In the latest of her Bath Business News Expert Panel articles, Geometry PR founder Linda Donaldson gives five reasons why businesses should support charity
On June 8, I and around 40 other business people will take nine days leave from our day jobs to cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of the Bath Rugby Foundation. The event will take a sizeable chunk out of my busy work schedule, but it’ll be a huge personal achievement to pedal the 1,000-mile route and support a worthy cause; it’s also good for my business.
In the cut and thrust of daily business life, the idea of devoting time and resources to charity can seem impractical. But it can be time well spent. Here are five reasons why:
- The opportunity to give back to your community and become more involved. Getting involved in your local community is a great business strategy for many reasons. As you get to know others and work with others for a cause that you believe in, you will have fun and become part of the group. It’s hard to buy that kind of market research anywhere and the business benefits of networking beyond your usual circle can be huge.
- Community support and good will. Being part of a community is vital for a small business. In the days of mega stores and the internet, it can be difficult to sustain a small business, depending on your sector. One way to ensure that your business thrives in your community – and distinguish your business’ voice – is to become one of the ties that hold the community together.
- Marketing opportunities. Whether you donate money, time, products or your professional services, charity and non-profit groups will usually have some sort of recognition programme. Having your business name included is good promotion. People are more apt to support businesses which they feel share their interests and concerns about the world.
- The opportunity to support causes you believe in. It is great if you can tie your business purpose to a particular charity, but if you cannot, you can pick a charity or community group that you are passionate about and support them. Participating in fundraising events can also become valuable team building exercises for your staff.
- Cost-effectiveness. Many non-profit making organisations, particularly those at the local level, require time and services rather than hard cash. Contact the group you would like to help and ask them if there are volunteer opportunities available, or if they can make use of the specific product of service you offer.
Geometry PR has supported the Bath Rugby Foundation since we launched ten years ago. As a life-long rugby fan who’s always believed that sport is a force for good in people’s lives, the Foundation felt like a natural cause for the company to support. Cycling the length of Britain will be the most extreme show of support we’ve so far lent; the culmination to date of a long, fulfilling relationship that has paid dividends all round.
To sponsor Linda’s fundraising effort for Bath Rugby Foundation, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/linda donaldson1.
