While taking out advertisements and relying on every day word-of-mouth from current clients are great ways to get your business out there and noticed, there are other, less direct, yet equally powerful, ways to ensure your brand is seen and heard. If you have a charitable mindset, then you can begin today. Giving back to the community in which you live is a sure-fire way to deliver a tremendously positive impact on your revenue in the long run. Besides, I know from experience that giving back and helping others is a highly-fulfilling endeavor. There is nothing wrong with feeling good about what you do, even if that means extending a helping hand and expecting nothing in return.
We all know negative news seems to permeate society today. However, good news has just as much traction, if not more, and people love a feel good story. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a writer to create such a story. You just have to have a servant’s heart. The rest will take care of itself. And you can use such acts of kindness and generosity to promote your business on social media, too. While it may seem selfish to do so, it is a great way to gain increased respect from your community and for your business/brand, helping you achieve added exposure in a positive light, resulting in potentially more clients, and well, more money in your pocket. But the best part of having more money (in addition to being able to pay your bills!) is that you can re-invest some of that treasure into continually doing good, whether that means donating your time, talent, services and/or products. The more you give, the more you receive. It’s that simple. Plus, I have to admit, it’s a lot of fun.
I love to get involved with the world around me, and one of the most rewarding activities into which I wholeheartedly dove was my work with the Alzheimer’s Association. I spent four years with this phenomenal organization and served on the gala committee, for which I was co-chair one year. I certainly did learn a lot and met so many wonderful people I never would have encountered had I not decided to pursue this opportunity. I have received new clients who have stayed with me over the years simply because we made a connection at a charitable event.
Additionally, when you are out and about giving of your time and treasures, you just might make connections with community leaders who will in turn get to know you and most likely refer to you as the “go-to” person for their hair and styling needs. However, I will caution you not to go into this with a “what’s in this for me” attitude. People can easily read that message and it will only backfire on you. So, extend your acts of charity to events and causes that truly speak to your heart and your passions. From there you will see unmatched results.
Yes, it may seem like a challenge at times to get out there and do some good this way, but it is a calling that you should put upon your heart as often as you can. There is always time to do good for others. Challenge yourself to do so and remain persistent in your commitment to do so. When you give of yourself, you are not letting go of anything. You are simply opening the door to receiving more. After all, it was once said that when one person gives, two people receive. Think about that for a minute.