Five Ways Your Business Can Give Back This Season
As a business owner, it’s easy to get distracted during the holidays – with the holiday season often bringing a burst in activity and, often, a boom in business. So, while this time of year is undoubtedly a busy time for business owners, it’s also...
As a business owner, it’s easy to get distracted during the holidays – with the holiday season often bringing a burst in activity and, often, a boom in business. So, while this time of year is undoubtedly a busy time for business owners, it’s also the perfect time to stop for a moment and reflect on the year’s successes and challenges -- and “pay it forward” to those who have supported you along the way. There’s no better time for giving back than the holidays!
Here are five inspiring ways your business can make a difference.
Encourage employee volunteering. Giving your staff the time to volunteer at a non-profit is a win-win situation. Not only are you benefiting from helping a charitable organization, but it allows your team to engage with community members on a more personal level. Employee volunteer programs improve corporate culture, boost employee morale, and advance leadership skills. And there are plenty of opportunities for your employees to volunteer “virtually” as well – helping to give back and help others, without ever having to leave their home (or workplace!)
Donate items. One great way that brick-and-mortar stores can give back this season is to donate a portion of their inventory to local non-profits and charities. You could also consider hosting a free or low-cost shopping experience when customers can choose a select number of items in-store.
Pay it forward. Donating a percentage of your profits takes a small amount of time but can make a significant impact. Offering a special promotion allows you to feel good about making a difference, and your customers can feel good about their purchase.
Throw a gratitude party. If you’re looking to give back directly to customers, consider throwing a small, socially distanced gratitude party. Bring in some festive holiday goodies, and offer special incentives for those who attend (including offering special prices on goods or services on the day of the event, if appropriate.) Going the extra mile to show customers you care is sure to stick with them through the new year.
Reward your employees. A Christmas bonus never goes amiss, but there are other creative ways to show employee appreciation. Give some extra time off between Christmas and New Year’s or join a perk scheme that offers employee discounts on restaurants and other recreational activities. If there’s not much room in your budget, you’d be surprised how far a hand-delivered gift or greeting card can go.
The holidays are the perfect time to reach out to your customers, business associates, employees – and the entire community – in a meaningful way. Giving back can be good for all – and it is a great way to further strengthen bonds within the community. And another way to build bonds in the local business community? Take advantage of our FREE membership in the DRCI – and become part of a community of entrepreneurs and innovators, business owners, executives at all levels, and individual leaders who play an active role in shaping the region’s future while engaging with peers, mentors, and like-minded individuals. Click here to sign up for your year of FREE membership today.