Social responsibility is an increasingly important topic for small business owners. A solid social responsibility strategy demonstrates that you care about people, and care about treating people well — including your customers and employees.
Prioritizing social responsibility isn’t just good for your community, it’s good for your business. A social responsibility strategy has the power to bolster your brand image and stand out from your competition. It can help you attract and retain new customers and employees alike — giving them the power and purpose they crave. In fact, more than 60% of today’s consumers say they’re willing to pay more if it means supporting a socially responsible company. And 71% of employees say it’s important to work at a company that supports giving and volunteering.
But as a small business owner, you’re already operating on extremely tight margins. It’s hard enough to set aside money for yourself, or for that ever-dwindling rainy day fund. As much as you might want to donate a big check to your favorite charity, it’s not always in the cards. And that’s okay! There are other ways to make an impact without impacting your bank account. Volunteering, fundraising, or partnering with a charitable organization are great ways to show your support.
If you’re thinking about pursuing a charity partnership, there are a few questions you should ask yourself first. Understanding what you’re looking for in a partner and what you hope to accomplish will ensure your partnership gets off on the right foot. Check out the infographic below and download the printable worksheet to get started.
