Importance of Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate social responsibility, CSR, has become more than a quiet catch phrase. Many business owners are realizing the amazing benefits it offers. You’re able to give back to the community and grow your business.

What Is CSR?

Corporate social responsibility is when business owners take responsibility for their community. It can be practiced on many levels. For example, one business may take actions to make their practices 100% green. They’re supporting a cleaner environment. That’s socially responsible. Another company may decide to support the local homeless shelter through a fund-raising drive.

Corporate social responsibility takes many forms. As a small business owner you can choose how to give back. If you’re a health and nutrition company, you may want to choose CSR practices that support a healthy theme.

Why Does It Matter?

Many people believe we all have a responsibility to contribute to the world around us. As a business owner you have a unique opportunity. You can give back and build your business at the same time. It’s a very rewarding practice.

What Are the Benefits?

The benefits of CSR are broad and varied. The most apparent benefit is that when you give back you feel great. If you are a law of attraction believer, then you also know that you get back ten times what you give.

When you communicate your CSR practices to your customers and prospects, you earn credibility. You also earn liking and you strengthen your brand. In fact, more and more customers are responding to the CSR theme. They’re actively seeking businesses that give back.

In addition to appealing to your customers through your actions, you also broaden your awareness. Each organization or CSR activity you engage in brings new prospects into your fold. You open yourself up to new opportunities too.

How Can You Communicate CSR?

Communicating your corporate social responsibility policies practices is important. Communicating them helps get others involved. It also helps you build your business. Here are a few ideas to help you ensure your good deeds are recognized:

* Press release – If you’re involved in a special campaign or activity, be sure to write a press release for it. You’ll generate awareness for the charity and for your business.

* Blog posts – Blog about your CSR activities.

* Button or icon on your website – For example, if you are active with breast cancer awareness then you might have a “Donate to the Susan G Komen Foundation” button on your site. You might also include a little text about how much you’ve been able to raise for the foundation and why it’s important to you.

Corporate social responsibility is more than a trend. It’s changing the way we do business. Everyone from Fortune 500 companies to small business owners can contribute to the world we live in. It’s good for your community and it’s good for business.