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A lot goes into succeeding in business, from providing valuable products or services to a proper approach to management. For small business owners, there's a critical step to success you may be forgetting that can give you a big advantage: being a good citizen.
Being a good citizen as a business means being an integral, involved part of the community.
Devoting energy to supporting those around you can be valuable to them – and to you as a business owner and to your employees and customers. By investing time and money into building a presence in your local community, and by taking initiatives to help the community at large, you imbue your business with goodwill. And that’s an asset that can be valuable.
Here are three potential benefits of good business citizenship:
Being a good citizen as a business means being an integral, involved part of the community.
Devoting energy to supporting those around you can be valuable to them – and to you as a business owner and to your employees and customers. By investing time and money into building a presence in your local community, and by taking initiatives to help the community at large, you imbue your business with goodwill. And that’s an asset that can be valuable.
Here are three potential benefits of good business citizenship:
- Increased brand awareness: The more you do in your community, the more recognizable your company will become. That makes it more likely local shoppers will think of you when on the hunt for products or services you offer.
- Improved reputation: When you support the greater good, you improve your reputation among area residents. Charitable work can significantly improve public perception, establishing you as a trusted community resource.
- A better environment: When you support your community with valuable resources, you help to strengthen the economy and provide a better atmosphere in which to do business.
Being an active member of the community certainly can involve making monetary donations to area charities or nonprofit organizations. But you also can do to support your neighbors in other ways:
- Sponsor a sports team: For a cost of around $10,000 or less per year, sponsoring a sports team allows you to put your name in the spotlight while providing children or adults with an opportunity for fun and fitness. Parents, fans, and even members of opposing teams will see your name and logo on a regular basis. This can help to expand your reach and establish your reputation as a company that cares about kids in the community.
- Sponsor local events: Even small towns hold charity events, such as 5K fun runs and festivals. Instead of merely showing up as a guest, consider offering financial support as well. Sponsorship will get your name advertised at the event itself, on event websites, and on publications and flyers. Sponsoring an event can also help align your business with causes you care about, highlighting your priorities to your customer base.
- Participate in holiday charity events: During the holiday season, local charities sponsor food, toy gift, and coat drives. You can offer your employees the chance to volunteer as a team. Pick a cause that matters, recruit team members to participate, and hit the front lines in a company logo tee shirt. This shows that your company cares about providing hands-on help.
- Show your community spirit: Small businesses often need the support of community members in the early days of operations. Help goes both ways. When you commit yourself to staying active in the local economy, your neighbors – and your customers – can thank you with their feedback and their business.
No matter the avenue you choose, being an involved member of your town or city – as a good business citizen – offers a major advantage that can boost your business.
