Take 5: How to get involved

…From the pages of South Jersey Biz…

Marcy DiBlasio, past president and current vice president of education and programs for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, NJ, Southern Chapter, believes involving your business in the local, regional, and/or global community is a win-win strategy. You’ll feel good about giving back while building opportunities for brand awareness, customer loyalty and a robust bottom line.

1. JOIN GROUPS: Local chambers of commerce or other associations allow you to network and tap into information, resources and prospects.

2. SPONSOR PROJECTS OR EVENTS: Which not-for-profit’s mission aligns with your corporate culture? Which organizations have served your employees and their families? Providing gifts in kind [donating items or services instead of money]—or much-needed dollars—helps insure these community resources are here to serve into the future. A positive perk: Sponsorship listings, or media publicity, show your community you care.

3. VOLUNTEER TIME, SPACE: Share your talents or offer space for groups to meet. More people will learn about you and your business.

4. BECOME AN EXPERT: Teach a class, write a Q&A blog or be interviewed on radio shows or forum panels.

5. INVOLVE YOUR EMPLOYEES: Encourage your employees to serve as corporate ambassadors. Invite staff to suggest support for charities important to them. Consider a lunchtime volunteer fair, create a volunteer incentive/recognition program or provide PTO for community service. You’ll build rapport and respect because employees feel good about working for a business that is doing well.

Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 4, Issue 11 (November, 2014).
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Author: Editorial Staff--South Jersey Biz