Your local community is just as integral to the wellness of your business as it is to all of us as individuals. No man is an island and the same goes for businesses. Businesses, especially local small businesses depend on a vast network of others around them. And without these relationships, success is impossible.
Did you know that 94% of people say they prefer to buy local than from a big chain? But one of the obstacles that many small businesses face is finding creative and cost-effective ways to advertise who they are, what they do and where they are. The best solution is community involvement.
Unlike big corporate chain stores, local businesses have closer access to customers and a better connection to the community they operate in. That means businesses like yours (and ours) can have a direct positive impact on your community by getting more involved. At Stance CRE, we value our connection to the wonderful, quaint city of Riverside. We like being an extension of this community. We strive to be an integral part of where people live, work and play. After all, we live, work and play here too!
Doing good for the community is also good for business. Not only will volunteering and getting involved build community leaders among your organization, but it will also show that your business is trying to make a difference within your neighborhood. Your potential customers will notice and appreciate these efforts.
Here are some ways to get more involved with your community and give back as a business.
Serve on a Board
Joining a board, such as a nonprofit board, business organization board or school board, is a great way to get involved with your local community and to help serve the community’s needs. These boards also offer an incredible opportunity to network with other local leaders and make important connections that can contribute to your business’s future growth.
At Stance CRE, we feel that this is one of the best ways to become part of the change and growth we all strive for. That is why Heidi Stance serves as the Social Committee Chair and Impact Committee Chair for the Pick Group of Young Professionals and Joe Stance serves on the Social Committee. The Pick Group is a diverse network of young professionals interested in engaging with and bettering their community while pursuing excellence in the workplace.
With monthly meetings and several events, including a year-end awards ceremony, The Pick Group allows the owners of Stance CRE to guide and shape young professionals and helping other local businesses get involved through sponsorships. This year’s awards ceremony event is on the rooftop of the Riverside Arts Museum on October 13th, with a theme of “Above Water, Sky’s the Limit”. The community can purchase tickets at https://www.pickriverside.org/ .
Join Your Local Chamber of Commerce
Your local chamber of commerce is a centerpiece for business in your community. Getting involved with your own allows you the opportunity to network with other small businesses in the area. It also gives you the opportunity to become among the leading experts in your industry.
As members of the Riverside Chamber of Commerce, we at Stance CRE attend monthly chamber events, mixers and other meetings. We have always valued the opportunity to be part of a like-minded group dedicated to helping businesses and we actively advocate for new businesses in Riverside becoming Chamber members. The Riverside Chamber of Commerce offers programs and solutions for all stages of business and oftentimes, new businesses can find mentors that include established business people. Through the chamber, you can shape the future of education in your area by working with the leaders in business, government and education. And you will be a part of the chamber directory that may help your business get more traffic and customers.
Attend Other Local Business Group Meetings
In addition to serving on boards and joining the chamber of commerce, many cities have a myriad of opportunities for small business owners to network and help the communities. For instance, Riverside Downtown Partnership serve as the essential liaison between downtown businesses and local government to effectively represent members’ interests and advances downtown business priorities. We at Stance CRE are active members and we attend meetings regularly. The goal of Riverside Downtown Partnership’s is to foster a vibrant, safe and successful business and cultural community in downtown Riverside.
Riverside really is a unique community. The community is committed to making the business environment as beneficial as it can for all involved. The best way to reap these benefits is to put your hat into the pile and jump in with as much time and effort as you can. Attend these meetings. Come say hi to us! Joe and Heidi Stance would love to meet you. Remember that within any community, you get out what you put in.
Donate to Local Charities
Donating to a charitable cause or local nonprofit is a simple yet effective way to give your community the tools it needs to make a difference. This is a good entry point for businesses that want to give back, as it can be as easy as clicking a button on a website or mailing a check. You might also consider donating products or offering pro bono services to community organizations for even greater brand exposure and community impact.
Sponsor Local Events and Sports Teams
Nearly every community hosts local events and organized sports teams. Sponsoring these events or teams allows for an opportunity to be a part of your community culture, while also generating valuable engagement and positive public relations for your business. Get your name on the uniforms by sponsoring a youth sports team, purchase advertising space in event programs or donate free goods or services to organizations when requested for raffles and other giveaways. Making donations can go a long way toward supporting goodwill in the community while making a direct impact on the organizations you support.
Volunteer Your Time
We all know that one of the best ways to get involved in your community is by getting hands-on experience and volunteering. Pick a cause that is important to your team and that aligns with your brand values, and plan a day to volunteer together. Aside from supporting a worthy cause, you will be building team camaraderie and contributing to a positive company culture. This creates a relationship with the community and feeling of connection.
The Importance of Businesses Being Involved in Communities
At Stance CRE, we love to help businesses in Riverside. We know first-hand how deeply most business owners care about their community and we hope you realize how important community involvement is for your day-to-day operations.
Here are a few reasons why it is so important for businesses to be involved in their communities.
Community Involvement Gives Back to the People Who Support You
Your local community supports your business, and getting involved helps you to return the favor. A business’s involvement affects positive change and investment by bringing members of the community together to enrich lives. The health of your community has a direct impact on the health of your business, so get involved and all will prosper.
Community Involvement Builds Strong Bonds
Leaders who can tap into their team’s group intelligence are leaders who build strong and meaningful connections with their teams. Make it a priority to develop good collaboration and camaraderie. Strong relationships build strong teams. While working in your community, you will meet your neighbors who will then become personally familiar with your business. The strong bonds built with your public will have incredible benefits for your organization in the long-run.
Whether it involves raising money for park improvements or sponsoring a school program, make sure that it is something that your company can get behind and remain passionate about. By doing this, you will create monumental waves in your community and solidify lasting relationships.
Community Involvement is Good for Business
Today’s consumers are more informed than ever before and many strive to keep their dollars local. The businesses that a consumer chooses to spend their money with are often directly impacted by corporate responsibility and philanthropy. In fact, millennials prefer companies that give back to their community, and are more likely to recommend them to their friends and family. In short, consumers recognize and appreciate when organizations give back to the community, and they are likely to direct their business to those who do.
Community Involvement Helps You Get the Best Hires and Retain Them
Customers are not the only group drawn to philanthropic companies. Employees pay close attention to those who give back, as well. In fact, it is quite a powerful recruiting tool. Giving your employees the opportunity to volunteer has even more impact. Initiating a volunteer program can enhance engagement in the work place, build professional skills and encourage productivity- while supporting the community at the same time.
How Stance CRE Can Help You
Navigating the commercial real estate market can be an intimidating task, especially in a fast-moving market such as the Inland Empire. Any commercial real estate situation can change in the blink of an eye, leaving you to face challenges that you never anticipated. And to make a sale that meets your pricing and timeline goals, there are even more factors to keep in mind.
Stance CRE can be a great resource regardless of which type of business owner you are. We have been adding value to business owners’ decisions right here in Riverside for years. We are not just market experts, we are your neighbors! We are a local business with local interests.
At Stance Commercial Real Estate, we live and breathe Riverside culture. We are not only working in the community, we live here… we love it and we want to help you succeed in it!
Call us today at (909) 772-1212 and let us help you decide which type of role is best for you!