It's certainly been a crazy week in the world. Who ever thought that something that we can't see, can't feel or can't hear could cause so much mayhem to world travel? It took a long time before the effects of Iceland's unpronounceable volcano wore off and before everyone got back home.

Looking through the newspapers last week and listening to the radio reports, in the midst of all the doom and gloom were stories of extraordinary humanity, stories of people helping their fellow man; stories that would bring a tear to your eye! I often think that times like this bring out the best in people who dig a little bit deeper to ease the burden of others.

Apart from householders near airports putting up weary travelers for the night, I also read about the telephone companies that were waiving the cost of text messaging if you were stuck overseas, the theme parks in US cities offering free admission to anyone with a flight ticket and the hotels that offered discounted rooms to those stuck without a bed because of the chaos.

Before you say it, I know there are still businesses that think an event like this is a reason to price gouge and rip-off the most vulnerable and needy, but I won't waste any more time on them.

Instead I want to ask you to look at how your business responded and how you could respond to a local, national or international incident in the future in a way that could help out those who need it while ethically growing your business.

Here are a few examples that I can think of off the top of my head:

1. Free Erupting Volcano cocktail to anyone stranded and producing flight tickets. Just add some dry ice to a red or orange drink for a great lava and ash effect. Of course, you'll be charging a regular price and promoting heavily to your other customers!
2. In the event of a flood, use a canoe or a boat to row a tray of drinks around the street to cheer people up! Of course, you'll be flying a flag with the bar's name on it while you do it. A website address or telephone number wouldn't hurt either.
3. Run a Pub Quiz to help the sufferers of an earthquake or other natural disaster around the world. You'll find everything you need to run a Pub Quiz here too: http://www.pubquizpro.com/public/165.cfm?affID=barblogger
4. Offer half off your regular price menu between 6pm and 7pm to help those short on cash if they're stranded in your area. Those with cash might stay and drink at the full price!

There are lots of creative ways to grow your business, even at a time like this. Don't think of it as taking advantage of people, but rather finding a way to help them out while growing your own business with integrity. No-one will argue with that.