I’ve blogged recently about the huge percentage of total annual charitable donations that are made during Giving Season, the few weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. My blogs were from the perspective of both the donors and the nonprofits. With Christmas just a few days away, the deadline for 2017 donations ends soon.
But the spirit of giving doesn’t have to end on December 31st. And it doesn’t have to drain your bank account, either. Giving some of your time by volunteering for a nonprofit can happen any time of the year. Volunteering is an investment that not only pays off for the nonprofit and its clients, it can really pay off for your business.
There is plenty of evidence that volunteering is good for business. My business is a great example. This month, it was recognized at the Arlington Chamber of Commerce 93rd Annual Meeting with the President’s Award for volunteering. The recognition is an honor, plus it’s a terrific promotion for my business!
Three big pay-offs for businesses that volunteer in their community are:
- Visibility
Community service is one way to get the name of your business in front of more potential customers. Whether you are sponsoring an event or connecting your team with on-site volunteer projects, the name of your business is getting in front of more eyes, such as in the event program or signage at the volunteer site. Sure, volunteering is not free, but if you’re paying to get your business name out there, it may as well be linked with a good cause.
- Credibility
When you are doing good, people will assume that you are good. Establishing your credibility as an honorable and trusted business through volunteering will make potential customers look at your business first when making a purchasing decision. Why should they go elsewhere, to a business that has not demonstrated its commitment to service?
- Employee Enrichment
Now, more than ever, employees want a job where they can feel good about what they are doing. They want to contribute to a better future. While workers can certainly volunteer on their own time, businesses that give employees opportunities to volunteer as a team increase engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
Everyone strives for Win-Win situations. Volunteering some of your business time and energy in your community is the ultimate Win-Win-Win for the nonprofit, its clients, and your business. What better way to keep the spirit of giving all year long?