ComÂmuÂniÂty relaÂtions is defined by the relaÂtionÂship between a comÂpaÂny and its proxÂiÂmal comÂmuÂniÂty or comÂmuÂniÂties. ExistÂing as a brand withÂin a neighÂborÂhood, counÂtry or digÂiÂtal hangÂout is no longer enough to earn a comÂpaÂny neighÂborÂhood favor.
With so many resources availÂable, includÂing monÂey and large speakÂing platÂforms, comÂpaÂnies are seekÂing out ways to help nourÂish their comÂmuÂniÂties and in turn, comÂmuÂniÂties are scruÂtiÂnizÂing brands for what they bring to the neighÂborÂhood table.
Become the neighbor of choice
In any indusÂtry you’re in, you want to be your community’s neighÂbor of choice. When someÂthing goes wrong, they’re lookÂing to you; and vice verÂsa, when you need a litÂtle pull through a tricky zonÂing perÂmit, your comÂmuÂniÂty is there to help wave you to the finÂish line.
How can I earn that coveted neighbor of choice status?
Learn how to leverage your company resources to benefit your community
What resources do you have availÂable through your comÂpaÂny that can be of assisÂtance to your comÂmuÂniÂty? FinanÂcial alloÂcaÂtion is not the only way to help. Think about your reach on social media platÂforms, leadÂers who have perÂsuaÂsive politÂiÂcal pull or serÂvices that your comÂpaÂny can offer to locals for free.
Creating allies
Who in your comÂmuÂniÂty do you want to be your allies? As you pour efforts into causÂes, estabÂlishÂments or peoÂple in the local area, you are setÂting the ground for a return on your investÂment. ConÂsidÂer wiseÂly whom you supÂport and partÂner with — how is their neighÂborÂhood repÂuÂtaÂtion? Do they have overÂsight of affairs you will be delvÂing into latÂer on? Can your relaÂtionÂship be mutuÂalÂly benÂeÂfiÂcial? By creÂatÂing comÂmuÂniÂty allies, you earn proÂtecÂtion against future inciÂdences and regÂuÂlaÂtoÂry privÂiÂleges or conveniences.
Positive and sustainable relationships
CreÂate posÂiÂtive relaÂtionÂships with indiÂvidÂuÂals, groups, and orgaÂniÂzaÂtions. These relaÂtionÂships will last the length of your company’s life, so make them susÂtainÂable. ConÂsidÂer your comÂmuÂniÂty relaÂtions in every marÂketÂing and busiÂness decision.
Community concern
Always address comÂmuÂniÂty issues and conÂcerns right away. As a powÂerÂful brand, you are part of the comÂmuÂniÂty you’re investÂing in — be sure to show it. Include news and supÂport for conÂcerns in your social posts, webÂsite blogs, and newsletÂter conÂtent. Pull resources togethÂer to proÂvide in times of need and always ask how you can help.
Community programs
Set up or get involved in comÂmuÂniÂty proÂgrams through philÂanÂthropy, volÂunÂteerism, partÂnerÂships and in-kind donaÂtions. Task a team with findÂing new ways to improve the qualÂiÂty of life in the comÂmuÂniÂty. The more you do for your comÂmuÂniÂty, the more they will have your back when you face a time of need or favor.
Integrate the community vision into the brand
Once you write out your comÂmuÂniÂty relaÂtions vision, adapt it to every aspect of your brand stratÂeÂgy. Your comÂmuÂniÂty is with you for the long haul — a relaÂtionÂship that will well pay off in time.
Include your community vision in speeches
WhenÂevÂer addressÂing the pubÂlic, menÂtion how your deciÂsion at hand will affect the comÂmuÂniÂty and how you plan to exeÂcute what’s next together.
By getting smaller, we get bigger
By focusÂing your efforts on your perÂsonÂal comÂmuÂniÂty, the world around us gets enriched by colÂlabÂoÂraÂtion, comÂmuÂniÂcaÂtion and an interÂweavÂing of resources. If you feel temptÂed to expand your cause and your resources, check in first with your smallÂer, more satÂuÂratÂed comÂmuÂniÂty efforts.
Work with Rosy Strategies
Rosy StrateÂgies is expeÂriÂenced in helpÂing brands comÂmuÂniÂcate and work withÂin their comÂmuÂniÂties to bolÂster efforts and sucÂcess for both parÂties. If you want to add a comÂmuÂniÂty relaÂtions stratÂeÂgy to your marÂketÂing efforts, we encourÂage you to conÂsult with our team and build a smart, comÂpreÂhenÂsive plan to make your brand the comÂmuÂniÂty neighÂbor of choice.