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No matter how big your company is you need the local communities you serve to know who you are and what you stand for to drive repeat and loyal consumers/customers your way.

What is the easiest most often free form of advertisement? Being involved in a community activity that draws a lot of attention to you and from your potential or existing clients.

How valuable is your time? Very precious to you but imagine how precious it can be when you donate it to a worthwhile cause?

Always looking for ways to get a tax break or deduction for your company? Donations to community projects and programs are more than likely tax deductible and a huge advertisement you can't buy anywhere else.

Evaluate your community programs and find something that appeals to you or your company. Determine what audience is going to attend or benefit from the program. Will there be news crews or newspaper journalists there? Which area is likely to draw more "good" attention to the company.

Anything with a chance for an interview or personal segment is like a gold mine in advertising. Don't snip it in the bud because it only circulates a small area though. Keep in mind most huge companies started out small and developing a good firm long lasting relationship with any community that has potential is worth every minute you put into it.

A good example I can give is Toys for Tots. This is a very big community project in most neighborhoods. When I worked in the payday loan industry not too long ago we did radio announcements for Toys for Tots and accepted gifts. We also played games among staff with winners getting a paid day off for collecting the most etc which worked for morale as well.

Needless to say it reminded past, present, and future clients that we were there for them and supported their neighborhood. I could name a good 20 customers that were new that wanted to try us as opposed to our competitors because we were doing this great thing. Some with stories of how Toys for Tots came to their house one year when they were having really bad times.

I believe that participating in that program worked two fold for our company.

Learn more about this author, Starr Sheets.
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