Nowadays, everyone wants to sponsor companies that are socially responsible. Who wouldn't? The world needs help and we all want to chip in anyway we can. So, if your company is doing some good for the world... let everyone know!
When you inform your customers, vendors, and colleagues about what you are doing, you might enroll them to help in the causes you are supporting, entice them to get their own causes to support or earn the respect of your present and potential customers. It's a win-win situation for everyone.
Here's how to start:
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A case study. A case study provides a certain formality to your efforts and forces you to present the right combination of before and after data and tangible results. Your study could also be picked up by magazines and journals hungry for information.
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Testimonials. Hard facts are important, but so are stories. Make sure you include testimonials from leaders and beneficiaries alike. They are both equally important.
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Relevance. Why is cooperating with this cause important to your organization? Your audience wants to know. It is important to let them know what you are getting out of it. For example, “Helping people start their own business allows us to provide a vibrant community in which our employees may live.”
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Conversation. Create an area, it could be a forum or a blog depending on the structure you desire, so the community can be involved. Make off-line efforts to get people online and offer advantages to doing so.
Being active in your community is simply good business. By letting your customers, vendors and employees know what you are doing, you make them feel proud of being related to your company. And if nothing else... the world needs more good news!