It's National Volunteer Month! As a small business owner, volunteering isn't just about giving back. It's about connecting with your community and making an impact. It's the good deeds that set your business apart while opening doors to new opportunities, indefinitely growing your business along the way. Our previous blog talks about the many ways that you can make a difference within your business. There are also many charity events, fundraising opportunities and community organizations that you and your team can participate in.
Here are four ways that volunteering will help grow your organization.
1. Increase your reach to potential customers
Volunteering gives you the opportunity to meet and capture the attention of future prospects. Through volunteer work, you'll be able to meet a diverse array of people, all coming together for the same mission and values. These connections attract people from all sorts of backgrounds and industries, united by a common purpose. Once you get to networking, they'll naturally be curious and open to hearing about your business and what you have to offer. Better yet, they might be excited to explore potential collaborations. So, as you lend a helping hand, you might just find some potential customers along the way.
2. Lift your team's spirits
The decision to make an impact on your community embodies the core values of your small business. Your contributions will not only resonate with your team, but could also increase morale. Unity and purpose — that's what it's all about! Team members often feel rewarded when they're engaged in volunteer activities, leading to an increase in motivation, teamwork and feeling more satisfied in their job. It's hard not to feel uplifted once you're a part of something positive.
3. Nurture a trusting reputation within the community
A commitment to the community is a commitment to your customers! By giving your time and resources, you'll build a reputation as a business that genuinely cares. People are more likely to support businesses they trust and volunteering is an effective way to promote that trust. When you and your team roll up your sleeves to volunteer, you'll have the chance to interact with people in the community in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. These interactions help humanize your business and demonstrate that there's more to your brand than just making a profit. Your actions will show that you value connecting with people and making a difference.
4. Strengthen your team's skill set
Volunteering should not be limited to just yourself as the business owner. It's an excellent opportunity to involve your team. From improving their communication and leadership to honing other interpersonal skills, volunteering is an invaluable opportunity for your team to grow personally and professionally. Their problem-solving and coordination skills will also be put to the test. This is an opportunity to learn outside of the traditional work environment and practice these skills in other settings, such as at charity or fundraising events. You may even be able to develop future leaders for your small business through these experiences.
Apart from the four ways mentioned above, there are many more reasons why volunteering can help your business grow. Volunteering gives you a deeper dive into what your community's needs and preferences are. You'll learn a lot and can tailor your business to better serve your target audience. Additionally, team members are more likely to be loyal when they are proud to be associated with a socially responsible business. Beyond the benefits that you get for your business, volunteering is rewarding. It's a chance to step outside of your normal routine and see the world from a different perspective. Whether your team is serving meals at a local shelter or participating in a community clean-up, know that it's all part of your journey as an entrepreneur and a kind human being. Take inspiration from other successful small businesses that have leveraged volunteering to their advantage and start today!
Author: Gary Wong
How does your organization volunteer?
Feel free to let us know in the comments below!
Want to receive more informative content like this?
Sign up for our monthly newsletter today!
About Stingray Advisory Group LLC: Stingray Advisory Group LLC is based in Grand Rapids,
Michigan, and is a proud member of People First Economy and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We help businesses thrive. By improving our client's sales over 60%, reducing their expenses and boosting their engagement by 40% or more, we enable our clients to refocus on what they love.
Email us at info@stingrayadvisorygroup.com to schedule a consultation. Follow us today on
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more helpful tips!
To learn more, visit us at www.stingrayadvisorygroup.com
