In a recent blog, I talked about the importance of industry peer-to-peer groups…a great way to learn and share best business practices. This time around, I’d like to sing the praises of becoming involved in local business organizations and the communities you do business in.
Bay Copy CEO Ray Belanger (second from right) at a South Shore Chamber of Commerce event.
From first-hand experience, I know that membership in a Chamber of Commerce can be a real boon, not only for your business, but for you as an individual. It’s satisfying to be part of an organization that advocates for businesses, working with officials at local, state and national levels to represent the interests of the business community. In addition to the networking and marketing opportunities that are available to you as a member, most Chambers have numerous committees where you can further give voice to the issues that mean most to you, your business and your clients.
In the region where I live and operate my business, the Chamber of Commerce has a committee that focuses on regional growth in terms of workforce, transportation and more. Over the many years I have been a member of this Chamber, I have also had the privilege of sitting on its Board of Directors (and serving for a year as the chair of that Board) and on various committees, allowing me to share my business experiences with others and likewise learn from them.
Providing Support to Organizations
Lending support to local projects and causes is another substantial way to become involved in the communities you serve. Here at Bay Copy, we have a long history of helping to support numerous non-profit organizations. Presently, we are focusing on the expansion of an area hospital, one that has served nearly everyone (or a loved one) at our company at one time or another. And I would be remiss not to mention that our VP of sales is on the Board of Directors for the regional Habitat for Humanity. It’s all about finding a project/issue/event that resonates with you.
If you own a business, you’re already an expert, so share your wisdom! Write a local newspaper column for gratis or offer your knowledge on a radio show…or think completely out of the box and offer a free seminar in-house.
And don’t forget the more obvious opportunities to support your community. From sponsoring a youth sports team to creating a scholarship for local students, the options are many.
Champion of Business
Be a champion not only for your business but for all businesses in the area. Consider helping to create marketing events that convey awareness about shopping/using the services of local merchants/companies. Another option for community involvement is hosting meetings. It’s a real hardship for some non-profits to hold meetings; sometimes the cost of coffee and doughnuts can be prohibitive to an organization that operates on a shoestring budget. Provide a space in your building for a meeting and maybe even kick in for some refreshments to boot.
Let your employees know that you support their efforts in community involvement. From joining a Chamber or Rotary or the Knights of Columbus to lending support to a non-profit to rallying behind a local organization or an individual – be the inspiration for employees to become involved.
