Some of the world’s largest companies have made headlines for doing their part to help the world aside from selling their product. That makes sense, given the immense amount of cash these firms bring it.
These firms speak out on social issues, criticize governments that don’t value the environment, actively work to reduce their carbon footprint, stand up for sensible and economically necessary immigration policies and give jobs to those who need them most.
A number of larger AV integrators have social responsibility statements on their website or have made headlines for charitable efforts, including Freeman AV, ACS, AVI-SPL and others.
However, your small AV firm can also throw its hat in that ring. According to Harvard Business Review, small business owners can also take part in corporate social responsibility by focusing on local community needs, being local leaders and staying in the middle of the political spectrum.
With the AV industry still struggling to make itself known and attract top-quality talent, endearing itself to the local community or region could boost both its image and workforce.
That is especially true for small AV firms that serve as the go-to technology installer for local school districts and churches.
Here are several ways small AV firms to give back without the resources of a multi-billion dollar company:
- Do some research. What are the biggest issues in your community? Is the opioid epidemic ravaging your area like it is in so many other areas? Is there a lack of high-quality employment in the area? Is there a family struggling to make ends meet due to illness? Pay attention to town board and committee meetings and see where you can help.
- Find a local charity. Local nonprofits are often doing more work in any given community than larger organizations. As such, they also struggle to generate the cashflows of lager groups. Are there homeless shelters or food banks in your area?
- In-kind donations. Consider a school district or church that just lost a beloved member or was rebuilt after a fire or tragedy. Offering installations at a reduced cost —or no cost at all —would go a long way to winning the hearts of the local community.
- Volunteer. Take a day to send your employees to help at a local charity, shelter or children’s organization. The more your company shows its face at these events, the more recognition you’ll receive.
- Buy from local businesses. I spent a few years writing about the craft beer industry, and it’s one of the most local-centric businesses out there. So many breweries purchase raw materials from local farms and donate spent grain to local farms.
- Take donations. It might be as simple as putting a donation jar at the front desk. Maybe you can offer a discount if customers donate. This little step could go a long way.
