The relationship between the local community and a company should be beneficial to both parties—the customers help grow the business while the enterprise gives something back in return. Most companies give their communities monetary donations, but this is not the only option.
Small businesses are more charitable than their big counterparts. In fact, data shows small businesses donate 250% more than large corporations. However, each company’s help is beneficial regardless of its size. If you are a business owner looking for ways to give back to your community, this post is for you. Here’s how to go about it.
1. Donate Money or Products
When you help people in need, your company becomes a darling among local consumers. They will want to associate with your brand because it cares about their community—and they will want the collaboration to last long.
You can donate money to orphanages, give scholarships to needy students, buy uniforms for a local sports team, or donate your products to people who need them. The goal is to give something that will improve the lives of the locals.
2. Partner with Local Organizations
Giving back is not always about what you can give. Supporting local businesses is also a way of giving back to the local community. For instance, if you run a grocery, you can stock locally sourced products instead of buying them from another state or nation.
If you run a large company, you can lease business vehicles from a local car dealership to show support for your local community. You can use the vehicles to market your business, deliver products to customers, or transport products from the warehouse to the store. You can use a car lease calculator to determine the monthly payments and total drive-off fees.
3. Take Part in Voluntary Initiatives
Request your employees to participate in voluntary activities that improve the local community. These activities include neighborhood clean-ups, planting trees, donating blood, and serving food and drinks to the less unfortunate. Participating in such initiatives strengthens the relationship between your staff and the local community, helping grow your business.
You earn loyal customers when you do something that shows compassion for others. Let your employees take part in the activities voluntarily and make them understand their benefits.
4. Sponsor Community Events
Pepsi has been sponsoring the Superbowl Halftime Show since 2012. Even though the deal is reportedly ending, it made Pepsi a household name that’s loved and appreciated by customers. Sponsoring local events is an excellent way to support and show solidarity with the local community.
You can sponsor a friendly match between local sports clubs, create a music contest and award the winner, or host a happy weekend social event with food, drinks, and performances by artists.
5. Offer Your Skills For Free
If you are a service provider, you may lack material things to give the locals, but this doesn’t mean you don’t have something valuable to offer the community. Free services are just as good, and most people will remember the one time you helped them save money by offering a free service.
For instance, if you own an HVAC company, you can offer free home repair services to the elderly or the veterans in your community. The locals will see this as a noble cause and hire you in return. Offering free services is also a marketing strategy.