Most businesses start out small, relying on an initial base of local customers before acquiring the means to expand. Rather than sitting back and letting your sales reps and advertisers do all the work, consider taking matters into your own hands by reaching out to your community. Few things in the world can inspire customer loyalty like the feeling that one is dealing with a business or individual who is genuinely dedicated to the well-being of his or her home town.
Of course, membership in the Chamber of Commerce is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to start out. While this step may be a natural one from a business standpoint, the opportunities to do real public work can be limited. If you want to demonstrate to your existing clients and well as your potential clients that you are as down-to-Earth and legitimate as they, consider volunteering at a local charity or non-profit organization.
Every town is full of such civil organizations, including everything from church fundraisers to community clean-up projects and educational assistance programs. Rather than sitting back and sending a faceless check every quarter (although donations are certainly appreciated in most cases), don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. Many civil and charity organization need individual who are willing to dedicate their time and energy to improving the quality of life in their community.
Aside from the personal feeling of accomplishment you can receive from such selfless acts, the good work you do on behalf of your community will reflect on your business. Rather than a cold, impersonal building with an anonymous owner, your fellow citizens will see the real, human face of your company, and have a greater appreciation for the work that you do to keep it up and running. Applying the same effort and dedication to your public service that you apply to your private business can have a huge impact on the way people will view your business. Local citizens will be more inclined to patronize your business because of your good works, and your reputation can quickly spread outside of your community, allowing you to expand your company and pay it forward on an even larger degree.
Marketing your business through community service can have some unexpected benefits. In the event that your business suffers as the result of some disaster, be if fire, flood or criminal, the response by the public will be stronger as your community will be more inclined to come to your aid. In the same regard, offering both financial and personal assistance to other business owners can earn you serious bonuses to your reputation. Kindness repays kindness and such a disaster to a small business can be a death blow. As your business grows and your opportunities increase, never forget how you started. As long as you continue to show loyalty to the community that supported you in the beginning, they will continue to return as loyal, dedicated customers.
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Written by Lawrence Reaves for Monster Displays - http://www.monsterdisplays.com/ They will help you get the display, accessory, or graphic that's right for you and your marketing message. We are not happy unless we know you are completely satisfied from design concept to delivery!
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