More and more businesses today are involving themselves in community outreach programs that benefit a wide range of social causes. Encouraging social and community involvement can distinguish your company from the competitors and reward you with happier employees and loyal customers. A large number of customers today prefer to associate themselves with brands and companies that take active social responsibility as a corporate organisation.
Customers want to know that you are making the world around you a better place and to achieve that, you need not run a philanthropic organisation but instead carry out a few charitable causes that make a positive impact. So what considerations should you make when involving yourself in community outreach programs? Here are 4 major factors.
Build lasting community relationships
Start by studying your community and determine what it lacks. Can it perform better with better schools, garbage cans, animal shelters, or green space? Find a cause that will actually better the environment in the community and improve the lives of the residents. Your contribution can be as simple as funding a class trip to building public toilets, any service that can improve the standard of living in your community. You could also announce that a section of your income or profits will be directed to a charity of your choice. As much as possible, stray away from the clichéd and find a cause that makes you stand apart.
Get your employees excited
Community involvement is a great way to bring your employees together for a single cause. It boosts morals, builds an inspired and collaborative team and gives them a platform to give back. Even with a contribution of just a few hours every week, you can encourage your employees to become a solid team. Instead of organizing weekend drinks or parties, devote your energy and attention to volunteer work. In addition, such collaborative efforts also bring out the leadership qualities in employees that improve performance, job satisfaction, sales and productivity. Allow your employees to take lead and you will notice the same efforts translate into your everyday business operations.
Design your own volunteer plan
As a business owner, you may already be aware of your team’s weaknesses and strengths. Use this knowledge to your advantage to create a volunteer plan that draws upon the strengths. For example, if you run an accounting business, offer pro-bono services surrounding accounting practices, taxes, paperwork etc. If you run a restaurant or bar, sponsor a special meal for economically backward groups. Whether you are running a soup kitchen or free educational seminars, with the right planning, your efforts won’t go to waste.
Tell your customers about your efforts
It is simply not enough to perform volunteer work and let it be if you don’t get the right results. Whether you want your customers to join you on the cause or simply want to educate the masses on a cause special to you, make sure to tell your customers what you’ve been up to! Publish information about your efforts as well as the charities you support to show your customers that you care.
