Let’s take some time to talk about your community. Everyone has one, whether we realize it or not. It’s the people around us, our city, our neighborhood, local businesses and nonprofits, and more. Even if you don’t engage with the community around you, it’s still there.

Our communities also provide business opportunities. It gives us a chance to tell others about our business, share our values, and build relationships. But how do you do that well? There’s a very fine line between serving your community to make it a better place and serving your community for your own self-promotion. There’s a place for both, but you have to handle it carefully. Keep in mind: your ultimate purpose shouldn’t be to get more business through serving.

So, how do you serve your community? A lot of people say you should serve, but don’t go any deeper. What do they mean by that? I think we need to get specific, and I’ve got a few ideas to get you started.  

Be a Toys for Tots Drop-Off Location 

Let’s start with Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots gives gifts to kids that don’t have much to open on Christmas day. Did you know that you can volunteer to be a Toys for Tots drop-off location? It’s a great way to do a good deed during the holiday season.

It’s simple. Seriously, it takes less than five minutes. To sign up to be a drop-off location, just go to toysfortots.org and click on “Find Your Local Campaign.” Enter in your state and county, and find the information about how to become a toy drop-off location. You can also go to the Contact Us section at the top and get the contact info of your local Toys for Tots coordinating officer.

Once you’ve done that, it’s time to tell your clients. Send out an announcement about it and ask them for donations. Do a good deed, mark your presence in the community, and get people in your office with a chance to connect. 

Volunteer Your Time 

When was the last time you did something for someone else? I know it’s hard to find time. But it’s worth it. It’s fulfilling. Volunteering your time can help promote your business, but that’s not why you should do it. You should do it for your community. Get involved in giving back, and get connected to the people that live around you. 

Sponsor a Local Event or Cause 

Sponsoring is similar to volunteering. Sponsoring is partnering with local organizations on an event, and usually getting your name/logo publicly read or shown. The next time you go to a baseball field, count how many different business logos there are around the field. Not all of them are sponsorships, some of them are ads, but the big ones are. Sponsoring is an effective way to promote your business.

Maybe that means you sponsor a little league field, or a local community event. Maybe you pick a cause that you want to contribute to and sponsor, like VFW. Whatever it is, sponsoring can help you get involved in the community and get your name out there.

At the end of the day, your community needs you and they’re better off with you in it. We want to make the world a better place, right? So, what better way to start than in the city you’re in right now. You can make a difference today. Will you do it? 

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