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 Posté le: Lun Sep 30, 2013 3:36 pm Sujet du message: Ask the experts: How can small companies contribut |
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{Ask the experts: How can small companies contribute to their community?}
Lisa Niemetscheck,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler down jackets[/url], Gabrielle Loren and Ryan SoderbergTue Aug 13, 2013 12:01am PSTLisa Niemetscheck: Director of marketing and operations, Forum for Women EntrepreneursSmall companies have always been important contributors to communities. As innovators and employers, small business is a critical component to the economic and social success of any community.Small businesses are driven by fearless entrepreneurs. These leaders become role models to others for taking risks and following dreams. This happens in many ways: when you mentor a student or startup entrepreneur to help provide direction, perspective and expertise in translating an idea into reality. Or when you share your encouragementsand positive mindset with everyone you connect with,you inspire people to choose entrepreneurship or become leaders in a different way. All of these connections help foster the success of so many people in your community, and we see this regularly through our HSBC mentor program and other programs. Small companies also have an impacton communities through collaboration and partnerships. They team up with organizations, both large and small, to drive social change. Lunapads,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler down jackets[/url], which supports girls’ health and education in Africa, and Save-On-Meats,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler on sale[/url], which supports DTES residents, are two notable examples of companies driving change. Small-business action does not have to be big; it can be as small as collecting donations or giving a portion of proceeds to charity or opening up your space after hours to allow community groups to meet. There are a million creative ways to give back that don’t have to take a lot of time or money.The bottom line is that as a small business you are a catalyst for ongoing success of a growing, healthy community. And if you are interested in contributing more, the one simple step is to ask questions and communicate with your customers, colleagues and team. Find out what the needs in your community are and see if there is a neighbour or local business to help share in the success of small-business contributions to your community.Gabrielle Loren: Founding partner, Loren, Nancke & CompanyCommunity involvement is one of the key marketing strategies that every small-business owner should employ – costs can be minimal and benefits are huge. Here are some examples.Join the local chamber of commerce. Become a member, attend its events regularly to network with the other business owners. Put your name forward to join the board of directors, contribute connections that can be pursued for fundraising or other objectives, donate products or services that can be used to raise funds or supply your expertise for areas of need.Each community holds events that are unique. Find out when those events are held and connect with the organizers to provide support at that event. Sponsorships are always welcome and are a great way to get your name out. Our firm sponsored a Velcro wall at the recent Sapperton Days Festival. Our sponsorship came with a table where our staff were available to answer questions on who we are and what we do and handed out small gifts to anyone who stopped by – nicely wrapped with our logo pen.Many communities hold events in support of a special cause. Relay for Life is an example. They are held in many communities and are supported by businesses and individuals from that community. Our firm supports this event annually, and each staff member requests donations from family, friends and clients that are recognized as being raised by our firm. At the event, we have a table manned by staff and we sold freezees by donation.Donate to fundraising events. Providing a gift certificate for your services may appeal only to a few, so the key is to donate something that everyone wants. A popular one that we have found is our barbecue basket, which includes a barbecue utensil set with our logo on it, three different sauces, an apron that says “kiss the accountant” with our name and phone number and, of course, a brochure and a business card.Ryan Soderberg: Director of sales and marketing, Sheraton Vancouver AirportOne of the most important ways that businesses can contribute to their community is through corporate social responsibility, with businesses, employees and customers making a concerted effort to give back to their communities. Giving back can mean donating time,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler outlet[/url],[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler outlet[/url], money or resources,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler on sale[/url], but also includes collaborating on projects and increasing awareness on issues affecting people within the community.As an example, the Sheraton Vancouver Airport is focused on building community involvement through two of its core brand values: “Connected” and “Community.” We provide fundraising drives and product donations to the Richmond Food Bank and assist our other partners, like Clean the World, Richmond Community Foundation, YVR Golf for Kids and many others, with support, donations and volunteer hours. We’re also committed to environmental issues and participate in recycling, energy conservation and water-saving initiatives, along with programs that help to limit the volume of refuse going to the local landfill.Community is also about individuals, not just companies,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler sale[/url], and they’re equally important. In 2009,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]discount moncler jackets[/url], during the reconstruction of the hotel, we were trying to come up with a restaurant name that would resonate with the community. We had a long-standing customer – Harold Cross – a fixture in our hotel every day for 30 years, so we decided to name the restaurant after him. He’s in his 90s now and still sits at the same table every lunch hour, but he has become part of our family, greeting guests and welcoming them to our city.Every community has organizations that need help in order to operate and succeed. Aligning your business and creating synergies, while looking for unique opportunities to give back and contribute, is the key to making an impact and creating lasting change within your community.Tags: Richmond Community Foundation, board of directors, entrepreneur,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]discount moncler jackets[/url],[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler sale[/url], Gabrielle Loren
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