Make an Impact in your Local and Greater Community

You do not have to be a business owner, or a filthy rich individual to make a real impact in the community at large. Every person can make an impact in five different ways that are discussed below, and it's very rewarding to do what you can to give back to the local community and community at large!

1. Volunteer: If you have a flexible work schedule, and you know what you are passionate about, find a charity in your area that correlates to your passion. If you love cooking, we would recommend volunteering at a food bank either in your community or major city within driving distance. If you never have volunteered, it is certainly one of the most rewarding feelings you will experience. Even as a small business, you can take employees out to volunteer at a charitable organization to strengthen bonds in the workplace and make a positive impact.

2. Donate: Many of us spend money on things that we really do not need, and that money can go towards better and more impactful things. Evaluate the things that you spend money on and ask yourself: "Is this something I really need as frequent as I buy it, if at all?" Find a cause that hits home for you, or something as said previously that you are passionate about. If you love animals, consider the Humane Society. If you have a friend or family in the armed service, consider supporting the Wounded Warriors Project (and thank that special person for their service).

3. Support Local Business: One of the best ways to support your local community is to support the small businesses that are around it. This will help to assist the local economy and allow your borough/township/etc. to offer more services, as well as allow the backbone of the local economy to strengthen and grow. This does not downplay the quality that some big names bring, however living in an area that has a strong local tie and close-knit support system is one that is few and far between that any individual would be lucky to have.

4. Get Involved in Politics: Not everyone is comfortable talking about politics. The fact of the matter is that national, as well as local politics, have a level of effect on what goes on locally and in the happenings of those in your network. If you want to really make a difference on a state or local level, target smaller offices (state reps, governor, county director, etc.). Smaller and more local players will respond and do take feedback into consideration. Just reach out and see what they say.

5. Expand your Network: I has always preached networking for "mutual benefit" when discussing business. Networking should not be about how you can help yourself, but how you can reciprocate the same value someone offers to you. Not only that, people in your network should be people you want to succeed. Far too often people only are involved with one another if they are directly involved. Connect people in your network, and you never know how they will return the favor to you, your network, and your community.