(This is a contributed post)
Why do you do what you do? Is it because you want to make a positive difference in other people’s lives? Is it because you want to introduce new people to something you feel very passionate about? Is it so that you can use your skills and expertise to push your industry forward? Is it a combination of all of these things? Whatever your rationale for going into business for yourself, it’s essential to remember that your business doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Whether you’re designing bespoke software solutions for other SMEs or serving them their soy latte and croissant in the morning, we have both a privilege and an obligation to work collaboratively with our customers and clients to create mutually beneficial outcomes. But who’s to say that only you and your clientele should be the beneficiaries of your business? Why shouldn’t your business do more to become more deeply ingrained in its community and raise its profile and off page SEO while doing good, strengthening community links and establishing you as an expert in your field.
Sound good? Thought so!
Here are just some of the ways in which you and your business can become more involved in your local community…
Participate in community events
It’s a wonderful thing when people band together from all walks of life to do good, effect positive change or simply create a stronger sense of communal cohesion. Festivals and parades are not only great ways to get to know your neighbours, they’re great business networking opportunities that allow for great brand exposure. Ask the organizers if you’ll be able to throw up some signs here and there from https://www.vividads.com.au/products/corflute-corrugated-plastic-signs incorporating your branding in support of the events. Or if you can set up a stall and give out branded products to attendees. Remember that everyone loves free stuff and every time they look at the mug in the cupboard, the baseball cap in the wardrobe or the pen on their desk, they’ll think of your brand.
Donate to local causes
Cause advocacy is a powerful tool. Not only can it enable your business to do some good inside your community and beyond, it also demonstrates that your business has an ethical focus. In today’s increasingly enlightened times, consumers are more alert than ever to the difference they can make with their buying choices, and most of them will pay a little more to use a business with an ethical focus rather than one that doesn’t. Doing good while boosting your brand reputation? It doesn’t get much better than that.
Participate in speaking events
Are you a born leader? Do you love seeing light bulbs ignite over the heads of others when you deliver rousing motivational speeches to your employees? Participating in a local speaking event could be a great opportunity both for you and your business. Not only will you establish yourself as a knowledgeable expert, you’ll also add a level of personal dimension to your brand. If people like and respect you, they’re far more likely to use your business.Wherever you are and whatever you do, you need a seriously good reason not to strengthen your community links.