How corporate social responsibility can boost your franchise

Are you a new franchise owner? Looking for ways to get the word out about your business?

Well, giving back is a great way to stay competitive and to be involved in your community. Community involvement fosters an environment where consumers choose companies based on social impact. So, while there’s a great social benefit to being socially responsible, it’s also quite good for business, too.

If you want to get involved but don’t really know where to start, consider these ideas for fostering social responsibility at your franchise. They’re easy to incorporate and have a great impact on business.

1. Be visible. The first thing you’ll want to do is brand yourself as an expert. This means you’re available for university lectures, conferences, luncheons and other public events. Attend these events as a guest or offer your services as a community speaker. Learn how to take advantage of media opportunities, too — like newspapers, local magazines, and public radio — because these afford you the opportunity to serve as a spokesperson for your industry when a related news event occurs. Send press releases when you launch new products, have events, or new opportunities to local media. You can also contact media and offer your expertise for an interview or suggest news topics. This will keep your name and business in the public eye and keep people informed on anything new.
2. Practice generosity. Your good works will speak for themselves when you donate your goods or services to less fortunate members of your community. Doing so often translates into sales down the road. Keep in mind that consumers are more likely to patronize businesses that appear to have a moral compass rather than one just in it for the buck. Find ways to practice generosity on a regular basis. This could include seasonal clothing or canned food drives. You could also ask for customer donations to local charities at your register or with purchases. Or you can sponsor a local organization or sports team. You could also provide larger yearly donations to charities, nonprofits, or other organizations. People want to patron businesses that are doing good work — both around the holidays and year-round. They’re usually more often to donate to these charities through businesses, too. If your business is being charitable, make sure it’s public knowledge. Go ahead and brag a little!
3. Launch a publicity event to benefit your city or town. Lending your marketing expertise to boost your community’s profile shows others your team spirit. Your willingness to help other business owners shines a positive spotlight on your community-boosting attitude. Like our other suggestions, there are lots of options here, too. You could hold a yearly gala where some of the profit goes to a local charity. There are other larger options you could choose too, like hosting a charity dinner, using your establishment to host an arts night or auction or host a bingo or casino night. There are lots of smaller event options, too. You could sponsor a local poetry reading, display local art from school children, or even host extended hours for shopping or dining. These special events need a little extra planning and time but will be a fun event that your community will love.
4. Offer local discounts or donate small prizes at events. Even though it entails an upfront cost, this investment may translate into new customers — ones who otherwise might never have heard about your company. Consider offering a veteran’s or active duty discount. You can also offer discounts on certain days of the week to draw in more customers. You could look to do a lady’s night, a kids-eat-free night, or a college or game day discount.

Try one or a few of these tips. With these in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming socially responsible.