Finding ways for your local business to stay involved and in the mix will strengthen your community ties, to the benefit of all involved.

Starting in your local area is a great idea because it allows you to connect directly with the market you serve, and builds brand awareness organically, cementing your brand’s reputation for being relevant, responsible and essential.

Here are 4 big ideas for giving back that you can put into motion today:

1. Encourage your team to volunteer.

There are endless opportunities for philanthropy in pretty much any category you can imagine.
Look into charitable opportunities for your team to get involved with and motivate your employees to engage in supporting causes they care about.

You can also dedicate a company-wide day of service to create a bigger, team-based impact!

Projects like planting trees, park and beach cleanups, stocking local food banks, and donating to homeless shelters are thoughtful ways to serve your community that make an immediate difference in peoples’ lives.

2. Support neighboring small businesses.

Prop up other local businesses by buying goods or services from them, leaving them positive reviews, and sharing their links with your online network to promote them.

3. Donate your products or services.

Offer up your time, expertise, or services to a charitable cause or non-profit organization, and if you have extra inventory items, don't let them go to waste!

Local shelters and other organizations are often in need of donations. You could also consider sponsoring a local recreational or sports team – a win-win strategy for sure.

4. Get involved in events.

Donating supplies like water, snacks, or sponsoring the tents for an event is a low-cost way to build brand recognition among locals and visitors to your area.

Also consider hosting potlucks or fundraiser dinners, local performances, block parties, community fairs, and more. This demonstrates you are a brand that thinks beyond day-to-day business and cares about more than customers.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

As fun as getting involved can be, there are also tangible benefits to your business when you make the effort and investment to be a stronger part of your community.

Here are 3 of the biggest reasons to do so:

1. Giving back creates networking opportunities and strengthens customer relationships.

When you show your market that your business is more than just a place to shop for goods, eat, or obtain services, people become interested and invested.

Go the extra mile to show them your brand values in action, pay attention to serving their needs better, and get to know people beyond greeting them at your door or shop counter.

2. Giving back boosts employee morale.

Charitable works elevate your brand, attracting employees that share your company values.

Lead by example and inspire your employees to make a difference in their community through social and environmental outreach initiatives. You’ll all feel more engaged and satisfied as a result.

3. Giving back builds brand recognition.

Your work in the community (outside of work) puts your brand in a positive spotlight around town, and makes a lasting impression that can lead to new interest in your services.

The takeaway:

Giving back is a meaningful way to foster lasting relationships with your local community. Acts of kindness are organic opportunities to connect with your team and your customers – and it’s good for business!

Community involvement introduces networking opportunities, encourages stronger customer relationships, improves morale, boosts brand recognition, and helps people in a real and immediate way.

Taking care of your team’s needs is another way to be of service to your community. That’s why HealthChoice of Michigan is here to support the health of all small businesses and communities in Oakland and Wayne Counties.

We offer affordable Small Business Plans with comprehensive health, dental, and optical benefits through an extensive network of Metro Detroit's most respected physicians and hospitals.

With a flat rate of $240 per month per team member (regardless of age or gender), you can afford the best coverage for your team with minimal out-of-pocket costs.

Get in touch for more information and to start your application!