Businesses both large and small know that community service offers a positive way for them to engage with their local community as well as build a values-based brand. Small businesses in particular tend to come up with unique and highly meaningful ways to give back within their communities, and landscapers across the country do an exceptional job at supporting their neighbors, friends, and clients, especially in times of need.

Why is community service important to your business?

The benefits of community service for a business are about much more than the bottom line. More and more these days, your customers are actively searching for companies that make social responsibility a part of their values. Customer perceptions of your brand, as well as word of mouth, are huge ways that potential new clients form opinions about who they book work with.

Employees also want to work for companies that prioritize making a difference in the communities in which they live and work. Your involvement in and support of the community gives employees a sense of pride, and it’s also a draw for job seekers. Volunteer opportunities also help your employees practice and hone their skills, providing them chances to learn and grow into new roles and services. Engaged and skilled employees generate added earnings for a business.

Beyond the business impact, social responsibility work is the right thing to do on many different levels. Communities rely greatly on their local businesses to make the area the best place possible for people to live and work. Community service programs are a way for your business to create positive change for the people who need it most.

How can landscapers add value in their communities?

If you’re struggling to come up with ways you could add value in your community, start by thinking of all the reasons your customers hire you as a landscaper to begin with.  You’re knowledgeable, you’re creative, you’re efficient, and you provide specialized services for maintenance and beautification of properties. Here are a few groups of people who could benefit from your services:

• Families of active duty military and veterans
• Healthcare heroes, educators, first responders, single parents
• Underserved youth
• Students looking to enter the workforce
• Non-profits
• Disaster relief/restoration organizations
• Affordable housing complexes