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The act of giving back is easy to explain. However, the significance of giving back is something that seems to be more difficult to express. Whether it’s a random act of kindness, like purchasing a cup of coffee for the next person in line, or volunteering for something you believe in and donating to a local charity, your efforts are appreciated in ways that are difficult to explain. Giving back in any form shows your community just how much you care while strengthening the fabric that unites us all as one. In today’s business world, traditional retail or ecommerce, companies that inspire and encourage community involvement set themselves apart from others.

Cone Communications and Echo Research has pointed out that 82% of U.S. consumers consider corporate social responsibility (CSR) when deciding which products or services to buy and where to shop. In today’s world, when consumers are searching for the products, the options are endless. But, according to this research, potential customers want to know how you’re making a difference in the community and, if you are making a difference, they’ll take that into account when deciding whether or not to shop with you.

How can you make an impact?

1. Create and foster relationships within your community.

Step outside of your comfort zone and find out what’s important in your community. Do local school children need back-to-school supplies? Does a local food bank need donations or volunteers?  Once you know what is needed, you can start to think about where your business fits.

When you’re interacting with your customers, your business needs to be a resource for them and a solution to their problems. Think about how your business can be a resource and solve a problem for your community. Find what cause sparks your passion and inspires giving.

2. Encourage your employees.

Providing your staff with an opportunity to give back to the community as part of a team builds employee morale, creates leadership opportunities, and promotes pride in the work place.  Happier employees create a better work environment. In business terms, this equates to increased productivity and sales.

3. Customize your giving.

Evaluate your business and find ways to give back that best suit your strengths. For example, if you build websites, help a local non-profit update their current site, or perhaps provide them with a brand new look. If you’re an office product supplier, sponsor a local classroom or school. By focusing on what you do best, you are able to make a unique, positive impact by using the resources readily available on a daily basis.

4. Tell your story and invite others to join your crusade.

Once you’ve begun giving, reach out to your customers and business partners – invite them to join your giving initiative! Provide a place on your website that features your giving initiatives, provides links, and includes ways to get involved. Everyone wants to be part of something that impacts the community, but most are not sure what to do. By providing an outlet, you can become the catalyst for change!  And, by participating in building a better community, your business will become a leader and the model for others to follow!

We’re working on implementing our own advice too, starting with The Extraordinary Give. On Friday, November 21st, join us as we participate and celebrate Lancaster County’s largest day of online giving, sponsored by the Lancaster County Community Foundation. On November 21st, our new location in the Griest Building will light up the sky as a beacon of giving and act as a reminder to visit ExtraGive.org.

All it takes is a few clicks to make an impact in our community. The day promises to be both exciting and rewarding to the community. We’re excited to be taking part in what is shaping up to be an extraordinary day for Lancaster County.

In addition to participating in The Extraordinary Give, we are also creating relationships with the Central PA Food Bank (HungerBites.org), by collecting non-perishable items and encouraging online donations. And, we’re running a winter clothing drive to benefit the Water Street Mission. If you have any gently used winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves, please consider donating them.

For pick up or to talk about how else you can get involved, please contact either:

Sandee Hart – sandee@paradoxlabs.com

Ashley Orndorff – ashley@paradoxlabs.com

Don’t forget to visit ExtraGive.org on November 21st and give extraordinary!