It happens nearly every day.The high school band needs money. The local sports leagues need sponsors. Areaorganizations and events need support. Your own children are selling magazinesor candy or raffle tickets or t-shirts or whatever. How do you deal with allthe requests, without offending anyone, while still trying to do what’s bestfor your business?

Solid community relationsare key for any small business, but involvement doesn’t always have to meanmoney. And, experts suggest, when it does, a smart screening process can helpkeep you out of the doghouse.

First, don’t think ofcommunity involvement in financial terms. It’s easy to just write a check, butwhat can you do that’s unique? Can donating your time, or encouraging youremployees to donate theirs, help more than money? If budget is a concern, whatcan you do that won’t cost much, helps the group and gets your business some notice?

Second, consider creating adonation policy – the types of groups you’ll support or the causes you arepassionate about – and stick to it. Some business owners will only supportyouth programs, for example. Others prefer to make donations with little or nofanfare. Groups will come to respect your policy, especially if it’s consistentand oriented toward helping and not just garnering publicity.

Of course there’s nothingwrong with creating goodwill via community involvement. Experts suggest,though, that a little creativity goes a long way. For instance, instead ofsimply donating a gift certificate to some group, like all the other businesseson your block, offer a package of services – safety inspection, tire balanceand rotation, oil change and lube, fluid top off, new wiper blades, etc. – thatsound expensive, and allows you to demonstrate your shop’s quality service.

– Source: Tire ReviewBusiness Toolbox