The Added Edge is one of the inspiring companies featured in Susan Hyatt’s book, Strategy for Good.

The Added Edge is engaged in human resources, marketing, and sales consulting, as well as catalytic coaching, an innovative twist on performance evaluation. The firm’s unique win-win consulting services are derived from more than 25 years of combined experience in communications, human resources, marketing, sales, and coaching.

Working to make a difference for businesses in various stages of growth, the firm has successfully delivered solutions and services to a variety of industries nationwide. The company’s experience includes consulting at numerous large companies as well as many mid-sized and small organizations.

The founder’s “Investment in Community” program is based on the philosophy that “we all have to take responsibility for giving back to our communities,” explains Leslie Sheridan. The program was set up to support local nonprofits selected based on local needs and their continued commitment to their stated missions. As part of each new client contract, The Added Edge asks the client to select an approved nonprofit to receive 5 percent of the company’s fee. For instance, if an organization hires The Added Edge for $20,000, the selected nonprofit gets $1,000. The donation is given on behalf of the organization that hired The Added Edge in their name, on letterhead from The Added Edge. To be considered for participation in this innovative give-back program, a nonprofit must agree to recognize each client donor with a thank-you note. Nonprofits that fail to meet this condition are removed from future consideration for support from The Added Edge’s client pool.

Nonprofits are also encouraged to support The Added Edge by spreading the word to their constituents/supporters, knowing that if they use The Added Edge, the non-profit they support will benefit. The biggest benefits of community involvement for The Added Edge have been the intrinsic reward which comes from giving, the satisfaction in making a difference in one’s community, and building the firm’s reputation in the community.

Leslie Sheridan of The Added Edge, a California company engaged in human resources, marketing and sales consulting and catalytic coaching is an inspiring small business owner– proving you don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to support your community. Leslie has set up her company’s give back program to support local nonprofits selected based on her personal interests and local needs. As part of a new contract, each client is allowed to select an approved nonprofit to receive 5% of the total. Hire The Added Edge for $20,000 and a nonprofit gets $1000; the donation is attributed to the client–not The Added Edge. To be considered for participation in this innovative give back program, a nonprofit must agree to recognize each client donor with a thank you note. Don’t send one and your nonprofit is no longer welcome in this program. Nonprofits are also encouraged to support The Added Edge by spreading the word with their clients. Leslie says the biggest benefits for her company have been reputational. Join Leslie in sending a strong message to your clients about your corporate values.