Charitable Works as Promotion

Cash flow is necessary to building a successful business. You should always offer your products and services in exchange for pay, but there are exceptions to that rule which will benefit you in the long run. One exception is doing work for a visible and well recognized channel with donors who are likely to patronize you to show appreciation. That’s as long as the organization attracts the clientele who can afford to pay for your products or services. Getting money for your business doesn’t have to be your motivation for doing all charity work. But if you can combine your love for an organization and maximize the opportunity to attract clients, it’s a win-win for all. Not to mention, it’s common practice.

How It Works

Charities often need volunteers for events, direct mail campaigns, fundraising and to recruit other volunteers. They partner with businesses to provide goods and services for free or at discount prices. Some businesses sponsor organizations as part of their marketing and promotions strategies. The cost to buy an ad in a booklet or to include your logo on a charity’s promotion items might be cost prohibitive, but doing work “for free” may not be. In exchange for designing a website, creating flyers or doing other design tasks, charities are often willing to recognize you publicly for your contribution. This may include a link to your business on their website, free advertising or publicly thanking you for your work during events and media interviews.

What Services to Offer

If the purpose of doing charitable work is to raise your business profile, then offer services that demonstrate your skills and expertise. This is crucial if the charity is the first company you’ve done work for. Remember, you’ll be displaying your work in your portfolio to share with other clients. It’s your calling card. If you do work that’s unrelated, it won’t make sense to future clients. Typical design services that charities need are:

• Web Design
• Brochures
• Publication Layout
• Logo Design
• Copywriting (link this word to www.elitesmokesignals.com)

Knowing that many charities will need these services will help you as you approach them to offer assistance. They may not know what they need if it’s a new or startup non-profit. If you play the role of a consultant and offer to do it for them, they may accept your offer.

Payment Down the Road

The free advertising, media exposure and getting your name in front of donors should pay dividends. Some charities may grow to the point where they can afford to contract for your goods and services. They will look to you first, if you’ve done a good job. That’s why it’s important to do a good job no matter what. Work as hard as you would for any paying client. Your reputation is on the line.

Research online and local charities to see who to work for. You can assist some remotely, but some charities prefer someone who is local and can walk into their office or attend the event.