Where does my community fit into my business plans?

Diane Roberts
Aug 22, 2017 · 3 min read

Small business owners in America are admired for their tenacity, innovation and ability to take an idea and grow it. Community resources are established to support those same business owners by providing resources that the entrepreneurs may not have readily available. The SBA, local library, community business forums are just a few.

In turn local community groups such as schools, youth athletic leagues, high school choirs all look back to those same small business owners for support. That support can be either financial or donation of skills. Most small business owners feel a sense of responsibility to give their time and talents.

How does a small business owner balance the need to drive revenue with their responsibility to the betterment of the community? And how do you do this without diluting your vision?

It’s simple. The vision should include your mission, objectives and any sense of responsibility that you have in the local community. Your philanthropic vision needs to align with

  • The goals of your business (you wouldn’t support a cause that goes against the profit model of your organization) and
  • Your personal goals. You should work with groups and causes that you can feel good about.

There are several ways to provide mutual benefit to community groups and your business.

  • Volunteer your time. If you have employees ask them to participate. Find a cause or two that feeds your personal passion.
  • Sit on a local board. Most cities have citizen boards where key decisions, policies and processes are defined. These cities welcome the input and skills that business owners can bring to the group. Don’t let politics scare you away. You are supporting a key function in your community. Not endorsing a particular political affiliation.
  • Adopt a cause. Perhaps a neighborhood school needs someone to start and help maintain a vegetable garden. Or the local senior citizen center is in need of a group who can install a handicap ramp. If your business is too small to take the task on alone, approach another small business owner to partner. Most organizations publicize the work that has been done and this will be positive news for your company.
  • Sponsor a group. If the local youth league needs new jerseys and your business has the funds, consider sponsoring a team. Grateful community groups, parents and other business leaders will be familiar with your commitment and may look to you when opportunities match with your skills.

Remember to include your vision on community early in your planning. It should be something that you establish up-front so that you can have a clear message and clear commitment as to how your company will engage with the community.

Diane Williams Roberts is a successful wine-blogger, wife, mother and techie. Growing her wine blogging venture has taken time and focus. Diane has logged countless hours volunteering in her community. The rewards for all involved are immeasurable!

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Diane Roberts

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Wine blogger, entrepreneur, technologist who is passionate about life, love, food and wine!

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