As you know, we here at Intrepid are big fans of giving back to your community. Whether this is done as an individual, a family, or a business, it matters not because it is all important.
But, as I've written before, you know I firmly believe that giving back to your community is good marketing for your business too. Not only does it reflect well on you and your brand, and help the community, but the effort also [usually] exposes you to new people in your community - people that might not run in your usual business circles...
But today, I was inspired by this post from Stephanie A. Lloyd, my co-hort with He Said She Said. She wrote about donating clothes and linens to HopeATL, an outfit working to help those who suffered tragically with the recent Atlanta floods. Here is a quick video about their mission:
I am inspired, everyday, by people like Stephanie and by organizations such as HopeATL! I continue to be amazed by what people can do, and what they will do, out of the goodness of their hearts and souls. When I witness people giving back, I categorize them as the best and brightest - and the kind of people who make a community what it is.
But, for a moment, allow yourself to imagine what others will think of you when you "give back" to your community! What do you want people to think about when your name is mentioned? I observe people every day who have achieved great things in business. And many of those have been active in serving their community, and that is how I choose to view these folks. And, those are the kind of people I want to associate with, and do business with.
But I still get challenged with this idea. How do you have the time? I have no idea what cause to help or support. I will help out as soon as I can make enough money to cover the mortgage. Sure, I get it. This might not be for everyone. I've heard every excuse. If you think long enough, you can come up with some reason not to do this. But, as I am discovering every day, it doesn't take a lot of effort on your part to make a difference in someone's life. And to your community.
Still need to be convinced? Want a few more reasons to commit you and your business to a "giving back" strategy? Here are just a few:
- Great PR for you and your business.
- Exposes you to new people, new people that are not in your usual business circles.
- Helps you build community.
- Gives you important things to talk about on social media.
- Great potential blog content!
- Helps dramatically with your company storytelling!
- Strong means to strengthen - and live - your brand.
- Doing so helps you stand out amongst the clutter.
- It will differentiate you from your competition.
- It will give your customers something to talk about.
- The opportunity to use your association with your charity, non-profit, etc. as a way to engage your customers and community, such as hosting events/promotions where percentages of the revenues are donated to a cause.
- Allows you to do some real good for the local community.
- Social media makes it very easy to serve your community - easier than it has ever been.
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? What are ways you have given back to your community?