Community Involvement Can Help Boost Business
With the holiday season approaching, it’s the perfect time of year to get involved in the community. Not only does the holiday season mark the “Season of Giving,” community involvement is beneficial year-round.
Whether you volunteer at a food shelter or host an event, here are some ways how getting involved in your community can help boost your business during the holiday season and year-round.
Happier and Loyal Customers
Think about your own habits as a consumer. Are you more likely to buy from a business that gives back to the community? Social responsibility isn’t everyone’s passion or concern, but research suggests that over 80 percent of U.S. consumers say that they are more likely to support a business that is “socially responsible.”
Getting involved in your community not only makes you more visible to potential and new customers and clients, but they will see firsthand that you are a socially responsible company. Your customers are more likely to feel happier with choosing you and may become a “regular.”
Improve Employee Morale
Some companies fail to recognize the connection of productivity with happy employees. While some days at work are stressful and full of errors, your employees are likely to be more productive when happier with the company as a whole.
There are several ways to boost employee morale, but one way is to get involved in the community. Similarly to consumers preferring to support socially responsible businesses, research shows that employees prefer to work for a company that gives back and is involved in the community.
Giving Back Is Good For Your Health
Some businesses only get involved in the community so that they are more “visible” in the community. The initial intentions may be good, but it’s not a sustaining reason to get involved.
Volunteering and getting involved in your community not only can make you happier, but it may improve your health, as well as your confidence. Healthier and happier employees mean fewer work-related illnesses and confidence benefits everyone. You might just become a better business owner overall when you take time to think about others.
Make Connections
Community involvement is the perfect opportunity to make connections with other business owners and community members. Remember, your involvement should not just be about improving your brand’s visibility or as a marketing campaign.
Building strong, healthy, and trusting relationships with others in your community can benefit everyone, not just you and your business. There may be a time when you or your company could use help or support, and if you have created strong relationships in your community, you might find an outpouring of support when you need it the most.
Another reason to get involved with your community is just to be more social with people in your community. It’s easy to deal with customers on the phone, over email, and even through social media, but if you make yourself physically present, it’s a great opportunity to ask about feedback and let your customer base feel heard.
