Should I Get Involved in My Community?

by Don Kyle

In today’s economy, many businesses are struggling just to survive. How can business owners think about getting involved in their community at a time like this? The answer is quite simple. If you are not involved, how can you afford not to be and expect to survive.

For many business owners, getting involved means attending a business meeting or two each month. However, the business community is just one of many components of community. Community is comprised of residents, schools, civic/charitable groups, houses of worship, arts and entertainment, sports, government, and more. As a business owner, you must get involved in many different aspects of your community.

Generally, the purpose of a business is to make a profit in order to pay its employees and owners and to continue to exist. To do so, however, you must have customers. But how do you get these customers? The most common way is to promote your business through marketing and advertising. There are many ways to do this, but which methods are the most effective?

One of the best ways to do this is to become a trusted and recognized member of your community and offer the desired products and services to your customers. You you must take the necessary steps to become known. Community involvement is one of the most effective ways to do this.

Business owners generally are residents of the community in which their businesses are located. It just makes sense for you to participate in your community. It’s a great way to get involved with organizations and activities for which you already have an interest and passion. It’s a way to let the community know that you are appreciative of their patronage and that you want to help improve your community by giving back in some way. Whether it’s volunteering at the local animal shelter, participating in school sponsored events or contributing to a local cause, you can show your support.

You should not get involved simply to get more business; rather you must have a genuine interest in your community. It’s a fantastic way to create relationships with members of your community, and your reputation can be enhanced greatly as a result. Over time, your business can become recognized as a key member of your community and be the business selected whenever someone has a need for your goods or services.

Please feel free to submit questions about your business to me and I will address them in future columns.

Don Kyle is the CEO and Founder of Small Bizz MBA, a company which assists businesses with their marketing, branding and advertising needs. (404) 580-6331, donaldekyle@gmail.com