Benefits of Giving Back to the Community
December 4, 2024
Your Small Business Can Enjoy the Benefits of Giving Back to the Community
JamboJon’s marketing strategy relies on certain “ingredients” that make it effective. Our classic recipe has been proven through successful marketing campaigns many times over. Charitable giving adds a secret ingredient to what you serve to your clients. It’s indescribably special. It humanizes your brand. This unique addition endears you to your audience in ways you can’t predict.
The classic story told in Frank Capra’s, It’s a Wonderful Life, reminds us that when we invest in our communities, that investment often returns to us in unexpected ways. In the movie, Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, a selfless small business owner who helps friends and neighbors reach their dreams of homeownership. This simple loan service isn’t advertised or flashy. But it’s life-changing. This holiday season, consider how your small business can channel the same spirit of giving to make a difference in your own circles.
Four Lessons For Entrepreneurs From It's a Wonderful Life
Prioritize Connections
You don’t need to orchestrate a huge event to make an impact on your neighborhood. Simply get out from behind your desk and participate in local events. Mentorship programs or partnerships with community organizations deepen community ties. People will remember your efforts. In the town of Bedford Falls, George Bailey knew his neighbors. He remembered their families’ names and supported other small businesses. He cheered his friends’ successes, even if he wished they were his own.
Engage in Social Responsibility
Your business can make a meaningful impact by addressing local needs. Whether you decide to offer educational workshops or contribute to local causes near to your heart, your efforts show a commitment to shared prosperity and leave a lasting positive impression. George Bailey refused to let one greedy, power-hungry man take over the town. He knew it would ruin his friends financially. He possessed the tools and the knowledge to plant himself between the antagonist, Mr. Potter, and the town simply because it was the right thing to do.
Take a Human-Centered Approach
Make the effort to understand others. What problems keep them up at night? Get down in the trenches. Take the time to listen, empathize with your fellow humans, and advocate for their needs. Authenticity resonates with audiences because, in today’s market, it’s rare. In the movie, George lent money to people, not just because he owned The Bailey Building and Loan, but because he wanted to help his neighbors bounce back from tough situations. Sometimes, that money came from his own pocket.
Leave a Positive Legacy
Cultivate a reputation for kindness and community investment. “Show up” for your customers. Take pride in making your corner of the world a better place. This attitude inspires reciprocal loyalty. Your clients will show up with the same support for you during your rough patches or economic downturns. In the climactic final scene, when facing legal charges, bankruptcy, and worse, George’s community comes together to support him when he needs it most.
How to Give Back: Creative Ideas for Small Businesses
Giving back doesn’t have to mean cutting a big check. Most of the townspeople in Bedford Falls have meager offerings. But that didn’t stop the spirit of giving. Here are some creative ways your business can make a difference in the community.
1. Volunteer as a team.
Gather your employees for a day of volunteering. Whether helping at a local shelter, planting trees in a community park, or organizing a beach cleanup, your team will get a chance to bond outside the office while giving back. This strengthens team morale and builds a sense of shared accomplishment. Here, in Utah, you could spend some meaningful time volunteering at Thanksgiving Heroes or BeHumanitarian.
2. Host a donation drive.
Make it easy for others to give back by organizing a food drive, toy drive, or school supplies collection at your business location. Invite customers, employees, and even neighboring businesses to contribute. It’s a straightforward way to give back that also raises your visibility in the community. The Make-a-Wish foundation might be a great starting point.
3. Share your expertise.
As a business owner, you have knowledge and skills that can benefit others. Offer free workshops, mentor local entrepreneurs, or provide pro bono services to nonprofit organizations. Surely, someone has a need that you can fill. The owners of JamboJon always have a workshop or class in the works. If you want to participate, look for the upcoming events in our newsletter or on our website!
4. Support Local Events.
Get involved with community events as a sponsor or partner. Not only does this help you give back, but it also puts your name in front of potential customers. Whether you’re sponsoring a local sports team, a charity 5k, or an arts festival, these events allow you to connect with residents in a meaningful way.
5. Create a matching donation program.
Encourage your employees to give back by offering a donation match program. If an employee donates to a local charity, your business matches their donation up to a certain amount. This approach allows employees to support causes close to their hearts, with the added benefit of their company’s backing. I was volunteering downtown when a CEO capped off their company’s holiday party with a short walk to the “Light the World” holiday vending machines. Using the company credit card, every person on the team got to personalize their charitable donation.
6. Share your space.
If you have a physical space that isn’t always in use, consider offering it to community groups or nonprofits for meetings, classes, or events. This simple gesture could help a local organization immensely and make your business a community hub.
7. Highlight local causes on your website or social media.
Use your online presence to amplify the voices of local nonprofits. Share their stories, promote their events, or feature them in your newsletters. This digital “word of mouth” can introduce these causes to a new audience and can be a powerful tool for change.
8. Commit to Sustainability.
Improving the community isn’t just about people; it’s about protecting the environment too. Start recycling programs, reduce waste in your office, or support eco-friendly initiatives. These small steps send a message to customers that you’re invested in the community’s long-term health.
These small acts of giving back can create long-lasting benefits for everyone involved. Jimmy Stewart once commented on It’s a Wonderful Life. He said, “Out of all the 80 films I’ve made, it’s my favorite.”* He could relate to the ordinary man who lived each ordinary day with a selfless concern for others.
*Reference: (Guideposts Classics: James Stewart on ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ December 1987.)
The Payoff: Benefits of Giving Back to the Community
Take a page out of George Bailey’s book this season. Create a “wonderful life” pattern by considering how your business might give back in a way that feels meaningful and manageable. The payoff, much like George’s, will come when your business finds itself with a dedicated customer base that values your contribution to the community and chooses to support you in return.
Are you ready to make a difference?
Our team at JamboJon will be here to cheer you on and guide you every step of the way. Here’s to a season filled with purpose, joy, and giving back!
