5 ways small businesses can make a difference and boost their image
Small business owners benefit from positioning themselves as part of the community in which they operate. If you are a small business owner, you have an opportunity every time you give to the community to help present yourself well. Small businesses that give back gain not only the good feeling of helping others, but further ingrain themselves in the fabric of the city or town.
Your way of giving back need not be huge or financially burdensome; you can help those around you in many ways. Below are five relatively easy ways for businesses that give back to set themselves apart.
Sponsor a Local Team
If your town has little league, youth soccer, pee wee football, or any other sports league, sponsoring a team can create great name recognition for you. If you or some of your employees take time to meet with the team and parents, it can go even further toward helping you connect. It feels good, provides an opportunity for fun for you and local kids, and puts you out there for your potential customers.
Lead a Charity Drive
Sometimes tragedy strikes a community, whether through an auto accident or a weather event. In times of hardship, people have an opportunity to come together and rise above. Businesses that give back by helping those in need lift everyone up around them. You can use a collection jar or a broad, organized effort to raise funds, collect goods, or anything else those affected may need. Show that you care about the community, and connect on a powerful, human level.
Partner with Other Businesses
Does your business offer goods or services that complement those someone else provides? One way to help others in the community is to partner with other small businesses, whether in a fair or activity or just as a mutual marketing exercise. Businesses that give back by helping their fellow small business owners can not only lift other entrepreneurs, but also help community members learn of other opportunities in their own town.
Hold a Contest
A contest can be a great way to boost your community. This often involves giving something away that represents you well: food items, service appointments, or anything else that you sell in the ordinary course of business. Be careful to check local and state laws about how you can legally run a contest. But when you run it, you show your fun side while also helping people understand who you are.
Volunteer
Often the most valuable thing you can offer your community is time. Whether you offer services directly related to what you do or volunteer with charities that you care about, this is a simple, powerful way for you to help those around you. You can design shirts and make it a team exercise, or just announce your participation and seek others in the community to join in. It will help you feel good, help others, and boost your image in the community.
Businesses that give back to the community that supports them can make a real difference in the lives of others. In the process, you can raise your profile and build your customer base.
Equal Housing Lender