This just in – socially conscious companies get more business… Are you ready to take the leap from cheap imports and start supporting our amazing local talent?
Let’s face it, now more than ever, companies are expected to do way more with a whole lot less, so implementing internal changes within your corporate mindset regarding the shift to purchase your gifting from local suppliers and initiatives can be challenging. The good news though, is that more and more businesses are making those fundamental changes to do good, not only for the sake of internal systems, but also to assist in community upliftment, and yes! These companies are getting ever closer to that holy grail – return on investment.
The bottom line for your bottom line is that socially responsible gifting is in – in a big way. Make no mistake, your consumers notice just who in the zoo is socially responsible, and they are more than just likely to start putting their money where their hearts are.
So now that you know the lay of the gift giving land, what does it actually mean to be a socially conscious company in the marketplace? A good start would be to start promoting and supporting local – it truly is lekker. South Africa is a melting pot of culture, art and imagination – it’s time to tap into this. Dedicate some resources to researching local initiatives in your area, and donating some of your profits or resources to charitable causes, corporate philanthropy is just the beginning and the results will more than likely surprise you.
Just remember though – if you say you’re going to support local then make sure to follow through – unauthentic organisations can very quickly go from hot to not and you will lose that very fragile competitive edge.
A well thought out and properly executed corporate giving program can give you a memorable edge over your competition.
Improved name recognition – Your name will be associated with a cause – this is a HUGE win when it comes to aligning the heads and the hearts of your clients.
Boosting brand reputation – Social media is the king of the world right now, and a conversation around your brand and the value you place on social responsibility is priceless.
Increasing sales and positive consumer sentiment – A satisfied customer who inherently feels good about your brand and its associations is likely to return for more.
And probably the most important one of all….
Improving the quality of life in the communities for the greater good of all – The more we help communities become stronger, the more revenue our country will see. Change comes through empowerment and giving those around us a tangible way to make positive changes to their lives simply has infinite social and economic possibilities. The ripple effect is endless.
So, in a nutshell, more and more companies are no longer looking at being socially conscious as a marketing move, but rather a long-term investment. From the community benefits to developing loyalty with customers, the benefits of becoming a socially responsible far outweigh the costs. Companies can simply no longer afford to ignore their social responsibilities.
Do you need a little help getting your socially conscious gifting off the ground? Contact us to discuss your options