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I spoke to a new business owner today. Two months ago, Joan
launched her meeting planning company. Two weeks into her new
business, she signed her first contract with her first client. To get that
client, she called the four organizations with whom she had volunteered.
This is a great example of how involvement in your community can
result in business.
As a speaker, I set aside one or two days a month for donated speeches
to community groups. Once, I gave a speech to a high school class of at-
risk teenagers. In the room was a school volunteer from a major
corporation.
Soon, I had a contract to speak at her company.
Part of strategic marketing is using non-traditional marketing vehicles,
and finding ways to build your sphere of influence without having to
send out a mailing or pass out your brochures. Community involvement
is a valuable marketing opportunity that is often overlooked. While you
are giving back to the community, you also feed your soul, participate in
a great opportunity for personal growth, have a lot of fun, and meet
people it can be good for your bottom line as well. People like to do
business with companies that care about their communities. This
creates a good feeling about you and about your business.
Many community service based organizations are looking for small and
large companies to get involved. Habitat for Humanity, The Red Cross,
The Salvation Army all want you.
To be strategic about the time you spend volunteering, identify what you
think your clients care about or ask yourself if there is a niche market
you would like to be more involved with that could use some help. Set
aside a portion of your time or your money to community involvement.
Use Your Store Front
If you have retail space, you have an unique advantage. Put a box by
the cash register to collect quarters for your favorite cause. You can
collect clothes or canned goods, or donate all or a portion of your
window display space to a group for a certain period of time to promote
their cause.
Support Your Local Schools
Elementary and high schools in your area need old computers, paper,
and other supplies, as well as volunteers, guest speakers and a whole
lot more. Contact the school volunteer association in your area and and
find out how you can help.
Door Prizes
You may be asked to donate your products or services. Decide ahead of
time how often you want to donate and what makes it worthwhile for you.
Make sure all the requests you accept meet this criteria before you say
yes.
Special Discounts to Members
Extend a discount to members of the community organizations you want
to support. This will get you exposure as well as new customers.
Intern and Apprenticeship Programs
Many youth and job training organizations have intern and
apprenticeship programs that are always looking for workplace
experience for participants. Find out how you can help.
Check With Your Accountant
You can get a tax break for your donations. Have a chat with your
accountant to identify the best way to make the most financially of your
contributions.
Take The Lead
Organize an effort to plant trees, or hold a blood drive or refurbish a
building. You can do this through one of the professional organizations
of which you are a member.
There are no shortage of possible projects you could undertake to uplift
your community while uplifting yourself and your business at the same
time. Start today to involve your business in your community and both
will benefit.
Caterina Rando, MA, MCC coaches entrepreneurs and direct sellers to be innovative in their thinking and action in order to succeed with ease. She is a sought after speaker, master certified coach and author of the national best-seller Learn to Power Think. Caterina is also the Success Center Director for the Direct Selling WomenÂ’s Alliance and contributing author to the soon to be released book Build it Big-101 Secrets of Top Direct Selling Experts. Caterina can be reached by email at cpr@caterinar.com. Visit her website at http://www.caterinar.com for personal and business success articles and a beautiful, colorful downloadable daily inspiration card.
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