Does your company have a community relation strategy? Have you even considered it? It is essential to have policies in place. Having run a small business for years which eventually turned into a multi-state franchise system, I realized early on that a business who is part of the community it serves can survive the ups and downs of the business cycles, making it somewhat recession proof. Nothing turns off the community more than a business which refuses to give back a little and gives some ridiculous excuse of; "It is our corporate policy, sorry!" Many times a volunteer for a club or organization will come in and ask for a hand out. Rather than giving them an excuse, talk with them about what you can do, have a policy which helps them too. Do not just tell them sorry; "No can do" offer them other assistance instead. For instance if they come in a are looking for a donation, you might say. We are not able to give a straight donation, but we are allowed to give you an item or two on the discount rack for a door prize or silent auction.
Your employees and managers of all your stores should have leeway to help you serve the community, which support your business. By having a policy up front and community relations over all strategy you can turn a potentially negative event, which will hurt you thru word of mouth into a bonanza of new discovered customers within that group. I have written an outline, which can assist you in promoting your community relations strategy. Now realize every business is different and ours is unique like yours. We are in the mobile car wash business and are able to do such things as car wash fundraisers and give out gift certificates for auto-detailing. But whatever business you are in you can easily develop a community relation manual by taking this outline below and modifying it and then writing three paragraphs for each item. This will give you an edge on your competition and help you align your business strategy with that of your community and insuring that you attain a larger and more loyal customer base.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
I. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
A. Volunteer Support
B. Maintaining Lists
1. Change Yearly
2. Phone Numbers, Addresses
3. Share Lists
4. Networking With Lists
C. Carry Through
D. Remember Names
E. Environmental Groups
1. Maintain Communications
2. Volunteer
F. Attend A Meeting
II. SERVICE CLUBS
A. Rotary
B. Kiwanis
C. Optimist
D. Elks
E. Lions
F. Women's Groups
III. PTA'S, BOOSTER CLUBS
A. Community Relations Representatives At Schools
B. ASB Clubs
C. Student groups
D. Awards
E. Scholarship Funds
F. Fundraisers
G. Coupons, Etc.
IV. SENIOR CITIZENS
A. Discounts
B. Mobile Home Parks
C. Golf Courses
D. Square Dances
E. Senior Centers
V. SEARCH AND RESCUE
A. Fires, Locusts
B. Floods, Hurricanes, Tornadoes
C. Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Tsunamis
D. Riots
E. Volunteer
F. Other
VI. WHEEL CHAIR WASHING DAY
VII. MISCELLANEOUS
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.worldthinktank.net/wttbbs
disinfecting cleaning services Buffalo Grove ..Every employee would like to earn as high a salary... Read More
The Boston suburbs seem to be rich with possible locations... Read More
1. Resolve to build a consistent network system.Since referrals are... Read More
Just a few years ago, when one thought of a... Read More
1. Have A Strong Constitution ? Justices deliver decisions by... Read More
The bad things starts with the letter 'O'?.like Obstacles, Obstruction,... Read More
There is a Batting Cages Business for those people who... Read More
In the first article we mentioned the main characteristics that... Read More
Self-cleaning glass has been talked about a lot, with such... Read More
If you run a mobile car wash, mobile fleet washing... Read More
Being a small or home-based business owner can be loads... Read More
During the 1980 presidential campaign, candidate Ronald Reagan vowed, if... Read More
One of the major complaints in the QSR Quick Service-Fast... Read More
10 Best Practices to consider as your SBIR negotiations approach... Read More
Scenario OneDuring a recent presentation, a business owner was given... Read More
Some things in business are relatively easy to measure ?... Read More
Service Cleaning Businesses must maintain their equipment in order to... Read More
Free money! Receive up to $25,000 that never has to... Read More
There is significant competition in auto detailing and car washing.... Read More
As a home business proprietor, you may already realize why... Read More
If you're like the rest of us, you've spent a... Read More
How do you know when an alliance needs to be... Read More
Whether you operate a chain of restaurants, a mom-and-pop convenience... Read More
KEEPING INTEREST HIGH: Supervision is key to the success of... Read More
Are the promoters and consultants destroying the market for Reverse... Read More
spotless home service Arlington Heights ..Where would a business be without a business plan? A... Read More
(Although this article is geared towards small business owners, the... Read More
Whether it has been thrust upon you by external market... Read More
1. Look Over Your Shoulder ? Of course, Punxsutawney Phil... Read More
A career coach could be simply defined your job seeking... Read More
When you hear the word "success" does it bring on... Read More
The FTC, Federal Trade Commission, is considering modifying the franchise... Read More
Most of us remember going to at least one garage... Read More
Does your company have a community relation strategy? Have you... Read More
A corporate shell could be liken to a house that... Read More
Every employee would like to earn as high a salary... Read More
The day care industry is expanding. There are now more... Read More
The Federal Trade Commission is assisting competitor to cheat and... Read More
Ok, so next to the taxman, your company payroll department... Read More
Small Business, Big Business ? What's the Diff?Well a lot... Read More
Commonly folks have asked me what the technical difference is... Read More
If you're organized, smart, capable and willing to work with... Read More
Why? Because they have access to world class public relations... Read More
Every home business has the same problem of how to... Read More
We visited Lexus USA, home of the Lexus North America... Read More
As a small business owner, outsourcing work to Virtual Assistants... Read More
Nothing can drive a business down faster than customers who... Read More
In the Truck Washing Business every single type of vehicle... Read More
One major issue not being addressed right now in the... Read More
If you own a mobile service or home based franchise... Read More
Small Business |