One of the things people are often surprised to learn about me is how much time I spend cooking—not just for myself or my family, but for others. Over the years, I’ve made meals, packed grocery bags, and donated clothes to people in independent living facilities who reached out for help. It’s not something I do for recognition. It’s something I do because it feels right. And, unexpectedly, it’s also something that’s deeply shaped how I approach my work in healthcare marketing.
We don’t always realize how much our personal values carry over into our professional lives. For me, acts of service—especially around food—aren’t just about kindness. They’re about building trust, strengthening relationships, and showing up for people in meaningful ways. In both my personal and professional life, giving back has become a powerful part of who I am and how I work.
It Started with One Meal
The first time I dropped off a few homemade meals at a small facility in my community, I wasn’t thinking about my brand or career. I just knew they needed help, and I had the time and ability to offer it. I grew up in the Philippines, where food is a language of care. Cooking for someone is one of the most personal ways we can show support. That lesson stuck with me.
What I didn’t expect was how much this one small gesture would deepen the relationships I had in my professional network. Word spread. I started hearing from other facilities who had needs—sometimes for food, sometimes for clothes or basic hygiene items. These weren’t formal partnerships. They were just people reaching out and me responding when I could.
What I realized is this: people remember how you make them feel, and when you show up consistently—not just in business, but as a human being—it builds a foundation of trust you can’t manufacture through marketing materials.
Acts of Service Build Authentic Relationships
In my work, I help families navigate some of the most stressful moments of their lives. They’re trying to make the best decisions for someone they love. And in those moments, people want to work with someone they feel connected to—someone who doesn’t just see them as another referral, but truly cares.
When I talk with families or care providers, I don’t always bring up the community work I do. But it often comes up naturally—through conversations or mutual contacts. When people hear that I’ve donated meals or supported a struggling facility, it adds a layer of credibility and sincerity to everything else I do. They know I’m not just here to “make a placement.” I’m here to help in a real, human way.
That kind of reputation can’t be bought. It has to be earned, and acts of service are one of the best ways to earn it.
Why Food Matters So Much
There’s something deeply comforting about food. It brings people together, even in difficult times. When I drop off a warm meal or a bag of groceries, I’m not just feeding someone—I’m saying, “You matter. I see you.” That message is just as important in healthcare as it is in community work.
Healthcare can be impersonal. There are systems, paperwork, waitlists. But behind every form is a person, and behind every placement is a family hoping for peace of mind. When we approach our work with the same care we bring into our kitchens—taking our time, paying attention to detail, and thinking about the person on the receiving end—it transforms the entire experience.
Service Is the Best Marketing
People often ask me how I’ve grown my network or built strong relationships in such a competitive field. My answer is simple: be generous without expecting anything in return. Over time, that generosity circles back. Not always in the ways you expect, but often in ways that are even more meaningful.
When people trust you, they refer others to you. When facilities feel supported, they’re more open to collaboration. And when families know you’re genuine, they come to you again and again—not just for your services, but for your heart.
I didn’t build my reputation on a marketing campaign. I built it one conversation, one follow-up, one act of service at a time. That’s the kind of brand that lasts—because it’s rooted in something real.
Keeping It Real and Sustainable
Of course, I can’t help everyone all the time. There are days when I’m stretched thin, and I’ve had to learn to balance giving to others with taking care of myself. But even small acts—dropping off a few extra meals, sharing resources, or making a quick check-in call—can have a big impact.
The key is to stay consistent and to let your personal values guide your professional decisions. For me, that means staying grounded in service, whether I’m making a referral or a pot of adobo.
When I look back at the most meaningful parts of my career, they’re almost always connected to moments of service. Not just the “big wins” or smooth placements, but the times I got to show up for someone who needed support—whether through my work or my cooking.
If you’re in a caring profession—especially healthcare—never underestimate the power of doing something small for someone else. Your brand isn’t just your website or your logo. It’s your actions, your follow-through, and how you treat people when no one’s watching.
Sometimes the strongest thing you can do for your business is cook a meal, give it freely, and let your heart lead the way.