One of the best things about running your own business is that it gives you the opportunity to support others. There are numerous ways you can use your business, or your position within it, to support those in your local community or further abroad. Doing so can not only provide some benefits to your business but make you feel like you’re making a difference in the world. Below are just a few ways you can use your business to support others.
Donate to Charity
A simple way to help out others with your business is by donating to charity. If there is a cause that is close to your heart, a donation on behalf of your business can mean a lot. Donating to a charity is a great feeling and, in some cases, even a good financial decision, as you can write it off on your taxes. In addition, some donations allow you to promote your brand. For example, if you sponsor a local charity event, you can have your business’s name displayed at the event. This generates goodwill among the community and spreads brand awareness – a win-win situation.
Supporting Local Unions
Whenever possible, use your business to support unions. Unions help protect workers and ensure they are given a fair wage for their labor. Even if your business doesn’t have employees who are in a union, you can still find ways to support them. For example, if you are buying some swag for your next company event, you can buy some union hats or shirts. Getting products made by unions, hiring union members, and being an outspoken supporter of local union members’ rights are all great ways to support union members.
Form Partnerships
Business partnerships not only allow you to assist another business but that business can benefit yours as well. For example, let’s say you are the owner of a local restaurant. You could partner with the indoor mini-golf business down the street, with each of you agreeing to promote the other. You could even offer a discount to mini-golf players and vice-versa. Now, those who are looking for a bite to eat after a round of mini-golf have a great suggestion in front of them. With a partnership marketing arrangement, both business owners get to assist one another for mutual benefit.
Promote Other Brands
When you work with another brand, and you enjoy their work, go the extra mile to promote them. Talk about their work on your social media channels, include a link to their website on your own, and recommend them to your peers and friends. This is especially helpful if the brand you worked with is smaller or newer, or if you worked with a freelancer.
For example, if you hire a freelancer to do some video marketing for you, recommend them to other business owners you know. This type of promotion from a larger brand is often hard to come by but very valuable when it does. Promoting this brand not only helps them out but can help to forge a stronger relationship with them for future work.
Internships and Mentorships
Finally, consider using your business to educate those who are just starting out in their careers. Internships are a great way to do this. Many high school and college students are looking for real-world experience in an industry that interests them. If you have some basic tasks you need to be completed around the business and are willing to provide some instruction to someone new, bringing on an intern is a great way to benefit someone else. It also provides some other great benefits to your business.
You could also do something similar on your own by offering to mentor someone. If you are someone with a wealth of experience or knowledge, put it to use by passing it on to someone else. You may even have someone within your organization already who could use some extra guidance. Take them under your wing and teach them everything you know. It’s rarely a bad idea to help others, as you never know what benefits it will bring down the line.
Using Your Business for Good
Running a business doesn’t have to be all about generating profits. As a business owner, you have a tremendous opportunity to do some good for others, whether it’s a local charity, union workers, someone just starting out on their career, or someone within your business already. If you take some time to think about the impact your business could have, you’ll likely find some amazing opportunities to help others. This, in the end, will leave a much better legacy for your business, more than mere profits could ever do.
