Here are six ways franchise business owners can make a difference locally
As a franchisee, you work hard establishing the business in your community.
In providing quality goods and dependable services, you’re helping people by filling a need, and at the same time, you’re building a customer base that can enhance your financial future.
But being a franchisee or small business owner also provides an opportunity – some would even say a responsibility – to extend a helping hand in many different ways to the community. And it’s worth the extra effort. By giving back, your business can help make a difference in people’s lives. Your altruistic actions will strengthen your business’ ties to the community, and that positive reputation will help your business long-term.
You want your customers to see your business as more than just a place to shop or purchase services.
You want your customers to see your business as more than just a place to shop or purchase services. Going the extra mile to demonstrate your brand’s community values can be a powerful tool. With so many people struggling during this nearly two-year period of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many opportunities to help those in need. And going forward, there are many ways for all companies to go beyond the norm and give back to the community:
Get your employees involved
As a small-business employer, you can encourage your employees to give back as well by offering paid time off for volunteering. Provide a list of local organizations that are looking for help, and include information about special skills those organizations are seeking. Host a company-wide day of service, and do one quarterly. Gather your employees for community service work, such as bringing food to a homeless shelter or local food bank, cleaning up a public space, fixing up a playground or helping build a home, etc.
Donate to non-profit organizations
Look into locally-based organizations where your support could make an immediate impact. Your money can go even further when you offer to match donations your employees make to non-profits. Employees may be more inclined to donate if they know their contribution will be supplemented. Also, why not serve on a non-profit committee? Many are looking for people such as business owners who have good knowledge of finance, marketing, and leadership.
Sponsor an event or community activity
This is a great way to show your support for the community publicly while also gaining exposure for your business. Sports teams, community events, theaters, etc., rely on sponsorships and donations from local businesses.
Create a scholarship
With college as a large expense for many families, your business can help a deserving student in your community fund some of these expenses with a scholarship. Perhaps you could tie the scholarship to your business’ focus.
Hold your own fundraiser
Get creative and have fun to raise funds for a worthy cause or charity while hosting the event at your business or in a public space. The good will that it promotes and money it generates for those in need won’t be forgotten.
Pivot your business
If your company makes or transports physical goods, for instance, you could dedicate a portion of your resources to provide essential equipment to shelters, local hospitals, nonprofits and other organizations that serve people most affected by the pandemic or another crisis.
A business owner’s to-do list is seemingly endless, but giving back to the community should always be right near the top of it. Many people nowadays are drawn to the personalized feeling that comes from local businesses, and by giving back as a franchisee or small business owner, you deepen the connection by demonstrating you care.