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Businesses spend their time and resources on all sorts of things, whether it’s marketing, sales, customers, or their own employees. Getting involved in the community, however, is often overlooked. By focusing your business as part of the community, you can boost all of the components of your company.

Not only is it great for involvement, but it’s a fantastic marketing tactic and builds loyalty with customers. Let’s look at how to make your business part of the community with these strategies.

Double Down on Your Local Area

The biggest companies in America are often heavily involved with collaboration in the community. Usually companies at a larger scale team up with national organizations that could have worldwide effects. Just look at how Starbucks joined together with United Way as they target underserved areas in the country. For the smaller companies out there, it’s much easier to focus on your local area.

Doubling down on your local area is highly accessible and you establish a strong presence. Don’t know where to start looking? Search for local churches, fairs, and even sports leagues nearby. Offer sponsorships or partnerships which will really get your business brand out there.
Double Down on the Community
Get Employees Involved

Making your business active in the community is beneficial for everybody. It even makes your company more attractive for new employees. Studies show that 89% of employees think organizations that sponsor volunteer activities offer a better working environment. Providing volunteer opportunities boost employee morale and improves engagement overall.

Encourage your employees to get involved with volunteer work. Start a volunteering program where you find out what the community needs are. Afterwards, poll your employees and figure out what they are interested in. The focus of your program should also align with the values and vision of your company. For a final tip, let executives lead the charge when volunteering. More employees will be motivated if they see their leadership getting involved, too.
Get Employees Involved in the Community
Adjust Your Budget Towards Community
If you have the financial resources available for non profit organizations within the community, map out a plan. It’s a great idea to allocate a budget every year towards your salespeople (or any employees) interested in giving back. Employees often have fantastic ideas and have unique passions. Maybe it’s an animal shelter, local music theatre, or a youth baseball team. Everybody has ideas, but they need the right resources before action is taken.

Once you gauge employees interest and figure out where they would like to contribute, distribute the capital. This gives employees freedom to support causes that they care deeply about. You may be surprised how many places in your community actually want your help.

Partner With Other Business Owners
You might be able to find some other businesses with a walk down the street or even right next door. Partnering up with other business owners is productive. With the right business partner, you can exchange products or services or simply cross-promote with each other. You don’t know how many more customers you could reach until you take action. How many potential customers in your local area still don’t know much about your business?
It’s also easy putting on joint events where both companies create a buzz and drive traffic. Both companies could share marketing costs, fees, and take on problems together. It’s common for partnerships to co-sponsor fundraising events and collect donations for a good cause. It’s a wonderful way to build connections with local people in the area while contributing to the community.
Partner with other business owners
Offer teaching opportunities
Pro Bono Services
Even if your business doesn’t have an abundance of extra money to spend, there are still ways you can contribute. Give back to the community by offering training or services at no charge. While each of your employees are skilled, they can volunteer by sharing their expertise with others.

Offer the opportunity to employees where they can visit organizations of their choice. Workshops are an easy event to put on for almost any organization. Your business could even sponsor a workshop, which is a plus for brand awareness. Support the causes that your employees believe in and let them shine their knowledge on others who seek it.

Offer teaching opportunities
Company Fun Events

Becoming part of the community doesn’t always have to be about charity or volunteer work. Gather groups of employees for some company fun, too. Schedule some activities in the local area. If your business could cover some registration fees or equipment costs, it would make the deal even sweeter. Not only are company outings enjoyable, they’re a terrific opportunity to put your name out there with commemorative collectibles like customized apparel and reusable drinkware.

Search for local bicycle marathons, 5K races, dragon boat racing, or other team building events. Most events in your local area support charity as well. That means if you have a high employee participation rate, your company will be an awesome contributor for the community. We also can’t forget the fact that team building activities improve employee morale. It’s a win-win situation by encouraging interactions during a fun activity.
You Can’t Lose When You’re Part of the Community
Engaging with your community allows your business to reap the benefits. You can meet more clients, potential partners, and build your brand awareness. The point of contributing towards your community is to make the most out of your relationships and support great causes. Besides all of these wonderful benefits, your company will have a deeper culture and your employees will feel more important because of it. You can’t lose when you are part of the community because it changes your perspective and spreads more positivity in the world.

Drew Thomas

Drew Thomas is a graduate of Georgia College & State University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in English Literature. He is an expert in brand marketing and has experience in freelance writing on topics ranging from sports to music reviews. He has also spent time as an editor, having revised website copy and press releases for local businesses. In his free time, Drew enjoys performing music, reading, hiking, and spending time with friends.

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