely-1241725/) [Brands](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brands/) [Causes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/causes/) [Causes Social](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/causes-social-1241728/) [Contribution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contribution/) [Core](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/core/) [Core values](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/core-values/) [Customer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/customer/) [Defined](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defined/) [Initiative](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/initiative/) [Marketing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/marketing/) [Responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/responsibility/) [Should](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/should/) [Social](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social/) [Social Contribution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social-contribution-1241727/) [Social responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social-responsibility/) [Start Brand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/start-brand-1241726/) [Stories](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stories/) [Values](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/values/) [Want](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/want/) ## Related quotes > [Creativity can be a social contribution, but only in so far as society is free to use the results.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-stallman/creativity-can-be-a-social-contribution-but-only-in-so-far-as-society/) [Richard Stallman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-stallman/) > [You have social media and the Internet and immigration and so, suddenly, cultures are clashing and people feel as if they're less familiar with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/you-have-social-media-and-the-internet-and-immigration-and-so/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [While it may be argued that football isn't the most deserving of causes, it is part of the social fabric of this country and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-jordan/while-it-may-be-argued-that-football-isn-t-the-most-deserving-of/) [Simon Jordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-jordan/) > [I just wanna start a brand that inspires and is geared towards youth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/virgil-abloh/i-just-wanna-start-a-brand-that-inspires-and-is-geared-towards-youth/) [Virgil Abloh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/virgil-abloh/) > [There are too many brands. 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That's The Situation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-sorrentino/in-a-year-s-time-i-was-able-to-start-a-brand-name-and-make-it-a/) [Michael Sorrentino](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-sorrentino/) > [Integrate purpose into your for-profit business model through a long term commitment to a cause that is aligned with your core values and those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/integrate-purpose-into-your-for-profit-business-model-through-a-long/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [The social business marketplace is effectively forcing brands to engage with consumers on the basis of something that is meaningful to them. More often…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/the-social-business-marketplace-is-effectively-forcing-brands-to/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [In the social business marketplace, brands that hope to build loyal and growing communities do so most effectively when they demonstrate their core values…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/in-the-social-business-marketplace-brands-that-hope-to-build-loyal/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [Define what your brand stands for, its core values and tone of voice, and then communicate consistently in those terms.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/define-what-your-brand-stands-for-its-core-values-and-tone-of-voice/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [Brands are facing a new competitive landscape in which self-definition, core values and purpose will increasingly define their ability to reach customers that only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/brands-are-facing-a-new-competitive-landscape-in-which-self/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [What business needs now is exactly what women are able to provide, and at the very time when women are surging into the work…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-helgesen/what-business-needs-now-is-exactly-what-women-are-able-to-provide-and/) [Sally Helgesen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-helgesen/) > [There are those that say, if you do the uncomfortable thing long enough, it will become comfortable. But we are really not encouragers of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/esther-hicks/there-are-those-that-say-if-you-do-the-uncomfortable-thing-long/) [Esther Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/esther-hicks/) > [“Our first teacher is our own heart. When we begin to tune in and listen to our heart we can bring our thoughts and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/victoria-l-white/our-first-teacher-is-our-own-heart-when-we-begin-to-tune-in-and/) [Victoria L. White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/victoria-l-white/) ## More by Simon Mainwaring > [In today's social business marketplace Facebook is one of the best places for nonprofits to be discovered and connect with a larger audience on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/in-today-s-social-business-marketplace-facebook-is-one-of-the-best/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [The new dynamics between brands and consumers, driven by social media, are proving to be a powerful impetus for change.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/the-new-dynamics-between-brands-and-consumers-driven-by-social-media/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [Effectively, change is almost impossible without industry-wide collaboration, cooperation and consensus.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/effectively-change-is-almost-impossible-without-industry-wide/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [Transforming a brand into a socially responsible leader doesn't happen overnight by simply writing new marketing and advertising strategies. It takes effort to identify…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/transforming-a-brand-into-a-socially-responsible-leader-doesn-t/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [The launch of Google+ apps sends a powerful signal - the personalized web has begun. 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However, it was the great 18th century social philosophers John Locke, Thomas Hobbes,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/the-theory-of-social-contracts-extends-as-far-back-as-plato-however/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [Since most corporate competitors have the same problems with sustainability and social reputation, it's worth trying to solve them together.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/since-most-corporate-competitors-have-the-same-problems-with/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [Social media is not about the exploitation of technology but service to community.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/social-media-is-not-about-the-exploitation-of-technology-but-service/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [Brands must become architects of community.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/brands-must-become-architects-of-community/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [It is time for corporate America to become 'the third pillar' of social change in our society, complementing the first two pillars of government…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/it-is-time-for-corporate-america-to-become-the-third-pillar-of-social/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) [Explore all 127 Simon Mainwaring quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) ## More Alignment quotes > [“Our first teacher is our own heart. When we begin to tune in and listen to our heart we can bring our thoughts and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/victoria-l-white/our-first-teacher-is-our-own-heart-when-we-begin-to-tune-in-and/) [Victoria L. White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/victoria-l-white/) > [There are those that say, if you do the uncomfortable thing long enough, it will become comfortable. But we are really not encouragers of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/esther-hicks/there-are-those-that-say-if-you-do-the-uncomfortable-thing-long/) [Esther Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/esther-hicks/) > [What business needs now is exactly what women are able to provide, and at the very time when women are surging into the work…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-helgesen/what-business-needs-now-is-exactly-what-women-are-able-to-provide-and/) [Sally Helgesen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-helgesen/) > [“If you are pure in intention and in alignment with beauty and love, in body and mind, the highest levels of your spiritual self…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryant-mcgill/if-you-are-pure-in-intention-and-in-alignment-with-beauty-and-love-in/) [Bryant McGill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryant-mcgill/) > [“Our world is moving so fast and we are apt to miss so much of what is happening "right now." If we can put…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kristin-s-kaufman/our-world-is-moving-so-fast-and-we-are-apt-to-miss-so-much-of-what-is/) [Kristin S. Kaufman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kristin-s-kaufman/) > [“Sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to find our true alignment.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harjeet-khanduja/sometimes-it-takes-an-outside-perspective-to-find-our-true-alignment/) [Harjeet Khanduja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harjeet-khanduja/) > [“The decision to create a book trailer is entirely up to you. I can remember when "video killed the radio star" on MTV and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kytka-hilmar-jezek/the-decision-to-create-a-book-trailer-is-entirely-up-to-you-i-can/) [Kytka Hilmar-Jezek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kytka-hilmar-jezek/) > [Your inner purpose is an essential part of the purpose of the whole, the universe and its emerging intelligence. Your outer purpose can change…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eckhart-tolle/your-inner-purpose-is-an-essential-part-of-the-purpose-of-the-whole/) [Eckhart Tolle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eckhart-tolle/) > [Yoga is really the practice of seeing what's most important. Focusing on that first. Then it helps everything else sort of fall into alignment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mc-yogi/yoga-is-really-the-practice-of-seeing-what-s-most-important-focusing/) [MC Yogi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mc-yogi/) > [“With best thoughts, words and actions we align our past, present and future.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-r-dallas-jr/with-best-thoughts-words-and-actions-we-align-our-past-present-and/) [John R. Dallas Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-r-dallas-jr/) > [For good-intentioned people making decisions, there's no such thing as a bad choice. So it doesn't matter what you choose. Choose something, then deliberately…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/esther-hicks/for-good-intentioned-people-making-decisions-there-s-no-such-thing-as/) [Esther Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/esther-hicks/) > [The purpose of prayer is the alignment of the mind with the thoughts and the will of God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marianne-williamson/the-purpose-of-prayer-is-the-alignment-of-the-mind-with-the-thoughts/) [Marianne Williamson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marianne-williamson/) > [The great enemy of freedom is the alignment of political power with wealth. This alignment destroys the commonwealth - that is, the natural wealth…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wendell-berry/the-great-enemy-of-freedom-is-the-alignment-of-political-power-with/) [Wendell Berry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wendell-berry/) > [Who you really are is Non-Physical Energy focused in a physical body, knowing full well that all is well and always has been, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/esther-hicks/who-you-really-are-is-non-physical-energy-focused-in-a-physical-body/) [Esther Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/esther-hicks/) > [Consistent alignment of capabilities and internal processes with the customer value proposition is the core of any strategy execution.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-s-kaplan/consistent-alignment-of-capabilities-and-internal-processes-with-the/) [Robert S. Kaplan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-s-kaplan/) [Browse all 200 Alignment quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/alignment/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "If a brand genuinely wants to make a social contribution, it should start with who they are, not what they do. 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