In today’s world, there is a lot of ‘noise’ with media, social media, fundraisers, events, and more. Finding a way for your brand to stand out can be challenging, but there are ways to do that while supporting your local community. As your potential customers and clients seek the services or products your business provides, they rely heavily on emotions and information from trusted sources. Supporting non-profit organizations is often considered a trusted source for many due to people’s passion for the missions of their preferred non-profit. If your business can promote or support a non-profit organization that aligns with your company values, you get your brand in front of a unique audience. Here are some highlights of the value of this collaboration:
Brand Advertising Dollars – Consumers are inundated with messages from many places, and finding the best place to spend your company’s advertising dollars can be tricky. With TV, radio, social media, the internet, newspapers, magazines, and more, it can be challenging to find the best source if you have limited funds. If you know of a non-profit that aligns with your brand’s core values and mission, it makes sense to take some of those ‘advertising’ dollars and sponsor an event or project for that agency. This means your business is getting exposure while also providing funds to help further the mission and success of the non-profit you are supporting.
Reaching Your Target Audience – The supporters and volunteers for the non-profit would likely also be the type of consumer in your preferred target audience. Your brand support highlights the alignment these consumers could have with your business and what it provides. If they see that a product or service brand is supporting something they believe in, then it increases the chances they would support your business if they need said product or service. It is seen as supporting a local small business at that point and an extended investment in a non-profit they value.
Community Investment – With the current generation of consumers, there is a significant push to see more support of the local community and small businesses. Therefore, those in your target audience want to align themselves and their needs with brands that support the communities in which they operate. Involvement and support of non-profit organizations in your local community show that you are not just looking to make sales but want to ensure that the local environment helps everyone and paves the path for future generations to succeed.
Personal Investment and Support – It is important to show that your brand supports a non-profit. Still, it is just as important for you as a leader to support these initiatives and even encourage your team to support an agency they are passionate about. This could mean you and your team volunteer to serve on a non-profit’s Board of Directors or Committee. In these roles, you often work with other professionals who run or work with businesses that would be great for collaboration or referral. This allows you to work ‘in the trenches” with other like-minded professionals who see your hard work, ethics, and dedication. That builds trust and credibility for you and your business. In the future, if they, or someone they know, need your product or services, you would likely come to mind before any others.
In the end, success comes from relationships. Consumers value credibility, ethics, and trust as they spend their hard-earned dollars on products or services. If you have questions on how to take your brand to the next level with non-profit support, contact me today for more information.