How 'karma credit' can build a business

How 'karma credit' can build a business
Tags: Customer Experience, Customer Service, Marketing
May 16, 2011

While charity may begin at home, you build business by bringing it into your store. What goes around truly does come around. Take care of other people, and you're sure to benefit.

Here's how it works. You get karma credit, and turn that into sales, by connecting with local non-profits. When you do, you create connections with members of the charity.

Donate goods or services to one of their events, and at a minimum, you'll be cited in the program and thanked from the stage. Put on an event, and your invitation goes to their mailing list as well as yours.

Here's another bonus of working with a charity. As a former retail reporter, I can assure you that the chance of getting media coverage increases exponentially when you reach out in your community.

Sporting goods stores can work with a group that assists children with diabetes, or one that aids kids in trouble, or one that supports people dealing with physical, emotional, or mental challenges. Help them heal by teaching them.

Opticians can offer free eye tests to low-income individuals. Frames that haven't been selling can be passed along to those in need. Free up space as you bring in business.

Own a dry cleaning establishment? Offer customers 20 percent off their bill when they donate used clothing suitable for the workplace.

After you clean the apparel, invite representatives from groups that work with people trying to enter or reenter the work force. For example, you might want to partner with your local branch of Dress For Success. Serve food and drink; if someone spills, no worries. You can clean it again.

Hardware stores or construction business owners can supply volunteers with equipment to repair or refinish local housing for the elderly or the indigent. Partner with a local deli and serve hero sandwiches to all the heroes who came out to help.

Computer stores can bring in seniors from a local center, many of whom are still not confident online. It's a great photo op as well as a wonderful opportunity to reach a population that may not buying for themselves but who do need gifts for children and grandchildren.

Hair salons or day spas can reach out to groups supporting cancer survivors. Make someone look good or feel better when they're down, and you've got a customer for life.

Schedule events during your business downtime. That way, your opportunity cost is minimal; if you can, keep the actual dollars and cents low as well. Don't forget to get the word out, through both social and mass media. Partnering with a charity, you'll discover, is good for your self-esteem as well as your bottom line.