Social responsibility is a concept that has steadily crept into the areas of personal and business branding. By now you have probably already noticed a handful of high-profile corporations integrating social responsibility into their marketing strategies.
Being involved in social responsibility is a way to do something positive for others, strengthen the brand of your business, create a richer company culture, and produce a clearer sense of purpose and fulfillment. And you don’t have to be a huge corporation to do so. Even a local mom-and-pop business can engage in socially responsible activities to reap the benefits.
Here are three simple ways to implement and promote social responsibility and experience the benefits of doing so:
Sponsor An Event
You don’t need to invest tons of money into something to create a philanthropic image for your business. By getting involved in sponsorship opportunities, you aren’t just advertising your name, you are building a more powerful brand and displaying to the public that you have a vested interest in giving back to the community. Strive to sponsor something in your community at least once a year, whether that is a charity fundraiser, nonprofit music event, or a youth sports league. Sponsoring something gives you the chance to advertise and attract new clients while simultaneously impressing the public with your community involvement.
Recycle And Encourage Recycling
Recycling is one of the easiest ways to make the world a greener place, and it isn’t difficult to encourage others to do so as well. Show the public that you are a small business that prioritizes environmentally-friendly tactics, and make it apparent that your business takes recycling seriously.
You can implement certain measures such as providing customers with reusable totes (if you are a product-based business) and have multiple recycling bins set up throughout your facility to make recycling more convenient for your employees and shoppers. Show the public that you are a small business that not only does social good for people, but the planet. In addition to strengthening your brand as one that upholds the values of eco-friendliness, you will become a more efficient business. You will also give your employees a sense of fulfillment that makes them enjoy being a part of the company culture.
Volunteer And Become Community-Service-Minded
Have your team of employees venture out to various volunteer opportunities in the community. This could be anything from serving hot meals at the local soup kitchen to picking up trash at the local park. Take a look at the volunteer projects occurring in your community and commit to participating in something at least once a month.
By rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty, you show the public that you are invested in the community, and no project is too small or large for your business to be a part of, so long as it is for the betterment of the community. Engaging in volunteer efforts is a way to prove to potential customers that you care about the local region as much as they do, and aren’t just in the business for the money.
