Often we think that a small business cannot really make any lasting and felt impact in its community. There’s not enough money, not enough reach, not enough ideas or not enough capacity to be of any significant help. But if there’s anything stronger than a few hands coming together to help the local scene, it’s the joint efforts put in by small businesses.
We used to think Pluggas was just about us and a small group of businessmen who need help telling their story on social media. But then we realised that the more we worked with others we could actually make a difference. Not a whole lot, but enough to make an impact early on.
It’s the same for any business whether large or small. Starting a business isn’t just about putting money into an owner’s pockets. It’s about giving value to others around you. You can be a business and still help the community. Here are a few ways you can do that:
1. Build on positivity
Communities have too much negativity going on. Bad news, bad economy, bad public decisions. Are we going to join that negative buzz? Or will you go against the flow. It’s amazing how much a little bit of positivity can do.
When we talk about positive things, we can really help boost local community. Don’t just complain and rant. Use your platform, network or reach to talk about positivity by sharing your passion, talking about what you love and how your craft can make a difference.
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2. Collaborate
One’s a ripple, but a group’s a wave. You can help the local community, but imagine the synergy that comes out of collaborating with others. Work with other businesses to provide the right services to customers, to build awareness and other worthy causes.
We at Pluggas are about starting a community of business owners who want to promote the local scene. Every business can do that by starting a community or joining one.
3. Provide clients with value
Just the fact that you’re a legitimate business providing value to clients, partners and employees is already a plus. Do our products and services add value to the people around us by simply operating? You’ll be surprised at how you make other people’s lives easier.
Giving value through your craft alone is a means of supporting the local community. And the better you become at your craft, the better you make the local community. So make sure you’re finding ways to expand your skills and improve in your offerings.
4. Give back
There’s nothing that helps the community more than generosity. A business with a desire to give back- now that’s powerful. We can do this in so many ways. You can pledge a portion of your earnings to worthy causes. You could dive time to train and educate. You can open your space and services free or at cost to those who need them.
Every business wants to grow in terms of reach and profitability. But let’s not make our growth just about ourselves. Use your platform and profit to give back.
