Your Community
If there is one thing I learned over these 50-some years is Gratitude goes a long way, especially in communities. Not only is it important to show gratitude in our personal lives, but as business owners.
More importantly, small business owners. Reciprocating, like gratitude, is also a way to show our appreciation to those who support us. Sometimes reciprocating can go much further than a simple "thank you".
Gratitude Goes a Long Way Even in our Businesses
Think about Small Town USA. Population 249. There is a General Store, Insurance Company, Clothing Store, Gas Station, and Garage for auto maintenance. You're an entrepreneur who has recently opened a handyman business of sorts. You offer carpentry, painting, and plumbing. A very important business to have in any town.
However, you're new in town and not sure how to attract others to your business.
One could start out by insuring your new business at the local insurance company. In return, the insurance company could send referrals to your new business. Gratitude or reciprocating can come in the form of a simple referral.
The small town insurance company is giving back to the community by referring to your small town business instead of one outside of town limits. Your thanks can be in the form of offering new customer discounts for services. You are "giving back" to the community in the form of discounts. Supporting your local community is key!
However, there are also many other ways one can give back to the community.
Three ways to give back to the community as a business owner
When it comes to business, there are some companies out there that don't share gratitude with their communities. Some companies are looking more to turn a profit, versus offering back to the community.
However, the era of the responsible business is here, and there are many ways one can give back to the people who support your business. After all, these people are invariably the ones who use your business the most, so isn't it only fair to share some gratitude?
Let's look at a few ways your business can give back to its community.
Sponsor a local event
As a business owner, you are in a great position to sponsor a local event , and it will help both you and your community. Not only will sponsorship ensure that your brand is more visible throughout your local area (as it usually entails advertising your brand name before and during the event) but it also helps those in your community to fund sports games and other things that are taking place.
This is a great way to ensure that you're giving something back, and you are establishing yourself as an important member of your community, so it's pretty much a win-win situation!
Make sure that your business is people-focused
In the modern age, there are businesses everywhere that don't have much of a purpose and aren't very people-focused. Sure, some businesses have to be like this, but you could make a difference in your community just by starting a company that is focused upon the people around you.
From a business that helps families in your area, which you can get into by doing an online accredited social work degree , to a company that is based upon helping the environment, there are a whole host of things that you can get involved with that have a purpose, so think about this before you start your business.
Buy your products from other local businesses
As a business owner, you will know how difficult it can be sometimes, especially if you are running a small, local company . The best way to keep your head above water, and also help those who are in a similar position to you, is to buy the products that you need from other people in your position.
For example, get your coffee from the local coffee shop instead of going to chains, and if you need any products, try to avoid getting them in from big companies.
This can be difficult and may prove more expensive, but it will help you in the long-run when these people return the favor.
Give to local charities
Giving to local charities can be a huge way to "share the love", especially if you own a business that could benefit the homeless or animal shelters. It could start with donating blankets, gently worn winter coats, clothing and/or shoes to the homeless.
Or donating food, blankets, money, volunteering your time by walking the dogs at a local animal shelter. There are so many ways one could give to charities. You could even run a charity drive and reciprocate by giving back to the less fortunate in your community.
So, if you want to give back to your community, why not try some of these simple ideas? From sponsoring a local event to buying your products from other local businesses. This can also help in getting your brand noticed as a result.
There are plenty of ways to give back, whilst also increasing your profits as a result. Good luck with making your company a huge success by helping your local community!
Are you giving back to your local community where your blog or business is located? I'd love to know more in the comments below!
