Community involvement is something more and more businesses are prioritizing. And it’s not just about doing the right thing, either. While getting involved and giving back is certainly a nice gesture, it can also be an effective strategy for business growth and competitive advantage. In fact, according to research by Harvard Business School, companies that are socially responsible significantly outperform their counterparts. In the property management business, any leg up counts. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can make your company a local fixture while making a positive impact.
Volunteer
When you volunteer your time, you demonstrate that you genuinely value causes in your community. You’ll also show others that you are willing to give up your own time to be part of something bigger than you or your property management business. Many organizations offer a designated amount of paid time off to encourage employees to get involved. Volunteering in groups can make an even bigger impact, both on the cause you are serving as well as your reputation within the community.
Serve on a Board
Another great way to make your property management brand a household name is to serve on a community board. Focus on something that suits your interests and aligns with your company in some way. For instance, if you are located in and primarily target the downtown area, joining the Downtown Business Council makes sense. Or, if you are passionate about education, you might consider serving on the local school board. As a bonus, these boards are full of other influential people with whom you can form valuable connections.
Donate
Along with volunteering your time, donating financially to local causes is another way your property management company can make a social impact. You can do so in lump sums to the charities or causes of your choice. Or, you may consider donating a certain percentage of your profits on an ongoing basis. This is a great way to get your customers involved and demonstrate that you are a company that genuinely cares for the wellbeing of others.
Participate, Plan or Host Local Events
Social gatherings are great opportunities for local businesses to get involved while enjoying a little bit of PR in the process. You can participate in events that are already planned, or if you’re particularly ambitious and have some great ideas, you can help plan or even host a community event in your area. Some of the ways you can take advantage of events is to give away branded merchandise, offer a sign-up sheet for your email newsletter, host a contest or any other way that gets people interested in, interacting with and talking about your property management company.
Sponsor
Local schools and other non-profit organizations often look to businesses to sponsor them in order to defray some of their operating costs. In exchange, the company receives a bit of free advertising. For instance, when you sponsor a local sports team, the name of your property management company will likely be printed on each player’s uniform. This is a great way to give back to the youth in your community and also a great opportunity to get some additional PR at the same time.
Getting involved in your local community enables you to act on your company values and make a positive impact on the world around you. As a bonus, when you position your property management company as a fixture in the local community, those who live there will come to know and trust your name. That means the next time the need for your services arises, it’ll be your brand that comes to mind first.
What about you? What ways do you engage with your local community? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
