How Do You Give Back?
“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”
~ Sherry Anderson
As a business owner, how do you give back? As the leader of a company, you know the value community service can have for your organization. As a person, you know that nothing beats the feeling of having made your community a better place to live. The problem many business owners face is how to give back. Tight budgets often mean we can’t be as generous as we’d like.
The first step is the same as it is for any other aspect of your business. Make a plan. How much time and money can you afford? What are the greatest needs of your local community? Which charitable organizations would make good partners? What types of community activities do you feel strongest about? Your plan could be an elaborate, multi-pronged media campaign or it could be something as simple as reducing the amount of paper your company goes through, which saves money and the environment at the same time.
Whatever you choose, make a plan for it.
One of the easiest ways to contribute to the community is to buy from and cross-promote other local businesses. It’s a win-win situation for the community. This type of collaboration can lead to all sorts of marketing opportunities, making it a win-win for you as well.
Cross-promotion works great for charities too. Put a Red Cross or Special Olympics (or whatever your cause of choice) logo on your website, along with a link to donate. Put out a collection jar if you operate a brick-and-mortar store. It’s one of the easiest bits of community service you’ll ever do.
Another easy way is to give the community… well, you. It’s been said in other business articles, and it bears repeating here, that you are the most valuable resource your business has. You’re a unique person with unique skills and a great story. Share that story. Share those skills and unique experiences. Consider teaching a class at the local community center or visiting the local schools. You never know who you might inspire.
Whatever way you choose to give back, you’re making a difference in the community. Even small contributions add up over time. In 2015, the Corporation for National and Community Service estimated that about 63 million Americans, or nearly a quarter of the adult population, put in a collective 7.8 billion hours of volunteer service each year, a value of nearly $184 billion. Of course, numbers alone don’t truly quantify the value of volunteers. They make our communities stronger, lift millions up and are the backbone of many institutions our country relies on.
No wonder they’re priceless.