Modern Marketing: ways to get your business involved in the community
We can all agree no one is an island and hence no business exists in isolation. Even if your business is virtual and operates on the internet, it is still part of the greater community. No matter where you live, you pay for electricity, water and other utilities connected to a particular place. We are all part of a community and getting involved with it is very important. There are many activities that you can do to benefit your community and business.
For most local businesses, the community is a significant component of their success. Retailers and restaurants have an attachment to the place they operate and the consumers they reach. Below, we will discuss 10 ways your business can get involved in your local community.
Teach a class
Almost all business owners have a subject they exhibit a certain amount of expertise in. This may include a myriad of topics from programming a spreadsheet application to managing staff. You might find people who would like to learn the skills you have.
Contact your local library, community center or school and offer a free or cost-effective class. The class may introduce your business services to the community and offer a networking opportunity to build relationships or even hire a few prospects. This is an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap between skill and talent that may be underutilized in your community.
Sponsor an event
Events are exciting; they help build and create a positive image of your business in the public consciousness. Almost any business can offer an interesting experience that will interest the community around them.
So, get involved in an activity that is related to your business. For example, if you own a hotel, you can rent the community hall complete with free food for a minimal price and help build a relationship between your business and the community at large.
Join a parade
During holidays or festivals, many towns hold community-wide ceremonies. Build a float and join that parade. Having a float will be enjoyable for your team, and many people in the city will get to watch your mobile advertisement. From this, you will gain quite many potential clients who are interested in your services.
Give a tour
This may not work for CPA or insurance firms, but most businesses have something unique that they can provide to the world. Have public tours that will make the community more interested in what you do and why you do it. These tours can even involve school field trips for students in primary or secondary school.
For students, every excuse to be out of class is an opportunity to have fun. Students will not only get to know what your business does but they will also learn that you have a purpose that centers around serving the community they belong to, which is important to building trust and a positive presence.
Hold a contest
Free stuff gets the attention of most people. Hold a contest and offer prizes and other free items. For service businesses, this is an automatic win. You provide one service free and a lot of people are interested in what you offer. Even businesses with an inventory of cash payments can find something on their stock that is not selling. Turn it into an attention grabber like some kind of raffle or giveaway. Be keen to follow and obey all laws during this contest as they can prove to be a detriment to your desired outcome.
Help a charity
Every town has a bevy of charitable organizations that are in need of funds and resources to continue their philanthropic mission. Anybody can donate to leverage the impact you will have during your community involvement. Not to mention the clear benefit of helping disadvantaged people.
Having support with a charity that aligns with your values will draw people who also adopt those beliefs to your business. Customers who share the same moral framework are the best and never disappoint to patron your business and services.
Attend a meeting
Take advantage of the city council meetings in your community. They are likely to discuss something directly or tangentially connected to your business. Not only would showing up be a sign of good citizenship, but it would also publicize your business to the general public.
Most people who attend these meetings are neighbors and community leaders hence very influential. Moreover, they will help you understand your community better as well as spread news about your business and the active role it plays in the local politics of the area.
Adopt roadside signs
Roadside signs are a perfect advertising opportunity. You need maybe one weekend or a month cleaning up your area. From this, you make your community better and build your reputation at the same time. It’s a win-win situation.
Throw a barbecue party
We all love barbecue! Rent some grills, buy some hamburgers and hot dogs and throw a cookout for the community. You will gain great publicity and ingratiate yourself to both past and future customers resulting in a boost in business.
It’s impossible to include all the possibilities that exist for your business to connect with the local community it exists within. Some events will require your time, money, energy and resources. The best thing to do is look at the available opportunities and decide which one best appeals to you to get your business more involved. Finally, execute the plan and wait for results. Get in touch with experts at Mount Bonnell Advisors for more tips on how to get your business involved in the community.
