Top 5 of 10 Ways to Get Involved: The Importance of Community Involvement. No 1. Using your Head
Being a small business owner puts you face-to-face with the public each day, and their support is vital to the success of your enterprise. The more you are involved in the community, the more you will help your business grow and with the many franchise opportunities abound in the marketplace, your community is vital for your success. Here are a few intelligent ways to get involved:
Join the Chamber of Commerce. The local chamber of commerce provides a great opportunity to network and get your name out to the community. It’s not enough to simply join this organization; the true benefits come from being an active participant. Doing so enables you to build a network of contacts that enhances your standing in the community and generate potential customers as well.- Connect with community leaders. Network, not only with other business owners, but also with local political and nonprofit leaders. Make it known that you are interested in being proactive in community matters.
- Find a citizen’s advisory group. These small groups of concerned citizens exist to influence community decisions on a variety of issues. Think about which one piques your interest and get involved. This not only increases the scope of your network, it will help you to impact your community in a tangible way, by giving you an opportunity to contribute to public policy regarding issues that are important to you.
- Sponsor local sporting events. There is perhaps no more time-honored tradition in community involvement than sponsoring local sporting events. Your corporate name on the jerseys at youth sporting events offers great publicity, and the events themselves are excellent opportunities to conduct special contests and promotions to attract new business.
- Stay informed. Make a point of understanding the issues facing your community. The more you know, the more you will find ways to become involved. Make an impact, and then continue to be a dynamic and proactive part of local society. An easy way to stay informed is by subscribing to your local newspaper or reading the online version.
Many small business owners make the decision to get more involved not only to benefit the neighborhood, but also to benefit their business. Interstate Batteries® has been making an impact in local communities since 1952 and encourages franchisees to get out there and make a difference in their neighborhoods. Visit the website for more information, or join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter to share your ideas for giving back. Read our next installment as we round out the top ten with five more ways to get involved in your community.
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