Lending a hand to help someone else always feels great. But while that warm, fuzzy feeling isn’t always on your mind when you’re juggling the daily demands of your small business, it should be. A community involvement strategy helps more than just the beneficiary of your good deed – it helps your employees feel more fulfilled and can ultimately help your business maintain a solid, sustainable position in your community.
Here are just three ways that paying it forward pays:
Stronger Community Relationships = Huge Benefits
Whether you sponsor a fundraiser or encourage your team to volunteer with an organization they’re passionate about, view these good deeds as an investment in your company, as well as your community.
Consider the ways you can have the greatest impact in your community. Education, poverty and health & wellness initiatives are popular issues for many companies. Consider picking an initiative that supports your brand and the values of your team.
As you become known in your community as a company that cares, you may find that your customer base and referral network grows alongside your reputation. In such an impersonal world, it’s refreshing to work with a company that wears its heart on its sleeve.
Improved Employee Recruitment & Retention
According to the 2016 Cone Communications Employee Engagement Study, 74 percent of employees consider their jobs to be more fulfilling when they can impact social and environmental issues while at work. Additionally, 70 percent of employees say they are more likely to be loyal to an employer that helps them get involved and give back – and those who volunteer tend to work harder and generally perform better, which ultimately translates to higher quality, increased sales and more satisfied customers.
To facilitate greater community involvement, let employees volunteer or fulfill board responsibilities during the workday. Or plan a company-wide community service day during the week. Your community won’t be the only beneficiary of this good deed – your employees will get their endorphins going, and they’ll also feel a sense of camaraderie while working alongside the rest of their team.
Built-In Marketing & Social Engagement
Your employees are the best brand ambassadors you have. In fact, Cone Communications found that more than 50 percent of employees say they would share their own photos, videos and experiences on social media. That translates to excellent exposure for your business.
Be sure to brag about your efforts in your newsletter and other customer communications, too. You might be surprised how many customers notice and appreciate your efforts.
By Maribeth Wright, CPA (Retired)
Want to learn more about how corporate caring can improve your business?
Listen to episode 35 of unsuitable on Rea Radio: “enjoying the journey – how to achieve a better work-life balance.”