Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. One way to strengthen your business enterprise, is to strengthen its ties with the community. You can do this in numerous ways. The following contributed post is therefore entitled, Give Back and Gain Loyalty: How to Get Your Small Involved in the Local.
* * *
It is common sense to all that small businesses are the economic backbone of our local communities. These small businesses from local accountants, florists, and coffee shops will create new jobs for the community, as well provide the services that the community needs. Many like to shop local to support, so there is still a need for these kinds of businesses. Small businesses play a large role in the country too, with it being reported that over half of citizens work for or own a small business. But as a small business owner, you can really make the most of the community where your business is placed; giving back can boost your business as you gain loyal fans and customers.
If you want to get your small business involved with the local community, then what are the best ways to do just that? Here are some ideas and tips to help. It is a practice that is definitely worth it.
• Local Expertise
If you are known in the community for your skills, whether that be an account or a hairdresser, then people will come to you with their questions (like tax advice or hairstyles). So being able to establish yourself as a local expert can really be a good idea. Get involved with local groups on www.Facebook.com, go to community events, write for local newspapers or media, and show your expertise in those ways.
• Support Charity
If there are some local charities that are doing great things or that are a cause close to your heart, then why not get involved and support them? It could be something as simple as donating a certain percentage of profits to the organization, or helping to arrange events or fundraisers for the charity. It gets your business name out there and show you’re doing good, as well as those local people within the charity knowing all that you do, and then being more likely to come for you when they need the services of your business.
• Sports Teams
From children’s soccer teams to high school football, sports in the local areas is what helps bring people together. If your business is able to be a part of that, then it can only be a good thing. Think about sponsorship for a sports team perhaps or donating things for where they play, such as display bricks from www.brickmarkers.com, for example. Getting involved in the best way that you see fit can help to expose your business to local people on a regular basis.
• Local Schools
No doubt there is some kind of school in your local community, whether that be a nursery school to a high school. They will always be looking for help with things, as well as donations to fundraisers. If you are a local builder or decorator, for example, you could help the school with a project to clear up the play area or painting the walls. Being seen out there doing good in their local community is such a great thing for a small business to be doing.
