How To Use Your Business to Help Create Positive Change in Your Community

 

By Cameron Magee, the owner of avad3 Event Production, built the company from his college dorm room into a national production company of hard-working, passionate professionals who are committed to client success.

Every business owner dreams of building an organization that people admire, not just for its products or services offered but for everything it represents. Sure, great products and services are essential, but standing out in today’s world requires something deeper: values.

How do you showcase your values in a way that resonates? One powerful way is through community involvement. And it’s more than just appearances. It’s about creating a real, lasting impact. Let’s explore how you can use your business as a force for good.

Identify Your Community’s Needs

Before rushing to start a new initiative, pause for a moment. Have you ever thought you were solving a big problem, only to discover that no one else saw it that way? (Raise your hand if you’ve ever over-planned a party only to realize everyone just wanted pizza and a movie night!) The same principle applies to community engagement.

Start by asking: What does my community truly need? This isn’t guesswork; you have to do some homework. Consider running surveys through your social media or email lists. Pay attention to local news or city council meetings. By pinpointing the most pressing issues, you can ensure your efforts truly align with what matters to people.

At avad3 Event Production, one of our guiding values is “here to serve.” We aim to solve real problems, not imagined ones. For example, instead of assuming what nonprofits might need, we talk directly to them. Are they short-staffed at their annual gala? Could they use AV support to elevate their fundraising efforts? Those conversations lead to real, impactful contributions.

As Patrick Lencioni wisely says: “It’s not about being the smartest or the strongest. It’s about being willing to do the work that needs to be done.”

Leverage Available Resources

Think your small business can’t make a difference because you lack deep pockets? Think again. You don’t need a Fortune 500 budget to have a Fortune 500 impact.

Financial Resources

Yes, money talks. A simple donation to a local charity can go a long way. But why stop there? For example, you could create a matching program where your employees’ contributions are doubled by the business. It’s a win-win: You empower your team to give, and you amplify the community impact.

Or consider sponsoring community events. At avad3, we’ve seen firsthand how hosting or supporting events like nonprofit banquets or city festivals can transform a space. Live events bring people together, and what better way to show your values than being the spark that lights a gathering?

Human Resources

Your employees are superheroes in disguise. Their skills, when directed toward community causes, can be invaluable. Maybe it’s building a website for a local nonprofit, designing marketing materials for an upcoming fundraiser, or offering technical expertise to a community theater.

Nonprofits often have big dreams but small teams. Your business could be the solution to their staffing woes. Imagine how rewarding it would be to see your employees help a food bank hit its donation goals or assist a literacy program in reaching more students.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Let’s channel some Seth Godin wisdom here: “People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories, and magic.” The same is true for making a difference. Partnering with like-minded organizations creates relationships that amplify your impact.

Are there competitors in your industry with whom you could collaborate? Gasp -- yes, competitors! A joint effort to support a community project can show that some causes are bigger than competition. Or maybe there’s a local business whose mission complements yours. Together, you can achieve more than either could alone.

At avad3, we’ve partnered with other local businesses to provide AV solutions for charity events. It’s a way to pool resources, share expertise, and create “magic moments” that linger long after the event ends.

Measure and Communicate Impact

How do you know if you’re making a difference? Metrics matter. When contributing to a nonprofit, ask them for data: How many families were served? How much money was raised at that event? These numbers aren’t just great for gauging success; they’re also powerful stories to share with your team and customers.

For instance, let’s say your contributions helped a local shelter add 20 beds this year. That’s a tangible result your team can rally behind, and your customers can admire. And don’t forget to celebrate those wins — shout them from the rooftops (or at least on your social channels).

Lead by Example

Making change takes persistence. It’s not about one grand gesture; it’s about showing up again and again. As Strategic Coach teaches, the key is consistency — small steps, taken repeatedly, lead to exponential impact.

At avad3, we believe in “one team, one dream.” It’s not just a mantra for event production; it’s how we approach community involvement. Whether we’re volunteering our time or using our technical expertise to amplify others’ missions, we aim to inspire others to do the same.

So, what’s your next step? What’s one way your business could start making a difference this month? As Brené Brown reminds us: “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” Let’s be the businesses that show up, not just for profit, but for purpose.