McFadden is the biggest law firm in the tri-state area and while attending a local charity drive, I happened to meet Mr. McFadden in person. Having recently started my new company, I asked him what led to his success and without hesitation he said, "Getting involved in the community."

Baseball had always been my favorite sport and I looked forward to the day when my son was old enough to participate in little-league. The day finally came, but the peewee team needed a sponsor. My company was relatively small at the time but the sponsors' fee was only about $150.

Most of the local businesses supported little-league and sponsoring a team was only a matter of handing over the fee. My reasons for sponsoring the team had nothing to do with promoting my company. I didn't expect the company to reap any benefits from it. It was just my way of giving to the community and participating with my son in our favorite sport.

The first team we played was Spanish-American Markets. They went on to play Mary's florist, Jesus is Lord Thrift Store, Hamilton Pest Control and several others. Half way through the season, a close friend of ours went into the hospital for surgery and I wanted to send flowers. My first thought was Mary's Florist. It was then when Mr. McFadden's words about getting involved with the community came to me.

There were five divisions in little-league from peewee to senior whose families attended every game. There were other areas of little-league like softball, football, soccer and more. Parents weren't the only ones in the stands. Aunts, uncles and friends also came to root for the kids.

With each opening for a new sponsor, I volunteered and within two years, my company was sponsoring a team from every division when it began to expand. The company name was on jerseys all around the county. It was not only a service to the community, it was the best promotion we had ever had.

We branched out, getting involved in charity drives, cancer walks, Toys for Tots and the company kept expanding. The news media covered those events and my company's name was all over them. The investment went to the community while my company got excellent exposure. It was a definite win-win situation.

Television, radio and Internet promotions helped push us to the top. But we are still very active in the community. Mr. McFadden was a smart man and he was absolutely right. Getting involved with your community is a good public service and a great way to promote your business.

Learn more about this author, Pat Lunsford.
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