The human personal factor is the most important part of  “giving back”. Creating those long, well meaningful relationships between the business and the organization is the true reward.

However even small businesses or newly established companies can offer its services and goods to great non-profit organizations within its own community.  These organizations are usually small and often get overlooked because of its size, grassroots’ mission, and low profile (usually cause they serve within their own community).  Like your small or newly established business,  these non-profit are looking to create a strong and lasting presence in the community.

So as a business owner, you do not have to go beyond your own community to raise your branding presence.  If you are going to expect service from the community, be an active part of the community.  Now this giving does not have to be in the form of money (even though it helps), but one can always share an expertise, a skill set, or, just as important, time.

Showing up to a networking function  hosted by an organization screams volumes about who you are.  To take the time to acquaint yourself with others, increases your understanding of the organization’s mission and vision.  Additionally, it allows you the opportunity to learn how you can be of assistance to the organization’s sustainability.

Of course, it is important to find organizations that are in line with your own personal & business’ values and mission, but you never know until you reach out.  Your sincerity and compassion will naturally show forth once you are involved.

But remember once involved, you cannot forced your ideals or expectations upon the organization; you are in the role of support and encouragement.  In other words, take a back seat to your “ego” as a business owner as your contribution adds valuable growth to the organization by not controlling the process.  Yes, it can be very difficult since you are always the one that makes important decisions 60+ hours per week.

So here are some suggestions:

• Check your business community to see what organizations are located within your  district. The first step towards “giving back” is knowing where and whom to give back to.  Your business and/or neighborhood association can provide a great source of information about the non-profit organizations operating or servicing within the community.  It may or may not be conclusive listing but it is great place to start.
• Call and ask questions about the organization’s mission and vision. Once you obtain your listing, do a little background research.  Ask your patrons and local community leaders; search the internet; or just simply pick up the phone, make a call, and arrange for a tour or sit-down visit. Yes, your time is valuable but so is the way you can effectively market your business.  Building relationships is a primary focus to establishing longevity. 
  
• Attend some of the organizations events and other functions. Now, this is important because you get to see the organization functioning in its natural element.  Attending events offer more insight about the non-profit organization as a whole.  Usually you have an opportunity to meet the Board, staff, and the target group members that the organization serve.  Additionally, it is a great time to network with other community constituents.  Let them know that you are present and accounted for. 
  
• Participate in the organizations upcoming events such as a Silent Auction, Community Fair, etc. Offer to donate a product or a service to the organization’s fundraiser or networking event.  In exchange for your contribution besides a tax write-off (check with your accountant), you are offered signage opportunities before, during, and after the event.  Generally, you are publicly acknowledged for your generous contributions.  If you are not the position to donate a product or service,  consider donating your time as in manpower.  Non-profit organizations are usually long on tasks but short on physical bodies to assist with completing these vital tasks.  Another option is partnering with another business to create a strong business presence at an organization event.

• Encourage employees to get involve by establishing a  “giving back” program. Offer incentives to your employees for volunteering their services to a community organization.  These incentives can vary in its development.  Examples can include a “day off” for most volunteer hours served in a quarter or year, sponsorship of an employee’s favorite community organization, employee recognition at a yearly ceremony, etc.  Be creative, fun, and innovative with the concept.

I remember when my great uncle made his transition back in the 70s.  There was a local corner store that we frequent many times a week.  We knew the owners by name and vice versa.  When word reached the owners of my great uncle’s passing, the wife was one of the first individuals to pay her respects.  I remember walking into the house, and there was Ms. Helen talking with my great aunt at the dining room table.  Her taking the time to visit spoke volumes to my family as well as others in our neighborhood.  As time passed and it was easier to frequent other stores, we continued to patronize that corner store until the business owners made their transition.

In conclusion, here are  my final comments.  As a parent, community leader, non-profit Board member, and business owner, it is up to me to set the precedence for others within my community.  I give because I remember those who took the time to give to me.  I remember Ms. Randolph, my Girls Scout leader, who taught me  many things about creating pieces of work that still influence me today.  I remember helping my mother make bologna and cheese sandwiches for the homeless men at a local Catholic church.  What appeared as so little added up to so much.

As parent, I became involved in youth programs that strongly depended upon business sponsorship for sustainability.  Youth programs such as baseball, football, and cheerleading were able to succeed and thrive in order that many youths including my own reap the benefits.  During those times, I would remember those businesses’ contributions and would make it my business to patronize them first.

Therefore in these interesting times, it is better to create a meaningful, long-lasting, win-win relationships to achieve a common goal for everyone involved.  It makes sound solid business sense.

Never, never, never underestimate the power of “giving back”.

One of the main reasons I desired over 1.5 years ago to form Visionary Concepts is to use my naturally gifted talents to assist others to grow their businesses to their highest potential in addition to creating events and meetings that are memorable, extraordinary, and marketable.  Visionary Concepts is dedicated to providing strategic marketing and business development to small businesses as well as non-profit organizations.

Along my journeys, I discovered more than a few businesses do not use events and meetings strategically for growth and sustainability.  Even though it may seem like an obvious concept, I have witnessed how business owners have used their valuable event and/or meeting funding  in scattered, unaccounted, and  misappropriated directions.  Too much or too little funding in one area and not enough or more than enough in another area. One of the ways Visionary Concepts vary slightly from others is offering  its clients a 3, 6, & 9-month post event or meeting evaluation for effectiveness.

It is important to understand that events & meetings are opportunities to advertise, promote, and brand your business in an unique way that reflects exactly what your business represents.  It also says who you are as an individual, business owner,  and as a community leader.  I definitely believe in giving back to the community, because it is the community that we as business owners can make a positive difference regardless of how large or small the input.  And, of course, we rely on these same communities for financial and, yes, mental/emotional support.

So over the course of time, I will offer advice and strategies that are good for business growth.  It is up to each of us to assist each other through means of our gifts and talents including the business ones.  Therefore I will write blogs about creating a strategic marketing plan and why it is critical to your business.  I will share articles, directives to upcoming free or reduced business seminars/workshops, and personal expertise.  I look forward to engaging with all of you.   Additionally I welcome your input, comments, and advice.  After all we are all in this together and there is more than enough for everyone.